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Cell tower technicians in Nevada make it possible for the citizens of this state to connect with people around the world.
In today’s world, the absence of cell phone technology in any area puts that area at a disadvantage.
It takes a special individual to become a cell tower technician.
They need to regularly climb 200 to 400 feet into the air to install, maintain, or fix equipment on cell towers.
This includes all weather conditions except the worst.
This is a job that can be very satisfying, in that you know you are providing a valued service.
Let’s explore the world of the cell tower technician in Nevada further.
Article Table of Contents
- 1 Steps to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Nevada
- 2 Licensing Requirements to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Nevada
- 3 Cell Tower Technician Programs in Nevada
- 4 How Much Does a Cell Tower Technician Make in Nevada?
- 5 Frequently Asked Questions
- 5.1 Do cell tower technicians in Nevada make a lot of money?
- 5.2 Why do I need a driver's license to be a cell tower technician in Nevada?
- 5.3 Can I become a cell tower technician in Nevada with no education?
- 5.4 Does Nevada make it easier or more difficult to become a cell tower technician?
- 5.5 What is the RF certificate that is required for cell tower technicians in Nevada?
Steps to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Nevada
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 Nevada
Nevada doesn’t have state regulations for becoming a cell tower technician, but employers do expect technicians to maintain federal standards set forth by the FCC.
These include any combination of the following certificates.
- Driver’s license.
- TTT1 or TTT2 from the National Wireless Safety Alliance (NWSA)
- OSHA 10/30 Certificate
- CPR/First Aid
- Competent Climber and Rescuer
- RF Safety Certificate
Cell Tower Technician Programs in Nevada
Nevada has no specific programs for training cell tower technicians.
Many cell companies themselves offer hands-on training to ensure all employees meet the same required skills.
In addition, there are online resources that help you obtain the required certificates that a specific employer wants you to have.
Your best course of action is to find out what employers are asking and then see that you have all the required skills, and more.
How Much Does a Cell Tower Technician Make in Nevada?
The majority of cell tower technicians in Nevada make an average of $24.07 an hour.
This translates into $50,059 a year.
There are also benefits for most of the cell tower companies.
Over time, cell tower technicians can improve their earnings as they move up the ranks and gain time on the job.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Las Vegas | $58,813 |
| Henderson | $57,264 |
| North Las Vegas | $58,864 |
| Reno | $58,017 |
| Enterprise | $64,504 |
| Spring Valley | $59,080 |
| Sunrise Manor | $62,484 |
| Paradise | $60,108 |
| Sparks | $57,508 |
| Carson City | $60,647 |
Salary by Metro Area in Nevada
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV | ** | $75,040 | $36.08 | $108,910 | $46,740 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cell tower technicians in Nevada make a lot of money?
While a lot of money is subjective, the majority of cell tower technicians in Nevada make an average of $24.07 an hour.
This translates into $50,059 a year.
Why do I need a driver's license to be a cell tower technician in Nevada?
Nevada is home to a lot of desert, and cell towers can be far apart.
It is the cell tower technician’s responsibility to move between towers.
This requires the need to drive between towers.
Having your own driver’s license makes it unnecessary for the company to have to find an extra person to provide transportation.
Can I become a cell tower technician in Nevada with no education?
No, it is not likely that you can become a cell tower technician in Nevada without at least a high school education and training in safe climbing.
This job requires a great deal of attention to safety, as a fall from the heights you are expected to climb could mean death or permanent disability.
Employers need to know you understand how to remain safe.
Does Nevada make it easier or more difficult to become a cell tower technician?
Nevada is actually right on par with the rest of the country in their requirements for cell tower technicians.
They don’t have specific state standards in place, but do require the technicians to meet federal standards.
There may be individual employers that add requirements, which is why many offer their own training.
It is also a good reason to seek out and get certified in anything related to climbing and working on cell towers or with telecommunications in general.
What is the RF certificate that is required for cell tower technicians in Nevada?
Radiofrequency can be a dangerous thing, especially when not handled correctly
Taking the class in Radiofrequency (RF) and getting a certificate indicates to employers that you not only understand what hazards you could be facing, but also that you have learned how to minimize these hazards to be safer.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Cell Tower Technician
Cell Tower Technician by State