How to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Washington

How to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Washington

Train to become a cell tower technician in Washington by completing one of the programs that can lead to a good career.

The ever-evolving telecommunications technologies mean that there may be a greater need for qualified and certified cell tower technicians in Washington.

Companies and training facilities sometimes offer training in an in-person format, while others offer courses online.

Checking the program details, the training requirements, the location, and other information can help people who want to work in this career to start their path to becoming a cell tower technician.

Learning about the salary can also help future cell tower technicians make decisions related to their careers.

Steps to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Washington

Following the steps to becoming a cell tower technician in Washington helps people avoid mistakes that may delay their training or their opportunity to work as tower technicians.

Completing all the steps to becoming a cell tower technician in Washington can help people become certified and advance in their careers.

Pinnacle Career Institute indicates that with the continued expansion in the communications infrastructure, there is a steady demand for tower technicians.

Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma

Earning a high school diploma is the first step to becoming a cell tower technician.

Take extra physics courses in high school.

Take extra math courses or any courses that are related to telecommunications.

People who earn a GED can also work as cell tower technicians in Washington.

Step 2: Consider Going to College

Earning a college degree or certificate is not required to work as a Washington cell tower technician.

People who want the best chances at being hired or who want to have the best opportunities for promotion may want to earn a certificate or degree.

Consider programs that are related to electrical engineering, telecommunications, construction, or a related field.

Step 3: Complete a Training Program

Completing a cell tower training program is important for anyone who wants to start or advance their tower technician career.

Washington does not offer many in-person programs, but there are other training options.

Look for in-person training courses that will be held in Washington when you go to various sites that offer cell tower training.

The companies or facilities sometimes offer boot camp training or another short-term option in different areas.

Check the site calendar, even if the home office is in a different state.

You may find that there is an upcoming tower technician training in Washington.

Check the individual courses that you can take online, and whether you can complete the entire cell tower technician training online.

Look for programs that lead to certification, whether you are interested in an in-person or online tower technician program.

Step 4: Get Certified

Earning certifications is important for entry-level cell tower technicians and for those who want to have advancement opportunities.

Tower technicians need to have several certifications.

Check the requirements of companies when you apply for jobs.

Some certification requirements are standard for all companies.

Some other certifications may be specific to the company in Washington.

Tower technicians who work in Washington need to have the OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Certification.

The 10-hour safety program is for entry-level workers, while the 30-hour certification is for experienced workers to get a greater depth of training in common safety and health hazards.

Cell tower technicians also earn CPR and First Aid certification.

They complete the Telecommunications Tower Technician certification.

Many tower climbers also earn the Fall Protection Safety and Rescue Certification.

Step 5: Maintain Credentials

Cell tower technicians who work in Washington need to make sure that they have current training and certifications.

The industry is constantly changing, which means that cell tower technicians need to know the latest methods, equipment, safety standards, and technologies.

Tower technicians who want to advance their careers need to complete the training and certifications that are required for advanced positions.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Cell Tower Technician in Washington

Washington does not require cell tower technicians to have a license.

They must complete the required training and have industry-related certifications.

Cell Tower Technician Programs in Washington

People in Washington who want to become cell tower technicians quickly learn that the state does not have many training programs.

Several companies offer online training courses.

Some companies have in-person training at different locations throughout the year.

Check the training calendar on the cell tower technician websites to see if they plan to offer training in Washington.

1. Gravitec Systems Inc.

Get in-person training to become a cell tower technician or advance your career by enrolling in a tower technician training program.

The company focuses its courses and training programs on the basic knowledge and skills, and the advanced training that today’s cell tower technicians need to work in Washington.

The Poulsbo, WA company has been training cell tower climbers and rescuers since 1986.

Enroll in the Competent Tower Climber and Rescue course to learn about basic fall protection theory and rescue equipment.

The NATE Authorized Climber and Rescue course follows the NATE Course Training Standards for people who access towers or other similar structures.

These courses feature a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experiences.

Gravitec also offers refresher courses.

Contact the company for cost information.

2. Pinnacle Career Institute

Get online training that cell tower technicians need by enrolling in the online Tower Technician course offered by Pinnacle Career Institute.

Enroll in the 30-week, full-time program to gain the basic skills that help future cell tower technicians pursue their career goals.

Students gain an understanding of the basic skills and equipment that are used by tower technicians.

They also learn about procedures, safety standards, and different types of rigging equipment.

The program includes instruction on different types of rescues, how to mount and dismount antennas, and how to weatherproof cell tower equipment.

Earn CPR and First Aid certification and OSHA 10 certification through this course, which includes a 10-day residential component in Kansas City, Missouri.

Pinnacle Career Institute provides air travel arrangements, lodging, and local transportation.

The institute has accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

The tuition is $17,598.

It covers all books, fees, Telecommunications Tower Technician I certification, Authorized Climber Certification, and Kansas City, MO, bootcamp fees.

3. Career Bridge Washington

The Renewable Energy and Communications Tower Technician program that is offered by Career Bridge Washington prepares students for entry-level jobs in the wind, communications tower, and other similar industries.

The seven-week, in-person program gives students the skills that they need for identifying and demonstrating safe troubleshooting and maintenance techniques that are used by tower technicians.

All books and fees for the certificate program are included in the $11,000 tuition.

School Name Address
Gravitec Systems Inc. 21291 Urdahl Rd Nw, Poulsbo, WA 98370, United States
Pinnacle Career Institute 11500 N Ambassador Dr Suite 221, Kansas City, MO 64153, United States
Career Bridge Washington 105 14th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122

Salary

Cell tower technicians who work in Washington earn an average salary that is higher than the national average salary.

The site Salary.com indicates that the average annual salary for tower technicians in the U.S., as of November 1, 2025, is $88,637.

The average salary for tower technicians in Washington is $96,109.

Things like working in certain locations may affect salary.

Cell tower technicians in Seattle earn an average salary of $97,979.

They earn an average salary of $93,512 in Oakville, WA.

Annual Salary Range:
$43K
$58K
$78K
10%
50%
90%
Annual Salary by Location:
Location Avg. Annual Salary
Seattle $61,237
Spokane $61,622
Tacoma $92,453
Vancouver $57,879
Bellevue $58,351
Kent $63,264
Everett $68,162
Spokane Valley $56,055
Renton $54,456
Federal Way $46,775

Regional Salary in Washington

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA180$78,810$37.89$112,360$56,500
Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA50$67,550$32.48$93,230$40,210
* 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 much does my Washington cell tower license cost?

Cell tower technicians who work in Washington are not required to have a license.

How often does Washington require me to renew my cell tower technician certification?

The time that you need to renew your certification depends on the certification.

The body issuing the certification decides how often tower technicians need to renew it.

Can I work as a tower technician in Washington if I complete an online program?

Online programs have the same types of certifications as in-person tower technician training programs.

Employers only know that you completed training and earned certifications.

They do not know that you did it online.

USA Cell Tower Technician by State


Leave a Comment

icon-angle icon-bars icon-times
×