How to Become a Cell Tower Technician in New Hampshire

As we come to depend more on our cell phones, we don’t often stop to consider how we receive the technology that enables their use.

The 200–400-foot cell towers that carry the signal throughout the world, including New Hampshire, are taken care of by individuals who are trained to install, maintain, and repair the equipment housed there.

These cell tower technicians work year-round to ensure you can pick up that phone and do what you have become used to doing.

Let’s see what it takes to become one of these necessary individuals.

Steps to Become a Cell Tower Technician in New Hampshire

1. Finish High School

While you are pursuing your high school diploma or GED, it is the perfect time to get a head start on some of the skills you will need to become a cell tower technician.

Participate in extracurricular activities involving electricity and telecommunications, take a CPR/first aid course, and get your driver’s license.

With a diploma in hand, you are ready to move forward.

2. Explore Educational Opportunities

There aren’t any specific educational programs for cell tower technicians in New Hampshire.

However, places like Green Mountain Communications and other cell companies offer training to potential employees.

Call the various providers or visit their websites to see what they may offer.

There are also online opportunities that will help you prepare and become certified in skills such as climbing, working with radiofrequency, and learning the necessary safety protocol.

Finally, volunteering with a rescue group or fire department can help you gain experience.

You may also want to explore getting a degree in telecommunications or electrical work if you hope to one day go into teaching or management.

3. Get Certifications

Work toward getting as many certificates as possible.

While every employer may not require every certificate, you increase your chances of getting your dream position if you have a wide assortment of licenses.

4. Pass Background and Drug Screening

Both of these are normal requirements for cell companies.

The work you do requires a need for personal safety, but also the safety of those who use the technology and your coworkers.

Many companies are also bonded, and they need to make sure their employees are people who won’t jeopardize this.

5. Find a Position

First, get your resume in perfect order.

Make sure it is regularly updated.

Post it wherever you can online and send it to all the companies within the area you wish to work.

Also, check the job boards daily, even twice a day, for any new openings.

Keep at it.

6. Continue Learning

As technology changes, so must the individual who works with it.

Take any opportunity you can to gain new skills in the profession.

Make sure any certifications you have are always up-to-date. Keep growing. Keep learning.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Cell Tower Technician in New Hampshire

There are no specific licensing requirements set down by the state of New Hampshire, but there are requirements for cell tower technicians at the federal level that must be met.

In addition, each employer will have its own set of regulations.

You can be sure that the following certifications, or some combination of them, will be required at nearly every company.

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 New Hampshire

Green Mountain Communications

This company offers an apprenticeship that is free.

Those chosen for the position are also financially covered for any certifications they receive.

This apprenticeship program is set up to include a minimum of 144 hours of classroom instruction.

In addition, there are 2000 hours of actual hands-on experience.

How Much Does a Cell Tower Technician in New Hampshire Get Paid?

New Hampshire cell tower technicians make a salary that is in the upper half of the country’s ranking for the position.

They are paid an average of $22.98 per hour.

This translates into $47,808 annually.

Supervisory and training positions pay more, as do some of the larger companies.

There are also benefits at most cell tower companies.

Cell Tower Technician by State