How to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Maryland

Every day, millions of Americans go about their busy lives with cell phones and other wireless devices keeping them engaged, working, and moving.

These cell towers dot the Maryland landscape, from skyscrapers to mountains, to farmland, to the ocean.

Even though the average citizen doesn’t think about how the technology works, some behind-the-scenes professionals install, repair, and maintain this equipment.

Cell tower technicians work tirelessly to ensure Maryland residents remain connected, wherever they are.

These technicians have excellent technical skills and fantastic fitness to climb towers hundreds of feet in the air.

If you’re interested in becoming a cell tower technician, keep reading to learn more!

Steps to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Maryland

To become a cell tower technician in Maryland, you must have physical toughness and high technical skills and capabilities.

The process to enter the field is not particularly difficult, but it requires commitment and motivation.

These include:

One: Meeting the Basic Requirements

• Education – although Maryland doesn’t have a minimum educational requirement, training programs, apprenticeships, and employers do. Anyone interested in becoming a cell tower technician must hold a high school diploma.
• Physical requirements – since technicians must climb hundreds of feet in the air with gear, tools, and equipment, they must be in good physical condition and be comfortable with significant heights in different types of weather.
• Additional skills – developing your hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and attention to detail skills are must-haves for success.

Two: Earning the Necessary Skills

• Training program – those interested in this career path have two educational options: enter a training program to learn the basics of the profession and develop climbing skills, or enter an apprenticeship. Training programs can take from a few weeks to a year, depending on your education and career goals. Tuition costs range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the program length, earned certifications, location, and format.
• Apprenticeship – an apprenticeship is an excellent alternative to taking a training program, as it provides hands-on training while you get paid. You will work with an industry professional for approximately one year to learn all the basics, including climbing. The only major downside is that you will likely need to earn different certifications on your own.
• Certifications – earning different types of certifications proves you are proficient in that topic. Most entry-level certifications for climbers are around safety. Due to the high risk of injury in this field, employers have rigorous safety protocols and demand that employees hold safety certifications.

Three: Applying for a Job

• Prepare a resume – after you have met and earned the aforementioned requirements, you must prepare a resume that highlights your skills, experience, and training. Emphasize relevant telecommunications, electrical, or construction experience on your resume and cover letter.
• Search for openings – search online job sites for entry-level positions and submit your resume for consideration. As a bonus, join a professional organization to gain insight into available job positions and network. Also, if you took a training program, check with the school to see if they have job placement assistance.
• Have a valid driver’s license – if you don’t have a valid driver’s license, ensure you get one before interviewing.
• Interview – the final step is to interview for the position. You want to thoroughly answer all questions, showcasing your experience and why you would be a good fit for the job. Search the internet to find cell tower technician practice interview questions to prepare.

Licensing Requirements to Become

Maryland doesn’t have any licensing requirements to enter the cell tower technician profession.

As mentioned, employers seek candidates with certain certifications that prove they have specific safety skills and understand the basics of the role.

These include:

Climbing Certification

Climbing certification verifies that the student knows how to ascend, descend, and work safely across a variety of weather conditions at high altitudes.

CPR and First Aid

CPR and First Aid are typically required by employers so that all climbers know what to do in an emergency and can resuscitate a coworker.

Fall Protection and Rescue

The Fall Protection and Rescue certification is a critical component of overall safety protocols that confirms candidates know the proper steps if a coworker falls from a tower or how to rescue a stranded climber.

National Wireless Safety Alliance (NWSA)

The NWSA is one of the most preferred certifications by Maryland employers, which proves the candidate knows the basics of the technician position.

OSHA 10 / 30

The OSHA 10-hour certification confirms that graduates know about basic workplace safety.

The OSHA 30-hour certification covers more advanced topics, typically for those with more field experience or who are seeking to lead a team of climbers in a management role.

Radio Frequency (RF) Safety and Awareness

RF Safety and Awareness certification substantiates that the candidate is aware of the risks surrounding RF and how to work safely with the equipment.

Cell Tower Technician Training Programs in Maryland

Although Maryland doesn’t have any cell tower technician training programs, two prominent national options include:

National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE)

NATE is a professional organization that also offers the Tower Technician Certification program.

This 10-day training covers basic safety topics ranging from heat illness prevention and hazard communication to fire extinguisher usage and first aid.

Students also learn how to use a scaffold, the basics of tower rescue, and how to become a qualified rigger, and will earn the OSHA 30-hour certification.

Pinnacle Career Institute (PCI)

PCI offers one of the top cell tower technician training programs because of its hybrid format.

Students learn the basics of the profession through online lectures, granting them the flexibility to work or spend time with friends and family while learning.

The in-person aspect is a 10-day hands-on experience in Kansas City, whereby students learn how to safely climb and work on different types of towers.

The mandatory in-person training is covered under the tuition cost.

Graduates will complete the program having earned CPR and First Aid, OSHA-10, Telecommunication Tower Technician I, and climbing certifications.

Salary

Maryland-based cell tower technicians can expect to start at around $61,200.

The median salary is $76,000, once you gain experience, and the highest reported salaries hover around $92,600.

In comparison, U.S. cell tower technicians have a median annual salary of $73,700 with pay ranging from $59300 to $89,900.

Regional Salary in Maryland

Cell Tower Technician by State