How to Become a Cell Tower Technician in New Mexico

New Mexico needs cell tower technicians at a growing rate.

Cell technology is growing steadily, and more towers are going up daily.

It is necessary to have enough people to install equipment, maintain the equipment, and fix anything that goes wrong with the equipment already on the cell towers.

It takes a lack of fear of heights to be a cell tower technician.

If you have this and would like to learn more, keep reading!

Steps to Become a Cell Tower Technician in New Mexico

1. Finish High School

Getting your GED or high school diploma is necessary if you are to work as a cell tower technician.

Concentrate on getting involved with clubs or classes in telecommunications and electricity.

During this time, work towards getting your driver’s license and getting certified in CPR and First Aid.

It wouldn’t hurt to look for a mentor who is currently working as a cell tower technician or in telecommunications.

2. Explore Educational Opportunities

Search online for opportunities to hone your skills and work toward certifications.

There are numerous online opportunities.

You may also wish to look into getting a college degree in either Electricity or Telecommunications.

You can also find certificate programs in these two areas at some local trade schools.

Volunteer with search organizations or fire departments to get more necessary skills to help you.

Finally, reach out to the cell companies themselves and ask if they have any training options available.

3. Get Certifications

Getting your certifications will require a bit of learning and sometimes written tests.

These are often able to be done online at the links below.

The more certifications you get, the greater your chances of landing a job you really want.

If a company offers training, they may also be willing to cover the cost of any certifications.

Don’t hesitate to ask.

4. Pass Background and Drug Screening

Cell companies very often need to be bonded, even though employees may not need to be.

For this reason, the companies don’t want to jeopardize their bondability and will do background checks on possible employees to make sure they don’t have felonies in their background.

These can include violent crimes, felony theft, and crimes of moral turpitude.

Drug use is necessary to detect.

Individuals who test positive for drugs put both themselves and their coworkers at risk.

The job of a cell tower technician is one that requires everyone to be at the top of their game in attention to safety.

5. Find a Position

Finding a position as a cell tower technician can take numerous paths.

The first thing is to make sure your resume is up-to-date.

You can call various cell companies and ask if they will accept mailed resumes.

If so, send out as many as you can.

Many companies use placement agencies.

Register with as many of these as you can find that place telecommunication workers.

Post your resume on all job boards and also check job boards daily for any openings.

Finally, join forums related to cell tower technicians.

This will help you network.

6. Continue Learning

As the cell industry changes and grows daily, so must those who work with the technology.

This includes cell tower technicians.

Take every opportunity that you can to increase your skills.

Keep growing and learning so that your skills remain relevant to the field.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Cell Tower Technician in New Mexico

New Mexico cell tower technicians are subject to the regulations set down by the federal government.

In addition, individual employers may have their own requirements.

In general, some combination of the following is going to be needed.

It helps increase your chances of having all the following items.

• 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 Mexico

Independent Electrical Contractors

This is a Telecommunications Technician Apprenticeship program.

The program lasts three years and includes 160 classroom hours of training per year and 6000 hours of hands-on training.

This apprenticeship covers basic electrical theory, structured cabling, audio/visual, intercoms and public address, fire alarm, nurse call, CATV, CCTV access, security fiber optics, and safety.

ABC New Mexico

The Telecommunications Technician Program at ABCNM is also an apprenticeship program.

There is a minimum of 432 hours of instruction and 6000 hours of hands-on training.

The hands-on training is normally a 40-hour paid work week.

Apprentices attend classes two nights a week for two semesters, with an occasional Saturday class.

In all, the program lasts three years.

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

The average salary of a New Mexico cell tower technician is $47,639 a year.

The average technician earns $22.90 an hour, with higher overtime pay and increases over time.

Salary by Metro Area in New Mexico

Cell Tower Technician by State