How to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Utah

Utah is home to many cell towers.

These towers are necessary to bring people of the world together in business, love, and life in general.

Without cell technology, we would not be as advanced as we are, and there doesn’t seem to be a slowdown in advancing even more.

All these cell towers need technicians who can safely install, maintain, and repair the equipment.

It takes some special skills to be comfortable being a cell tower technician in Utah.

Read on to see if you may want to pursue this important career.

Steps to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Utah

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.

The more certificates you hold, the greater pay you can earn and the greater your chances are of becoming a supervisor or trainer.

6. Pass a 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 Utah

The FCC sets forth national standards for cell tower technicians, but there are none specific to the state of Utah.

Companies themselves make sure technicians meet minimum standards set down by the federal government.

They may also require some of their own.

In general, cell tower technicians in Utah must have some combination of the following.

1. Driver’s license.
2. TTT1 or TTT2 from the National Wireless Safety Alliance (NWSA). One is for general technicians, and the TTT2 is for supervisory positions.
3. OSHA 10/30 Certificate. The ten-hour certificate is for entry-level positions. Supervisors and trainers need the thirty-hour course.
4. CPR/First Aid
5. Competent Climber and Rescuer
6. RF Safety Certificate — This allows employers to know you understand the hazards of working with radiofrequency and that you have been trained in how to minimize the risk.

Cell Tower Technician Programs in Utah

Cell tower technicians in Utah normally attend either company training programs or online programs, as there are no specific cell tower training courses in the state.

This is the case throughout the country.

Candidates can gain all the skills necessary through safety courses, mainly online, and through individual programs that are set up to train for climbing safety, OSHA safety, or first aid.

How Much Does a Cell Tower Technician Make in Utah?

At $21.52 per hour, Utah cell tower technicians make a decent wage.

The average yearly salary is $44,753.

While this won’t make a technician rich, it offers a chance to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.

Cell Tower Technician by State