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Embarking on a career as a cell tower technician is a well-paid and practical option, assuming you’re technically inclined, safety-focused, and comfortable with working on tall towers.
Massachusetts is an excellent place to enter this field as the job market is strong and expanding, plus the diversity of the state’s landscape provides incredible views from atop different towers.
Luckily, the path to becoming a cell tower technician in Massachusetts is rather straightforward, but it commands commitment and dedication to reach your career goals.
If you’re interested in becoming a cell tower technician in Massachusetts, keep reading to learn more!
Article Table of Contents
Steps to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Massachusetts
There are several straightforward steps to become a cell tower technician in Massachusetts, including:
One: Meet the Requirements
Training programs and employers have minimum requirements, which include a valid driver’s license to drive between towers, a high school diploma, and being at least 18 years old.
Some companies also have drug screens and background checks, and may require you to pass a fitness test.
Two: Enroll in Training
The second step is to enroll in a training program, which could be through a vocational school or via an apprenticeship.
Vocational schools will teach basic concepts in the classroom mixed with in-person climbing training, often resulting in certifications at the end of the program.
An apprenticeship allows you to gain extensive firsthand experience while getting paid, but you may need to seek certification while you are working.
Three: Gain Basic Certifications
If your program did not provide certifications, then it’s important to earn them before applying for a job, so you can be more marketable.
The most common certifications that employers seek include the OSHA 10-hour work safety course, CPR and First Aid, and Radio Frequency Awareness training.
Also, employers like to see Authorized Climber, Competent Climber, and Rescuer training completion.
Four: Find a Job
The final step is to find a job.
This means creating a resume and cover letter that highlight your skills and experience, and interviewing.
During the interview, it’s important to discuss your accomplishments through a training program or apprenticeship and the certifications you have earned along the way.
Five: Maintain Certifications
It’s important to note that all certifications expire every one to one-to-two years, so you must take refresher training to ensure you remain current.
Most employers offer annual on-site refreshers for the entire group to remain updated.
It’s also advisable to continue your education so that you may learn about the latest techniques and technologies in the industry.
Licensing Requirements to Become
Massachusetts, like most other states, does not have a specific cell tower climber license that must be obtained before working.
Therefore, all compliance is required at the federal level and based on specific industry rules from OSHA, NATE, and the FCC.
Most Massachusetts-based companies will require the following certifications:
- Authorized Climber – the Authorized Climber certification is often coupled with the Competent Climber & Rescue certification, both of which prove you have the necessary knowledge and skills to climb towers safely.
- CPR / First Aid – CPR and First Aid are essential certifications so that all climbers know what to do in the event of an accident.
- OSHA 10 – OSHA 10 is a 10-hour course that covers all aspects of basic workplace safety. OSHA also offers an OSHA 30 certification that is focused on more detailed aspects of workplace safety, which is meant for managerial staff.
- RF Awareness / Safety – covers all the risks related to working with radio frequency signals and towers.
Cell Tower Technician Training Programs in Massachusetts
Comtrain
Comtrain services the Greater New England region, including Massachusetts.
This training provider offers several intensive classes, including Competent Climber/Rescuer, Competent Rigging, Authorized Climber/Rescuer, and Controlled Descent & Rescue.
The pricing ranges from a little over $1,000 to close to $3,000 for more advanced courses.
The programs all focus on various aspects of climbing and occur in-person for maximum instruction and benefit.
All courses are only two days, so there is no major time commitment required.
National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE)
NATE is a non-profit professional organization created to facilitate standards, education, and safety for the tower service and maintenance industry.
The organization offers a Cell Tower Technician Training program with a heavy focus on safety.
The curriculum includes being a competent tower climber and qualified rigger, how to safely use a scaffold, CPR and first aid, OSHA workplace safety, how to use a fire extinguisher, and heat illness prevention.
Although the program is only 10 days, learners will walk away with a wealth of information and receive several certifications in the process.
Existing NATE members also receive a tuition discount.
Patriot Towers
Patriot Towers offers a cell tower training program that is 25 percent classroom and 75 percent hands-on, so students can enter the workforce with experience.
The company has two training towers that provide students with a stress-free learning environment.
Students begin with a 10-foot climb and slowly progress to 50 feet over the two-week training period.
Classes remain small with only 6-to-8 learners for more personalized instruction.
Upon successful program completion, students earn Crane Safety Hand Signals, Authorized Climber / Rescue, RF Awareness, and OSHA 10 certifications.
Pinnacle Career Institute (PCI)
PCI offers a training program that is half conceptual information in an online lecture format and half in-person climbing training that takes place over 10 days in Kansas City, and is included in the tuition.
Throughout the program, students learn how to use different types of equipment they will find on the job, about different systems, and sharpen their troubleshooting skills.
The in-person climbing exercise will teach students how to ascend and descend, and work on an actual communications tower with industry equipment.
Students will graduate with several certifications, including Telecommunication Tower Technician I, First Aid and CPR, OSHA 10, and climbing.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| NATE Tower Technician Certification Program | 8 Second Street SE, Watertown, SD 57201. |
| Pinnacle Career Institute | 11500 N Ambassador Dr Suite 221, Kansas City, MO 64153, United States |
| Comtrain | 4616 W Howard Ln Ste 9-925, Austin, Texas, 78728, United States |
| Patriot Towers | 870 Scottsville Chili Rd, Scottsville, NY 14546 |
Salary
With a median U.S. salary of $73,000 and pay ranging from $59,000 to $90,000, cell tower technicians are well compensated for their hard work.
The profession in Massachusetts is even more lucrative, with pay starting at $66,000 and ranging to $100,000, and a median income of $82,000.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Boston | $63,737 |
| Worcester | $58,420 |
| Springfield | $61,419 |
| Cambridge | $71,650 |
| Lowell | $62,164 |
| Brockton | $60,105 |
| Quincy | $64,417 |
| Lynn | $60,165 |
| New Bedford | $59,102 |
| Fall River | $59,334 |
Salary by Metro Area in Massachusetts
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | 320 | $65,320 | $31.40 | $102,550 | $37,250 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the greatest safety risks for cell tower technicians in Massachusetts?
While every company has specific safety regulations that meet government standards, accidents unfortunately occur.
The biggest risks include weather-related incidents, dropping tools, radio frequency exposure, rigging failures, and falls.
For this reason, training, safety compliance, and equipment inspection are essential to keep all employees safe.
Do Massachusetts employers require climbing experience to be hired?
Although some companies hire entry-level technicians without tower experience and others require climbing experience or certifications, the best training programs incorporate hands-on climbing into their curriculum.
If you choose the apprentice route, then you will be climbing daily to learn the basics from an experienced tower technician.
What is the timing to complete training in Massachusetts?
The time to complete training varies greatly based on the comprehensiveness of the coursework, format, and desired education level.
A program may be as quick as five days in an intensive format or as long as two years for those seeking an associate degree.
However, the typical time to complete a cell tower technician training program ranges from several weeks to one year.
It’s important to note that new hires will receive additional on-the-job training that is specific to the hiring company.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Cell Tower Technician
Cell Tower Technician by State