How to hire a tower climber

How to hire a tower climber, step by step

Here's a step-by-step tower climber hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a tower climber job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new tower climber
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a tower climber do?

Post a tower climber job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your tower climber job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a tower climber for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A tower climber's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, tower climbers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of tower climbers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Tower Climber	Description	Hourly rate
   Tower Climber	Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, also known as telecom technicians, set up and maintain devices or equipment that carry communications signals, connect to telephone lines, and access the Internet.	$13-28
   Cable Installer	A cable installer installs and maintains telecommunication systems and equipment such as telephone lines, cable television, or internet services at homes or commercial areas. In some companies, a cable installer may also handle complaints and concerns, conduct inspections, troubleshoot problems, and fix or replace components when necessary... Show more	$16-23
   Communications Technician	A communications technician utilizes their expertise in electronics by diagnosing issues and repairing devices ranging from cellphones, laptops, tablets, and more. They are responsible for troubleshooting and discussing the extent of malfunction with clients... Show more	$13-43

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CPR
   • RF
   • OSHA
   • Broadband
   • Safety Equipment
   • Communication Towers
   • Fiber Optic
   • DOT
   • Rig
   • CAD
   • Site Audits
   • PIM
   • Radio Equipment
   • TMA

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Utilize Anritsu site master in conducting tests on sites while accomplishing tasks including lighting upgrades and troubleshooting of light systems
   • Provide multiple PIM and sweep testing troubleshooting and also change transmission lines, antennas and weatherproofing.
   • Lead a crew that build RF broadcast tower's around the state.
   • Certify climber cpr and rescuer of cell towers.
   • Climb towers to install many different RF components.
   • Perform sweep tests and PIM tests on antennas.

   More tower climber duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the tower climber job description is a good way to get more applicants. A tower climber salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for a tower climber in Mississippi may be lower than in California, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level tower climber. Additionally, a tower climber with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average tower climber salary

   $41,248yearly

   $19.83 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level tower climber salary

   $28,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 22, 2026

   Average tower climber salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$53,283	$26
   2	Washington	$44,567	$21
   3	Oregon	$42,744	$21
   4	Massachusetts	$40,875	$20
   5	Maryland	$40,374	$19
   6	Arizona	$39,670	$19
   7	New York	$38,971	$19
   8	Colorado	$38,886	$19
   9	New Hampshire	$38,849	$19
   10	Michigan	$38,832	$19
   11	Pennsylvania	$38,127	$18
   12	Utah	$37,618	$18
   13	Maine	$37,058	$18
   14	Texas	$36,829	$18
   15	New Mexico	$36,739	$18
   16	Ohio	$36,576	$18
   17	Missouri	$36,571	$18
   18	Kansas	$36,412	$18
   19	Wisconsin	$36,368	$17
   20	Minnesota	$34,991	$17

   Average tower climber salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	General Dynamics Mission Systems	$74,355	$35.75
   2	Parsons	$51,800	$24.90	3
   3	KCI Technologies	$50,965	$24.50
   4	General Dynamics	$46,747	$22.47	22
   5	EMCOR Group	$46,584	$22.40	2
   6	DISH Network	$44,413	$21.35
   7	GPAC	$41,978	$20.18
   8	Nes Holdings	$41,287	$19.85
   9	Bechtel Corporation	$41,151	$19.78
   10	Tower Systems	$39,122	$18.81	10
   11	Tradesmen International	$38,857	$18.68	3
   12	Wireless Links	$28,297	$13.60

4. Writing a tower climber job description

   A tower climber job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a tower climber job description:

   Tower climber job description example

   **SIGN ON OFFERED** KCI Technologies is hiring a Tower Foreman to join our team in Tampa! Join us as we Rise to the Challenge At KCI, we're building an enduring company that provides unparalleled value to our employee-owners. We make our mark designing and delivering our world-class solutions, so we invest deeply in developing our team. We reward integrity and commitment, and when we do well, you do well. Our people have freedom to innovate, unlimited growth, a voice that matters, a lifestyle that works, and skin in the game. Because life's more fun when you own it. THE COMPANY KCI Technologies, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned engineering, consulting and construction firm serving clients throughout the United States. KCI is recognized as an industry leader, employing cutting-edge technologies, management practices and strategic growth initiatives. Employee ownership fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, encourages technical expertise, and shapes strategic planning. KCI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce. KCI is currently ranked #48 on Engineering News-Record's list of the Top 500 design firms in the nation. KCI BENEFITS INFORMATION Benefits 2022 Duties, Responsibilities & Other Minimum 2 yrs. of foreman experience
   • Must be able to complete and pass the COMTRAIN certification
   • Must have the ability to climb & work proficiently 200+ towers
   • Must have a valid driver's license
   • Must be able to pass a urinalysis
   • Must be able to read & understand construction drawings
   • Must Adhere to OSHA, NATE, Customer and Wireless Quality & Safety Standards
   • Must be able to lead a Team of Technicians/Climbers on a daily basis
   • Must be able to complete a JSA(job safety analysis) daily & perform safety inspection before and
   during the work day
   • Must be responsible & self-motivated, able to work with little to no direction
   • Must be proficient in the following:
   1. Ability to use PIM / Sweep Test Gear
   2. Ability to use Connector Tools, able to install connectors on all size coax
   3. Ability to install coax / fiber trunks on the tower
   4. Ability to install antennas: set RETs, Down tilts, Azimuths
   5. Ability to collect, assemble, and submit closeout documentation
   • Must be able to identify material needed/required for the completion of the project
   • Must be able to maintain a high level of work qualit Qualifications High School Diploma or GED. Minimum of 4 - 8 years of experience. Pre-employment drug screening is a condition of employment. Background and motor vehicle checks may be required based upon position. Performance Expectations Participate in cross - training as requested to build a stronger team Communicate your work flow needs to your team and to your supervisor Comply with all KCI policies and procedures Accurately records and reports daily forms per project requirements Communicates effectively with client, contractor, staff, and supervisor Performs other duties as assigned Proactively resolves problems at the lowest level Adheres to project scope, schedule, and budget Reviews all work for completeness and accuracy prior to submitting Submits accurate time sheets, mileage and expense reports on time each week Reviews jobsite safety daily and takes immediate action to document and resolve issues Understands OSHA Safety Standards and KCI corporate policies and follows them at all times Accurately record and report your work each day on the forms provided Inspect and correct your own work before turning it in Perform all task assignments using required industry standards Review all work assigned to you before beginning your work Understand all applicable industry standards for your assigned tasks Work with your team to maximize your production and accuracy to help us achieve our goal Has the specific knowledge to perform all duties Maintains all required certifications and participates in training courses as required Understands all applicable industry standards for project and performs all tasks per standards and client requirements #LI-LK1 KCI Technologies, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find tower climbers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your tower climber job on Zippia to find and recruit tower climber candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit tower climbers, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new tower climber

   Once you have selected a candidate for the tower climber position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new tower climber first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a tower climber?