How much does a cell tower technician make?

In the U.S., experience and useful safety or technical certificates can raise pay; so can the employer, location, and how specialized or difficult the work is. Night or weekend shifts, overtime, and travel-heavy assignments can also change total earnings.

Repair, install, or maintain mobile or stationary radio transmitting, broadcasting, and receiving equipment, and two-way radio communications systems used in cellular telecommunications, mobile broadband, ship-to-shore, aircraft-to-ground communications, and radio equipment in service and emergency vehicles. May test and analyze network coverage.

What's a typical day like?

At a tower site, a crew checks the equipment and safety gear, then climbs in harnesses to install or fix antennas and cables. They test the signal, report problems, and record the work.

In the U.S., finish high school; a technical certificate or associate degree in electronics or telecom can help. Employers teach tower climbing, rescue, electrical basics, and radio skills on the job; CPR or first-aid certification may help.

Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

Tower crews train in rescue operations, so they may be able to rescue a teammate without waiting for emergency crews.