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Have you ever wondered about how the signal gets from your cell phone to someone else’s?
Just as radio signals are sent through the air from one tower to another, so are the signals for cell phones.
The signals fly through the air and are captured in cell tower wires, where they are directed from one tower to another and then to your phone.
Cell tower technicians are tasked with installing these towers and equipment, maintaining them so that they work when needed, and repairing the inevitable problems that may arise.
Let’s find out what a cell tower technician needs to do.
Article Table of Contents
- 1 Steps to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Kentucky
- 2 Licensing Requirements to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Kentucky
- 3 Cell Tower Technician Programs in Kentucky
- 4 How Much Does a Cell Tower Technician Make in Kentucky?
- 5 Frequently Asked Questions
- 5.1 Do cell tower technicians in Kentucky need to be physically fit?
- 5.2 How long does it take to become a cell tower technician in Kentucky?
- 5.3 Why do I need CPR and first aid training to be a cell tower technician in Kentucky?
- 5.4 What alternative schooling options might help me get a position as a cell tower technician in Kentucky?
- 5.5 Is there a need for cell tower technicians in Kentucky?
Steps to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Kentucky
1. Get Your Diploma
The first thing you need to do is get your high school diploma or GED.
As you pursue them, consider looking for opportunities to volunteer for things like rescues, start obtaining certificates, get your driver’s license, and get certified in first aid and CPR.
You can also look for any after-school activities involving telecommunications or electronics.
2. Seek Educational Opportunities
Do research into what educational opportunities are available in your area and online.
Put a plan into place as to what steps you need to take.
3. Research the Requirements of Employers in the State.
Talk with employers whom you would like to work with and find out what their requirements for technicians are.
Ask about any hands-on learning opportunities and any other learning aids they can provide.
4. Get Experience
Cell tower technicians often use the same skills as rescuers, so volunteering with a volunteer fire department can help hone your skills.
Try finding work anywhere in telecommunications and ask potential employers if they have an apprenticeship program or other experience opportunity as you work toward being ready to be hired.
5. Get Certifications
Apply for the various certifications you need and pass any tests necessary.
Don’t stop at just the minimum, but go for as many different ones as you can.
6. Pass Background Check and Drug Screening
Nearly every employer, no matter where you are in the country, will require you to get a criminal background check.
They will also want you to be clear of drugs.
Even though you aren’t going to work directly with the public most of the time, the work you will be doing will affect everyone.
7. Find Position
Here is where you apply to all the companies you can see yourself working for.
You can find open positions on job sites online or through employment agencies.
Make sure your resume is posted on job-seeking sites and keep it updated.
Be willing to call places that are not actively saying they are hiring.
There is always a chance that a position has opened up that hasn’t been listed yet.
Keep at the search.
8. Continue Learning
As the field of cell technology continues changing and growing, so too should you.
Take all opportunities that arise to gain new skills and hone the ones you currently have.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Kentucky
- Driver’s license.
- TTT1 or TTT2 from the National Wireless Safety Alliance (NWSA) – The first certificate is issued to those who are just entering the cell tower technician position. The second is for those with experience or additional training who are seeking work as a supervisor or teacher.
- OSHA 10/30 Certificate – The ten-hour course is for entry positions, and the longer course is for those in supervisory or teaching positions.
- CPR/First Aid
- Competent Climber and Rescuer
- RF Safety Certificate – This lets employers know that you have been given instruction on the dangers of working with radiofrequency and that you know how to minimize these dangers.
Cell Tower Technician Programs in Kentucky
There are no specific cell tower technician programs in Kentucky.
Very often, employers will offer training programs within their own company.
Other companies offer help to get certification training, and there are numerous online opportunities to pursue certification.
How Much Does a Cell Tower Technician Make in Kentucky?
Kentucky cell tower technicians make an average of $20.53 per hour.
This means they bring home approximately $42,696 annually.
This is the average salary throughout the state.
Amounts vary depending upon the amount of training and experience, as well as whether the position is an entry-level one or supervisory.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Louisville | $53,297 |
| Lexington | $52,298 |
| Bowling Green | $54,491 |
| Owensboro | $53,147 |
| Covington | $55,152 |
| Georgetown | $54,306 |
| Richmond | $50,309 |
| Florence | $53,776 |
| Elizabethtown | $51,969 |
| Nicholasville | $50,807 |
Regional Salary in Kentucky
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | 90 | $62,310 | $29.96 | $83,020 | $48,010 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cell tower technicians in Kentucky need to be physically fit?
Yes, cell tower technicians in Kentucky must be in good physical shape.
Many employers expect you to be able to lift at least 50 pounds.
You need to be able to climb high towers, lift equipment, and withstand long hours of working in all types of weather.
How long does it take to become a cell tower technician in Kentucky?
It can take anywhere from three to six months on average to become a cell tower technician in Kentucky.
If you choose to pursue a degree or supervisory position, however, you could be looking at up to two years.
The amount of time it takes can also be affected by whether you choose to get your certifications simultaneously or one at a time, and whether or not the position you want offers on-the-job training.
Why do I need CPR and first aid training to be a cell tower technician in Kentucky?
There is always the possibility in Kentucky and all other locations of accidents occurring.
Cell tower technicians often work alone or in pairs, so each person must understand how to react if there is an accident and they or their partner is injured.
It could make the difference literally between life and death.
What alternative schooling options might help me get a position as a cell tower technician in Kentucky?
With current cell tower technician programs being almost non-existent, those who are interested can pursue education in telecommunications, search and rescue, electronics, or electricity.
Is there a need for cell tower technicians in Kentucky?
Yes, Kentucky is on par with the rest of the country in the increasing need for cell tower technicians.
As cell technology improves and changes, the equipment needs to be updated.
More people rely on this technology, so there is an increasing number of positions available.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Cell Tower Technician
Cell Tower Technician by State