How to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Oklahoma

Oklahoma has over 264 cell towers and more going up regularly.

All these towers need technicians who can climb up and install equipment, do regular maintenance to keep the equipment running smoothly, and repair the equipment when things go wrong.

In a world that demands worldwide connection, the job of the cell tower technician is an essential one.

Do you have an interest in possibly entering this growing occupation?

If so, read on to see what it takes to become a cell tower operator in Oklahoma.

Steps to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Oklahoma

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 Oklahoma

There are no state standards in Oklahoma required for cell tower technicians.

The FCC, however, has set down national standards that every cell company must enforce for its employees.

Not all the different licenses are required of every cell tower operator, and some even overlap in skill, but all employers will require some combination of the following things.

1. Driver’s license.
2. TTT1 or TTT2 from the National Wireless Safety Alliance (NWSA)
3. OSHA 10/30 Certificate
4. CPR/First Aid
5. Competent Climber and Rescuer
6. RF Safety Certificate

Cell Tower Technician Programs in Oklahoma

Cell tower technician programs are scarce, and Oklahoma is right there with the rest of the country in that there are no specific programs for training cell tower technicians.

So, what can you do to learn the necessary skills?

Many employers offer training programs within their company to train technicians.

Others will direct potential employees to training opportunities online that are set up to cover the necessary licensing requirements, like OSHA and TTT training.

If you want to get a head start, you have a chance of pursuing a degree program in telecommunications or electricity.

These will help give you added skills to help you when entering the field.

How Much Does a Cell Tower Technician Make in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma is pretty much in the middle of what it pays cell tower technicians.

Annually, the average cell tower technician makes $45,390.

This breaks down to an average of $21.82 per hour.

Things like the amount of time on the job, the size of the company you work for, and the kind and amount of certifications you hold all play into determining this figure.

Cell Tower Technician by State