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Cell phone technicians are tasked with making sure the rest of us have the ability to pick up our phones and talk to people all over the world.
We can also enjoy the content of the internet and do so much more.
If it weren’t for the individuals who are willing to scale towers as high as 400 feet in order to install, maintain, and repair the equipment, we would be lost.
Do you have what it takes to join this elite force?
Article Table of Contents
- 1 Steps to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Montana
- 2 Licensing Requirements to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Montana
- 3 Cell Tower Technician Programs in Montana
- 4 How Much Does a Cell Tower Technician in Montana Get Paid?
- 5 Frequently Asked Questions
- 5.1 What is the working schedule of a cell tower technician in Montana?
- 5.2 What is the turnover like among cell tower technicians in Montana?
- 5.3 Do traveling cell tower technicians in Montana work in pairs?
- 5.4 Why do most cell tower technicians in Montana say they like their jobs?
- 5.5 What is a factor against being a cell tower technician in Montana?
Steps to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Montana
1. Finish High School
Getting your high school diploma or GED is the first step in every job these days.
Employers want to know you have the basics under your belt.
While pursuing this, look for any opportunities you can find to get information on telecommunications or electronic work.
Also, make sure you get yourself in a physically fit condition.
2. Explore Educational Opportunities
Take a look at what kind of educational activities are available.
They may take the form of a college degree in telecommunications or electricity, volunteer opportunities with rescue organizations or volunteer fire departments, or even a local company that offers training in the skills necessary to be a good cell tower technician.
3. Get Certifications
Certificates are available for such things as first aid and CPR, safe climbing, rigging, and more.
Find out what certificates are recommended for cell tower technicians and take time to prepare for and take these certification tests.
It will help you when you are looking to be hired in the profession.
4. Pass Background and Drug Screening
Background and drug screening tests are required by many employers.
While cell tower technicians aren’t directly bonded in many cases, the companies they work for often must be.
They want to make sure employees don’t have criminal records.
As for the drug screening, besides the obvious of not always being dependable, those who are at risk of showing up to work under the influence of drugs put themselves and their coworkers in even more danger than this job entails.
5. Find a Position
The number of cell tower technician positions is growing steadily because of the growth of the industry.
That being said, there are also many other candidates, so you want to stand out and give yourself the best possible opportunity.
Make sure your resume stays up-to-date and is online wherever you can place it.
Call potential employers even if they aren’t advertising.
Also, watch job boards daily and apply to placement agencies.
6. Continue Learning
The field of cell technology is growing and changing constantly.
The cell tower technicians who will continue to be promoted in the ranks are those who maintain their certifications, regularly add new skills, and show they are prepared to meet these changes.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Montana
Montana doesn’t have any state requirements to become a cell tower technician, but there are federal standards that must be followed.
In addition, many employers have their own requirements.
It is almost certain that you will need some combination of the following, and it will be helpful if you can get all of them.
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 Montana
There are no programs in Montana, especially for cell tower technicians.
This does not mean there are no options available if you wish to pursue this career.
Many cell companies offer their own in-house training.
This not only gives future employees a chance to learn the necessary skills, but it also lets the employer make sure all employees follow the same procedures.
Many online opportunities will allow you to gain the necessary skills and certifications required for this position.
The above section of this article will aid you in finding some of these.
How Much Does a Cell Tower Technician in Montana Get Paid?
Cell tower technicians in Montana can expect to earn an average of $21.69 an hour.
This comes out to $45,121 annually.
Keep in mind that most of these positions also offer benefits and overtime.
There are also chances to earn more by moving up to a supervisory position.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Billings | $52,540 |
| Missoula | $59,109 |
| Great Falls | $55,687 |
| Bozeman | $59,378 |
| Butte | $49,890 |
| Helena | $46,137 |
| Kalispell | $55,546 |
| Anaconda | $57,143 |
| Havre | $57,072 |
| Miles City | $57,488 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the working schedule of a cell tower technician in Montana?
There are two categories of cell tower technicians in Montana: traveling and non-traveling.
Those who work in a certain area, such as a large city, will often work Monday through Friday, first shift.
They can expect to work 40–60 hours a week.
Those who travel, however, are often on a rotating schedule of on for two weeks, then off for two weeks.
They may travel long distances and work ten to twelve-hour shifts.
What is the turnover like among cell tower technicians in Montana?
The rate of employee turnover in Montana cell tower technicians is high.
Many people can’t handle the constant danger of climbing to great heights.
They don’t feel comfortable or safe working in bad weather, which is sometimes necessary for repair work.
For those with families, stress can make relationships difficult to maintain.
All this adds up to distress in individuals who are not prepared to handle the adverse conditions.
Do traveling cell tower technicians in Montana work in pairs?
Yes, cell tower technicians in Montana work in pairs.
Sometimes, in big jobs, there are more on a team.
This is a job where accidents can happen, and having someone who can respond immediately can make all the difference.
Why do most cell tower technicians in Montana say they like their jobs?
Cell tower technicians in Montana often enjoy the travel and the chance to be outdoors.
They enjoy the variety of work, and some even enjoy the thrill of doing a dangerous job.
What is a factor against being a cell tower technician in Montana?
One of the biggest factors against the position of cell tower technician in Montana is the presence of snow and wind for several months each year.
This can make it more dangerous when climbing is necessary.
It can also make it hard to meet bills because hours may be limited during these months.
Cell Tower Technician by State