How to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Mississippi

Cell tower technicians offer a skill that has become necessary in today’s world.

They are the ones that help send cell signals all over the world.

The work is involved and dangerous, but these brave individuals spend their days climbing towers that sometimes rise as much as 400 feet into the air.

Their task?

They must install, maintain, and repair the equipment on these towers.

Do you have what it takes to do this special job? Let’s see what is necessary.

Steps to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Mississippi

1. Finish High School

You must first finish high school.

Alternatively, you can get your GED.

While pursuing this diploma, try to find school and after-school activities that can help you gain the necessary skills.

These will be activities such as electricity and telecommunications.

During this time, it also helps to get your first aid/CPR certification and driver’s license.

You will need to renew the first aid/CPR yearly, but getting it now will make it easier in the future.

2. Explore Educational Opportunities

Educational opportunities don’t need to be formal college classes, although getting a degree in telecommunication or electricity will help you eventually in the field.

Some trade schools also offer classes in these areas.

You can also check out online courses that are set up to aid in getting the necessary certifications.

Look for companies that offer hands-on training or apprenticeships.

Many companies prefer hiring people who go through their training programs, as it ensures all employees are on the same page.

Other ways to learn include working with a volunteer fire department or rescue group.

These will help you with some necessary skills.

3. Get Certifications

The best way to get certifications is to search the websites of the places listed below.

They will let you know exactly what you need to do to get certified.

Taking online classes will help prepare you for those that require passing tests.

Some cell companies that offer their own training programs will cover the cost of getting certified.

4. Pass Background and Drug Screening

Safety covers many areas, and most employers will expect potential employees to pass a background check that eliminates things like felonies, especially those involving physical violence.

They will also want verification that a candidate for hire isn’t likely to come to work under the influence of drugs, which puts everyone at risk.

5. Find a Position

Checking job boards is only the first step in finding a job.

Register with placement agencies, call potential employers, and make sure your resume is updated and posted on every available job board site.

It doesn’t hurt to put out the word that you are looking for a position as a cell tower technician in Mississippi.

6. Continue Learning

The cell tower technicians in Mississippi who are most likely to hold their position for a long time, get raises in pay, and become supervisors or trainers are those who are willing to continue learning.

Cell technology is constantly evolving, and people need their skills to evolve also in order to stay current.

Never pass up an opportunity to hone your skills or learn new ones, even if you don’t see how you might use them yet.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Mississippi

Mississippi has no state requirements for cell tower technicians, but they must follow federal regulations.

In addition, many employers themselves have standards that an employee must meet.

A phone call to a company you plan on applying to will help you learn what they require.

The most common certificates are some combination of the following.

To increase your chances of getting a position you want, it helps to at least have all of these at a minimum.

OSHA 10 or 30  safety certification.

The ten-hour course is for entry-level positions, and the thirty-hour one is for those who wish to rise in the ranks and become supervisors or instructors.

National Wireless Safety Alliance (NATE) certificates.

These are TTT1 and TTT2 certifications, depending on the job level.

They also offer safe climbing courses and rescue certification.

Competent Climber and Rescuer Certification

Radio frequency (RF) safety certification.

This lets employers know you understand the dangers of radiofrequency and how to work safely with it.

CPR and First Aid training.

A valid driver’s license.

Cell Tower Technician Programs in Mississippi

Not many states offer cell tower technician programs, but Mississippi is one of the exceptions.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

This school offers the Telecommunications Tower Technician certificate that is free for those who qualify.

The only cost to these students is their need to buy their own PPE, such as long pants and closed-toed shoes.

This 3-week course covers everything you will need in order to prepare for the certificates listed above.

These are the most requested by those who employ cell tower technicians in Mississippi.

They are:

• Intro to telecommunications
• OSHA 10-hour
• First aid/CPR
• Electrical safety
• RF awareness
• Commonly used PPE
• Industry standard safety practices
• Telecom Installation and maintenance
• Rigging techniques, Tower climbing, and rescuing

How Much Does a Cell Tower Technician in Mississippi Get Paid?

Mississippi cell tower technicians make an average of $46,557 annually.

This breaks down to $22.38 an hour.

There are also benefits such as retirement plans, health insurance, and life insurance.

Cell Tower Technician by State