How to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Tennessee

How to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Tennessee

Cell tower technicians who work in Tennessee get the training and certifications that they need to work in this rapidly expanding career field.

They need to have technical skills, along with physical strength and stamina.

People who are not afraid of heights, who want to work in a demanding career, but have freedom in their job, will likely make good cell tower technicians.

Following this guide helps aspiring cell tower technicians in Tennessee understand the path to having a career in this field.

Learn safe climbing techniques, how to troubleshoot, and maintain cell towers.

Learn the equipment used by cell tower technicians in Tennessee and how to use it.

Earn tower technician certifications to have the best job opportunities.

Be sure to follow each step and complete the requirements to work as a Tennessee tower technician.

How to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Tennessee

Becoming a cell tower technician who works in Tennessee requires that people gain the knowledge and skills that are necessary for completing a training program, earning industry-related certifications, and getting a job.

Following each of these steps helps people to increase their employability and reach their career goals.

Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma

Employers want to hire the best job applicants, which likely means those who have a minimum of a high school diploma.

Take courses that can help you on your path to becoming a cell tower technician in Tennessee.

Some extra courses to take while in high school to help with your future career include classes related to maintenance, electronics, physics, and math.

Employers also hire cell tower technicians who have earned a GED.

Step 2: Learn the Skills That You Need to Become a Cell Tower Technician

Knowing the skills that cell tower technicians need helps people to understand how to meet the requirements to work in this career.

It also helps them to determine if this is the right career path for them.

The ability to work in various weather conditions, to have excellent climbing ability, knowledge of fall protection, and knowledge of safety regulations and techniques are some skills that cell tower technicians need in Tennessee.

Tower mapping, installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining cell towers are some other duties of cell tower technicians.

Companies that offer training programs help future cell tower technicians gain the knowledge and skills that they need to get entry-level jobs and advance their careers.

Step 3: Complete a Cell Tower Technician Training Program

Training programs give future tower technicians the knowledge and skills that they need to start their careers.

Tennessee does not have many in-person cell tower technician training programs.

Some companies offer in-person programs around the country.

Look at the monthly schedule on the calendar of the company website.

The companies that offer this training often list their schedules a few months in advance.

Consider completing an online cell tower technician program.

Some companies that offer online training may offer individual courses, while others offer a complete online cell tower technician training program.

You may also be able to earn certifications through online courses.

Step 4: Earn Certifications

Cell tower technicians need several certifications.

People in Tennessee who choose this career can earn some certifications when they are in their training program.

Check with the companies that offer complete cell tower technician training programs to see what certifications you can earn while training for your career.

The companies that offer individual cell tower technician training courses may also offer some certifications.

Some common certifications include OSHA-10 or OSHA-30, CPR and First Aid, Telecommunications Tower Technician, Fall Protection and Safety, Rescue certification, and RF Awareness certification.

Step 5: Get Hired

Start applying for jobs before you complete the tower technician training program.

Look for companies that hire people who are still completing their training, or for companies that offer on-the-job training.

Check to see whether the companies that you want to apply to offer a path to earn your certifications.

Do not apply for jobs that you are not qualified for as an entry-level cell tower technician.

You are not likely to get hired for an advanced position if you just completed an entry-level cell tower technician training program.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Tennessee

There are no licensing requirements to work as a cell tower technician in Tennessee.

Tower technicians do need to have various certifications.

Cell Tower Technician Programs in Tennessee

Tennessee does not have many permanent in-person training programs.

People who want to work as cell tower technicians in the state may turn to other training options.

Some companies offer complete on-the-job training.

They may include a path to earning your certifications with their training.

Look for online training programs.

You get the same training as those who complete in-person training.

Pinnacle Career Institute

Train to become an entry-level cell tower technician when you complete the Telecommunications Tower Technician program at Pinnacle Career Institute.

The program is a full-time, 30-week online program.

The program has a 10-day required in-person training in Missouri.

Pinnacle makes transportation and lodging arrangements.

Students gain hands-on training to help them when they become tower technicians in Tennessee.

Earn the OSHA-10 certification, certification in CPR and First Aid, and a Telecommunications Tower Technician I certification.

The $17,598 covers all training, fees, and materials.

It also covers the cost of certifications.

Center for Industrial Services

The Center for Industrial Services (CIS) indicates that it has a Basic Tower Climber/Rescue Training program.

There is little information about the program on the site page.

Look for the individual courses offered by the center that are related to cell tower technician training.

Some courses offered include OSHA-10, Rope Rescue NFPA, First Aid, CPR and AED Workshop, Person Qualified Rigger Training, and Conducting Work Hazard Assessment.

Check with the center for the cost of its courses.

Comtrain

Comtrain offers both in-person and online training for people who want to become cell tower technicians.

Check the monthly calendar to find out when the company is offering training near you.

One example of their in-person training is the courses offered in Springfield, Tennessee, in November 2025.

The programs offered include Climber/Rescuer, Rigging, and Train the Trainer.

The training and locations change each month, so stay up to date on area training locations and dates.

Consider enrolling in online courses. Some examples include Basic Rigging, Intro to Climbing and Rescue, Hazard Communications, and Intro to Telecom.

The cost varies, based on each course.

Tower Safety

Tower Safety offers several online courses that future cell tower technicians need to complete if they want to work in Tennessee.

Some of the courses include Heat Stress/ Heat Exposure, Cell Tower Inspection Course, Capstan Hoist Operator, Cell Tower Inspection Course, and Bloodborne Pathogens.

The cost varies with each online course.

School Name Address
Pinnacle Career Institute 11500 N Ambassador Dr Suite 221, Kansas City, MO 64153, United States
University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services 193 Polk Ave, Nashville, TN 37210, United States
Comtrain 4616 W. Howard Lane, Suite #925 Austin, TX 78728
Tower Safety 3212 S 36th St, Phoenix, AZ 85040, United States

Salary

The site salary.com indicates that the annual average salary for cell tower technicians who work in Tennessee is $82,831.

The average salary that cell tower technicians earn increases when they have more experience and certifications.

One other thing that makes a difference in the average salary is where people work as cell tower technicians.

Work in Flintville and earn an average salary of $85,189.

Work as a cell tower technician in Lawrenceburg and earn an average salary of $75,722.

Annual Salary Range:
$40K
$57K
$82K
10%
50%
90%
Annual Salary by Location:
Location Avg. Annual Salary
Nashville $53,790
Memphis $55,380
Knoxville $60,365
Chattanooga $40,516
Clarksville $73,766
Murfreesboro $53,601
Franklin $53,657
Johnson City $51,512
Jackson $54,042
Hendersonville $65,187

Regional Salary in Tennessee

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Knoxville, TN50$63,820$30.68$94,780$41,080
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN70$67,930$32.66$101,690$44,080
* Salary information based on the May 2024 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers, OCC Code 49-2021, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a cell tower technician in Tennessee?

The time varies, based on things like the length of training programs and how long it takes for people to earn their certifications.

How do I improve my chances of working as a cell tower technician in Tennessee?

Complete the steps to becoming a tower technician.

Keep certifications and training up to date.

Why doesn’t Tennessee require tower technicians to have a license?

Most states do not require cell tower technicians to have a license.

They need proper training and certifications.

USA Cell Tower Technician by State


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