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Cell tower technicians in Illinois earn a higher average salary than the national average salary for tower technicians.
Earning a good salary is just one thing that is likely to attract some people to choose this career.
Do not worry about having to spend several years in college to start your cell tower technician career.
The training programs offered for people in Illinois who want to work as cell tower technicians give them the knowledge and skills that they need for a successful career without having to earn a four-year degree.
The evolving telecommunications industry may require a greater need for qualified and certified cell tower technicians.
People who work in this field are sometimes called tower technicians, tower climbers, or telecommunications tower technicians.
Whatever title employers use, they need to have employees who complete an in-person or online training program to work in this demanding field.
Learn the steps to follow to become a cell tower technician in Illinois and complete the requirements of each step to have the best job opportunities and to earn a good salary.
Article Table of Contents
Steps to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Illinois
Following the steps to becoming a tower technician in Illinois is important for anyone who wants to start or advance their career in this field.
Completing these steps gives future cell tower technicians the knowledge and skills that they need for entry-level jobs.
Learning about and following these steps also helps people to have the skills that may lead to career advancement and higher pay.
Step 1: Finish High School
Completing high school is the first important step along the path to becoming a tower technician.
Employers in Illinois who hire cell tower technicians want job applicants to have a minimum of a high school diploma.
Students who know that they want to become telecommunications tower technicians can take courses while still in high school that can help them in their cell tower technician training.
Take extra physics and math courses.
Take any other courses that can help with becoming a cell tower technician.
People who do not have a high school diploma can earn a GED and start training for this career.
Step 2: Learn About the Skills that Cell Tower Technicians Need
Cell tower technicians who work in Illinois need to have several industry-related skills.
Learning about these skills can help some people to decide if this is the right career for them.
Some skills that cell tower technicians need include climbing ability, physical strength, and stamina to perform their job duties, and knowledge of safety regulations.
They must also be able to work in various weather conditions.
Tower technicians need to be able to complete a training program, either in-person or online.
They also need to pass certification exams.
Step 3: Complete an Illinois Cell Tower Technician Training Program
Get the knowledge and skills that you need to work as a cell tower technician in Illinois by completing a training program.
The state does not offer many training programs.
Search for short-term programs, bootcamp-style programs, or online programs.
These types of programs give people the same knowledge and skills that they would learn if they were enrolled in a regular in-person training program.
Enroll in an online program and receive the same level of training and certification opportunities as those who enroll in an in-person program.
Some companies in Illinois offer their own training for newly hired cell tower technicians.
Check the requirements when you start looking for cell tower technician jobs.
Step 4: Earn Industry Certifications
Cell tower technicians need to have certifications to work in Illinois.
One required certification is the OSHA-10 or the OSHA-30 certification.
Some other certifications that tower technicians need to have include Fall Protection and Safety Rescue certification, CPR and First Aid certification, RF Awareness certification, and the Telecommunications Tower Technician I and Telecommunications Tower Technician II certifications.
Most training programs offer industry certification exam preparation.
Some employers may require their cell tower technicians to have other certifications.
Step 5: Get a Cell Tower Technician Job
Start looking for a cell tower technician job before you complete a training program.
Some employers hire entry-level workers before they finish their training and while they are still earning their certifications.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Illinois
There are no license requirements to work as a cell tower technician in Illinois.
Earn certifications and complete a training program.
Cell Tower Technician Programs in Illinois
Future cell tower technicians in Illinois may not find full in-person training programs in their area.
Look for other available options. One option is to complete an online program.
Some companies travel to various states and cities to offer short-term in-person cell tower technician courses.
Check the websites of companies that offer cell tower technician training and see when they may offer a training program in your area.
Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy
The Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Academy (NIPSTA) offers a 40-hour Tower Rescue Training course.
It is managed and presented by Elevated Safety LLC.
The program prepares participants for emergency response to rescue incidents that involve communications towers, radio towers, and other structures.
Some training topics include tower climbing equipment and techniques, tower hazards, tower rescue methods, and RF safety.
Participants engage in classroom and hands-on training.
The academy also offers other courses.
Contact NIPSTA for cost information.
Comtrain
Comtrain says that it offers online courses on demand at any time.
Enroll in a training course to gain the knowledge and skills that are needed to work as an Illinois cell tower technician.
Some courses that Comtrain offers include Intro to Climbing and Rescue, Intro to Telecom, Hazard Awareness for Telecom Sites, and Basic Rigging.
The cost varies with each course.
Elevated Safety
Elevated Safety offers tower technician training courses at various locations throughout the year, including in Illinois.
Check out the calendar on the company’s website to learn about the dates that Elevated Safety will offer training programs in Illinois, and which programs they will offer on that date.
One example is that the company scheduled Tower Rescue Technician training for May 26–29, 2026, in Wauconda, IL.
The cost of the course is $895.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy | 2300 Patriot Blvd, Glenview, IL 60026, United States |
| Comtrain | 4616 W Howard Lane, Suite #925 Austin, TX 78728 |
| Elevated Safety | 4200 S Congress Ave, Lake Worth, FL 33461 |
Salary
The average salary for cell tower technicians in Illinois is $89,179, which is higher than the national average.
Cell tower technicians may earn a higher salary as they gain experience and certifications.
The location can also affect how much people earn as cell tower technicians.
Work in Chicago and earn an average of $90,413.
Work in Henderson and earn an average salary of $81,751.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Aurora | $49,850 |
| Naperville | $57,788 |
| Joliet | $64,820 |
| Rockford | $56,183 |
| Elgin | $54,740 |
| Springfield | $63,480 |
| Peoria | $52,327 |
| Champaign | $57,881 |
| Waukegan | $61,333 |
| Chicago | $56,605 |
Salary by Metro Area in Illinois
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | ** | $65,850 | $31.66 | $84,760 | $52,040 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cell tower technician job in Illinois if I complete an online training program?
Cell tower technicians who complete an online program have the same career opportunities as people who complete an in-person training program.
Employers do not know that you completed your training online.
How do I get Illinois tower technician certifications?
The state of Illinois does not issue cell tower technician certifications.
Many training programs and employers give future tower technicians the information and training that they need to take certification exams issued by national entities.
Where do I get my Illinois cell tower technician license?
The state does not require cell tower technicians to have a license.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Cell Tower Technician
Cell Tower Technician by State