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How to hire a tower technician

Tower technician hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring tower technicians in the United States:

  • The median cost to hire a tower technician is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • HR departments typically allocate 15% of their budget towards recruitment efforts.
  • Small businesses spend $1,105 per tower technician on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • It takes approximately 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • There are a total of 12,085 tower technicians in the US, and there are currently 92,566 job openings in this field.
  • Charlotte, NC, has the highest demand for tower technicians, with 26 job openings.

How to hire a tower technician, step by step

To hire a tower technician, you need to identify the specific skills and experience you want in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and advertise the job opening to attract potential candidates. To hire a tower technician, you should follow these steps:

Here's a step-by-step tower technician 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 technician job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new tower technician
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a tower technician do?

A tower technician is responsible for maintaining the performance stability of line towers to provide the best network services for the customers. Tower technicians are often out in the field to conduct repairs and installations for the customers, inspecting the area's condition, and reporting structural inconsistencies and defects. They should have excellent mechanical and electrical knowledge to resolve issues immediately and create resolution manuals to prevent reoccurrence and ensure the safeness and security of line towers.

Learn more about the specifics of what a tower technician does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    First, determine the employments status of the tower technician you need to hire. Certain tower technician roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    Hiring the perfect tower technician also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

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

    Type of Tower TechnicianDescriptionHourly rate
    Tower TechnicianTelecommunications 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.$13-22
    Cable InstallerA 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
    Tower ClimberTower Climbers are professionals who are responsible for performing comprehensive installations, inspections, and maintenance on cell towers, self-supporting towers, and other tower transmitter systems. These climbers are required to complete tower safety courses so that they can climb communication towers to assist crews in repairing and inspecting communication boxes... Show more$13-28
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • OSHA
    • CPR
    • RF
    • Hand Tools
    • Safety Procedures
    • PIM
    • Field Training
    • Safety Hazards
    • Construction Equipment
    • CAD
    • Safety Equipment
    • Ladders
    • Test Equipment
    • Broadband
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Manage and make critical decisions in accordance with regulations for access and scheduling for certain private and federal FAA sites.
    • Hang and connect antenna's and TMA's.
    • Install grind rods and cad weld to form grind ring.
    • Complete several CPR and safety courses.
    • Remove old antennas and install new LTE antennas.
    • Get materials together, climb and rig towers.
    More tower technician duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your tower technician job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A tower technician salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

    For example, the average salary for a tower technician in Georgia may be lower than in Alaska, and an entry-level tower technician usually earns less than a senior-level tower technician. Additionally, a tower technician with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

    Average tower technician salary

    $37,471yearly

    $18.01 hourly rate

    Entry-level tower technician salary
    $29,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 23, 2025

    Average tower technician salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1Washington$41,359$20
    2California$41,020$20
    3Oregon$40,156$19
    4District of Columbia$39,570$19
    5Massachusetts$38,834$19
    6Maryland$37,953$18
    7Colorado$37,916$18
    8New York$37,548$18
    9Virginia$36,961$18
    10Kansas$36,907$18
    11Utah$36,763$18
    12Texas$36,748$18
    13Illinois$36,702$18
    14Missouri$36,624$18
    15Pennsylvania$36,214$17
    16Nevada$35,756$17
    17Michigan$35,657$17
    18North Carolina$35,360$17
    19Florida$35,275$17
    20New Mexico$35,135$17

    Average tower technician salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1SPX$43,197$20.771
    2ATN International$43,194$20.77
    3Jacobs Engineering Group$42,501$20.43
    4SBA Communications$42,462$20.416
    5Henkels & Mccoy Group Inc$40,754$19.59
    6DISH Network$40,667$19.55
    7Black & Veatch$40,618$19.53
    8MasTec$39,831$19.15110
    9Corrpro Companies$38,632$18.576
    10Hayden & Associates Inc.$38,611$18.562
    11Csp, Inc$38,505$18.51
    12DRW$38,444$18.481
    13Ledcor$38,259$18.3910
    14Mears Transportation Group$38,012$18.273
    15KCI Technologies$37,911$18.2317
    16Infinity$37,846$18.20
    17Ericsson$37,704$18.13
    18GPAC$37,499$18.03
    19Glow Networks$37,361$17.96
    20Centerline Communications$37,281$17.92
  4. Writing a tower technician job description

    A job description for a tower technician role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a tower technician job description:

    Tower technician job description example

    Heart. Soul. Expertise. That's what defines an Emory IR Tech. No matter where you are in your career, when you chose this distinguished profession, you chose to change lives. We are proud to be the only health system in Georgia with four Magnet -recognized hospitals: Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital, Emory University Hospital, Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital.

    Our IR Techs are integral members of inter-professional teams in hospitals and clinics that are committed to outstanding patient care. We're eager to share what we learn with hospitals around the country, and the world. We've got the backing, knowledge, experience and permission to lead the way in developing new and better approaches to preventing and treating disease, and our patients get treatments years before anyone else.

    Become a part of the groundbreaking cancer research and outstanding cancer patient care that are the hallmarks of Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Georgia's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.

    Description

    JOB DESCRIPTION: Provides quality care to patients receiving diagnostic and interventional radiology procedures in the interventional suite and operating room. Communicates patients' needs and response through appropriate verbal and written communications. Ensures documentation is complete and accurate regarding all aspects of patient care. Responsible for proper operation of imaging and specialty equipment as well as keeps abreast of uses of medical devices. Demonstrates an adequate knowledge of anatomy and physiology. Provides more complex technical care necessary to meet identified patient needs. Assists with performing multiple diagnostic procedures in appropriate sequence and time frame. Provides quality care to patients during procedures; prepares patients for procedures with proper sterile technique. Takes precautions to minimize patient and staff exposure to radiation. Assists with patient and family education. May support or assist in research and related activities. Assists in training radiology staff and students. Performs other related duties as required.

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduate of an accredited school of radiologic technology. Must have a minimum of two (2) years experience with one (1) year in IR. Advanced certification in Vascular Interventional (VI) Radiography preferred. BLS certification required.

    PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium): 20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 50 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks

    ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock , Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation , Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks
  5. Post your job

    To find the right tower technician for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with tower technicians they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit tower technicians who meet your education requirements.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your tower technician job on Zippia to find and recruit tower technician candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    During your first interview to recruit tower technicians, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

    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 technician

    Once you have selected a candidate for the tower technician 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.

    It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new tower technician. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

  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.)
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How much does it cost to hire a tower technician?

Before you start to hire tower technicians, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire tower technicians pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

You can expect to pay around $37,471 per year for a tower technician, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for tower technicians in the US typically range between $13 and $22 an hour.

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