How to Become a Cell Tower Technician in North Carolina

The unseen work that tower technicians perform keeps cities moving, businesses operating, industry flourishing, and your digital life running smoothly.

This is a field that offers exceptional job security, the ability to work with cutting-edge technology, and competitive pay with a minimal educational investment and an ever-changing, incredible office view.

Cell tower technicians in North Carolina must be physically fit enough to hoist themselves up a 200-foot or higher tower with gear while holding extensive technical prowess.

If you’re interested in becoming a cell tower technician in North Carolina, keep reading to learn more about the process.

Steps to Become a Cell Tower Technician in North Carolina

If you’re interested in being a North Carolina tower technician, then it’s important to follow these steps:

One: Meet the Minimum Educational Requirement

North Carolina tower technician positions commonly require a high school diploma.

Having a post-secondary education in a technical field can be highly beneficial in finding a job and advancing quickly.

For those in high school, physical fitness is paramount to this position, and having technical and math-based coursework will help prepare you for the tower technician career.

Two: Enroll in a Program

Unfortunately, tower technicians can’t jump right into the field due to the various required certifications, mostly around safety.

Therefore, to earn these certificates, you must take a training program that teaches the foundations of tower installation, repair, troubleshooting, and maintenance, and how to safely climb tall structures.

North Carolina offers a variety of training programs that mix online coursework with hands-on training to help prepare graduates to easily enter the field.

Three: Create a Resume

Creating a well-written resume that highlights your experience, education, and certification will stand out to hiring managers.

Include certifications and specialized training that you have earned, as well as hands-on training experiences.

Always tailor your resume to that specific position and company.

Four: Find a Job

Once you have completed a training program and earned the necessary certifications, you must search for open positions.

Tower technician roles are in high demand, but there are ways to improve your chances.

First, networking is critical in all job searches.

By connecting with industry professionals, joining professional organizations, and attending job fairs, you will expand your professional network.

Second, check online job boards and contact your school to see if they have job placement opportunities available.

Third, directly contact tower construction companies in the area you would like to work to determine if they have ongoing projects or full-time positions.

Five: Prepare for an Interview

Once you find a few interesting jobs and get an interview request, you must prepare thoroughly.

Research the role you are applying for and the company information.

Be prepared to answer questions about technical skills, safety procedures, and tower climbing.

Always craft the interview around your hands-on experience and training program to showcase that you are ready to enter the workforce and have the knowledge to do so.

Licensing Requirements to Become

North Carolina doesn’t have a cell tower technician licensing requirement.

However, most employers require specific certificates for employment or within a specified date after starting to work.

The best training programs offer certifications at the end of the curriculum.

These certificates include:

First Aid and CPR

First Aid and CPR certification is required by most employers since being a cell tower technician is a dangerous profession.

Those in the field need to know how to respond to medical emergencies.

Fall Protection and Rescue

This certification teaches tower technicians how to respond to emergencies if a fellow technician falls or is stuck on a tower.

OSHA 10/30

This national certification teaches new technicians about basic safety in the 10-hour class and delves deeper into the 30-hour class.

Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)

TIA is a nationally recognized certification that focuses on technical, safety, and climbing skills.

The certificate offers three levels:

• Level 1 – the basics of tower climbing, equipment handling, and safety practices. Level 1 is for entry-level technicians or those with less than six months of field experience.
• Level 2 – this is the next step that builds on the skill from Level 1. Level 2 reviews advanced climbing technique, safety protocols, and tower structural analysis. This level is recommended for those with six months to one year of field experience.
• Level 3 – this is the highest certification level for those with considerable experience. Level 3 focuses on topics like microwave systems, advanced antenna systems, and rigging and hoisting.

Cell Tower Technician Programs in North Carolina

Aiken Technical College

ATC is located just over the border in South Carolina and offers a tower technician training course.

This short-term, 12-day course is $5,000 for North Carolina residents.

Students will learn topics like basic electricity, LTE installation, rigging, worksite hazard awareness, and telecom standards and regulations. Students will also gain hands-on experience through on-site climbing activities.

Those who complete the program will earn OSHA 10 and First Aid/CPR certifications.

ApprenticePath

ApprenticePath offers a 4,000-hour apprenticeship program around Wake County.

Apprentices will learn how to install, maintain, and repair stationary or mobile radio receiving, broadcasting, and transmitting equipment, as well as two-way radio systems.

By working with a skilled professional, apprentices will gain technical and safety knowledge while building the physical stamina needed for the job.

North Central State College

NCSC offers a Tower Technician Training program that teaches students how to install, repair, and maintain towers and systems like lighting, microwave dishes, and antennas.

The curriculum includes NWSA certification preparation, antenna basics, cell components, defensive driving, capstan hoist, RF awareness, OSHA 10, CPR and First Aid, basic rigging and fall protection, and safety.

Salary

The median U.S. cell tower technician salary is $73,700.

In North Carolina, the media technician salary is slightly below the national median at $72,367.

Regional Salary in North Carolina

Cell Tower Technician by State