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Most people think a tower climber’s salary is like $50 an hour. But that’s not true! What a shock, right? I mean, it takes a lot of sodity to climb so high and work for hours.
Tower Climbers are the masters of Towers. They build the towers and take them down. They put the lights on them and change the lights. And guess what? they run the antennas and lines!
To succeed as a Tower Climber, you must be a crackerjack. Yes, you have to excellently play by the rules. And it can be thrilling until you get caught up in bad weather.
But whether the salary is worth it depends on various factors. Take location, for instance, those in big cities with a high cost of living earn more.
To get you well informed about Tower Climber salaries, we have detailed everything, from factors that can affect your earnings to salaries by level and locations across the US.
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What Does It Mean To Be Tower Climber?
A Tower Climber is a professional who can inspect, maintain, and repair work on cell towers. It is one of the jobs that pay well without a degree.
As a tower climber, you’ll provide maintenance, install upgrades, and conduct inspections on towers.
What is the Role of Tower Climber?
The basic role of a Tower Climber is to perform routine inspections and tests on towers.
You may also be called upon to perform repairs and to provide input when plans for new equipment are being developed.
How to Become a Tower Climber
Most Tower Climbers have certification in climbing, safety, and fall protection. Some also get snowcat operator certification.
Although formal education is not mandatory, most employers prefer job seekers with a high school diploma or a GED certificate.
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What is the Average Tower Climber Salary?
The average Tower Climber’s salary is $41,248 per year, or $19.83 per hour, in the United States according to Zippia.com.
Further, people on the lower end of that spectrum, the bottom 10% to be exact, make roughly $28,000 a year, while the top 10% make $59,000.
People in different categories in this field don’t always make the same salary rate.
For instance, the national average Cell Tower Climber salary is $40,228 per year in the United States.
On the other hand, a Radio Tower Climber’s salary is $53,023 which is a bit higher than the above two. But this is similar to the average Communication Tower Climber salary which ZipRecruiter puts at $57,823.
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Factors Affecting the Salary of Tower Climbers in the US
A Tower Climber can make around $36,882 to $61,224 on average in the US in 2023.
This depends on your experience, location, skills, and other factors.
Quick Reminder: Why Salary Rates Vary from One Salary Site to Another
Salary aggregate websites usually rely on data submitted anonymously by people using their site.
This accounts for the disparity in salary rates. Some websites may have received larger amounts of data on either higher or lower than average salaries. This in turn affects the site’s calculated average rate.
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So What Can Affect Your Salary as a Tower Climber?
Years of Experience
The number of years you’ve been in a profession can affect how much you earn.
For instance, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and National Compensation Survey indicates that Entry-level (less than 1 year) Tower climbers make $30,008 a year.
On the other hand, those in their Mid-career (5 to 9 years) and those experienced (10 to 19 years) make $49,674 and $64,480 a year respectively.
Location
Your metro, city, or state can also affect how much you earn as a Tower Climber.
Those in big cities like San Francisco CA make up to $78,166 on average per year. This far outperforms cities like Tampa Bay, FL which pays $40,182.
Industry
Tower Climbers work in different industries such as Construction, Telecommunication, and Media.
Their salaries vary from industry to industry. For instance, those in the construction industry make up to $48,611 on average yearly while those in the transportation make around $41,878 on average per year.
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How Much Does a Tower Climber Make in the US?
Now let’s have a quick look at how much you can make as a tower climber a year, month, or hourly.
How Much Does Tower Climber Make a Year?
The average Tower Climber’s salary is $41,248 per year according to Zippia.com. This translate to $19.83 per hour, in the United States.
However, people on the lower end of that spectrum, the bottom 10% to be exact, make roughly $28,000 a year, while the top 10% make $59,000.
Glassdoor puts the highest salary for a Tower Climber in the United States at $61,192 per year.
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How Much Do Tower Climbers Make a Month?
A Tower Climber makes $4,336 per month according to ZipRecruiter. To get you more data, we’ll divide the earlier stated yearly rates by twelve months.
This gives us $2,250 for those in the bottom 10th percent. And approximately $5,917 per month for the top 10%.
In addition, Glassdoor’s yearly data above gives us approximately $5,099 per month.
Therefore, the Tower Climber’s salary per month in 2023 is between $2,250 and $5,917.
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How Much Do Tower Climbers Make per Hour?
The average Tower Climber earning is $19.83 per hour or $41,248 per year in the United States, according to Zippia.com.
The following is a summary of hourly rates from salary aggregate websites.
| ZipRecruiter | $25.02 |
| Zippia.com | $19.83 |
| Indeed.com | $22.28 |
| Payscale | $19.00 |
| Salary.com | $18 |
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Salary of Tower Climber in the US Based on Location
As mentioned earlier in this article, location is one of the factors that determines your salary. So, below we’ll discuss salaries based on states and cities.
What are the Highest-Paying States in the United States for Tower Climber Jobs?
There are 6 states that pay over $40k per year for Tower Climber jobs. Topping the list is Alaska ($69,918) with North Dakota (43,699) far behind in the second place.
Michigan ($40,511) and Connecticut ($43,230) take the third and fourth places while Massachusetts ($42,265) and Oregon ($40.568) come fifth and sixth on the list.
Tower Climber By States in The US
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What is a Tower Climber’s Salary in Texas?
There are many telecommunications companies in Texas, from AT&T and Edge Communications to Nokia and TAG Mobile.
If you love climbing towers, you look for jobs in any of these companies. The average tower technician salary is $24.34 per hour in Texas and $7,320 overtime per year.
This is based on 480 salaries reported on indeed.com.
Similarly, The average Tower Climber’s salary in Texas is $36217 as of May 27, 2022. This is according to data from salary.com.
However, the salary range typically falls between $31419 and $43099.
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What Are The Top Ten Cities With The Highest Salary For Tower Climber Jobs?
Below, you’ll find 10 cities where the typical salary for a Tower Climber job is above the national average.
At the top of the list is Atkinson, NE, with Bridgehampton, NY, and San Mateo CA close behind in the second and third positions.
San Mateo, CA is above the national average by $9,288 (17.9%), and Atkinson, NE beats that trend with another $19,859 (38.2%) above the $52,035 average.
Since these 10 cities have average salaries higher than the national average, it appears fruitful to change the location for a Tower Climber job.
However, you should consider the possibility of a lower cost of living before making the above decision.
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atkinson, NE | $71,894 | $5,991 | $1,382 | $34.56 |
| Bridgehampton, NY | $62,203 | $5,183 | $1,196 | $29.91 |
| San Mateo, CA | $61,323 | $5,110 | $1,179 | $29.48 |
| Boston, MA | $60,994 | $5,082 | $1,172 | $29.32 |
| Santa Monica, CA | $60,063 | $5,005 | $1,155 | $28.88 |
| Deer Park, CA | $59,889 | $4,990 | $1,151 | $28.79 |
| Morton, WA | $59,876 | $4,989 | $1,151 | $28.79 |
| Covelo, CA | $59,670 | $4,972 | $1,147 | $28.69 |
| Laytonville, CA | $59,651 | $4,970 | $1,147 | $28.68 |
| Lowell, MA | $59,306 | $4,942 | $1,140 | $28.51 |
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Salary for Tower Climber in the US Based on Level
All tower climbers are not in the same category. While some might have spent a good number of years in the profession, others might be newbies.
Therefore, we’re going to outline what you should expect to earn in any of the categories.
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How Much Does a Tower Climber Make at Entry Level?
The average annual pay for an Entry Level Tower Climber in the United States is $43,968 a year in 2022 according to ZipRecruiter.
With a quick calculation, this works out to be approximately $21.10 an hour. And this is the equivalent of $844/week or $3,658/month.
Similar data from Talent.com points to entry-level Tower Climber salaries of above $40k.
Specifically, entry-level Tower Climber positions start at $40,706 per year while most experienced workers make up to $58,500 per year.
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How Much Does a Tower Climber Make at the Senior Level?
Senior-level Tower Climbers (10%) make $71,000 per year, according to Zippia.com. Similarly, most experienced Tower Climbers make up to $58,500 per year, according to Talent.com.
Glassdoor puts the estimated total pay for a Tower Climber at $61,410 per year in the United States area, with an average salary of $42,122 per year.
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Salary for Tower Climber in the US Based on Field
How Much is a Cell Tower Climber Salary in 2023?
A Cell tower climber troubleshoots and maintains cell phone towers for communications technology companies.
A Cell Tower Climber’s salary is $60,043 per year in the United States, with an average salary of $40,228 per year according to Glassdoor.
We can say that a Cell Tower Climber’s salary is around $46,735 to over $60,000 on average in the US, depending on experience, location, and skills.
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How Much is a Radio Tower Climber Salary in 2023?
A Radio Tower Climber performs routine inspections and tests on radio towers.
In addition, he may be called upon to perform repairs and to provide input when plans for new equipment are being developed.
A Radio Tower Climber’s Salary is $52,023 a year in 2023.
How Much is a Communication Tower Climber Salary in 2023?
A Communication Tower Climber undertakes the work of installing and maintaining telecommunications equipment, including the construction of new towers.
The average Communication Tower Climber salary is $52,023 a year in 2023.
How Much is the KDLT-TV Tower Climber’s salary in 2023?
KDLT-TV (channel 46) is a television station in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States, affiliated with NBC and Fox.
The KDLT towers are two towers used by KDLT. They are both high guy-wired aerial masts for the transmission of TV programs in South Dakota.
Tower Climbers make $32,000 to $60,000 per year on average.
How Much is an Electric Tower Climber Salary in 2023?
Transmission tower climbers enjoy a median salary of $75,100 per year, according to Workchron.com.
Similarly, Wind Turbine Technicians made a median salary of $56,230 per year.
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How Much is Nextlink Tower Climber Salary in 2023?
Nextlink Tower Climber’s salary is $18 per hour in 2023. This is based on 4 salaries reported on Glassdoor.
The average annual pay for a Nextlink Communication Tower Climber in Madison is $55,495 a year.
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How Much is a High Tower Climber Salary in 2023?
The average annual pay for a Tower Climber in the United States is $52,023 a year according to ZipRecruiter.
A quick calculation works this out to be approximately $25.01 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,000/week or $4,335/month.
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Salaries of Tower Climbers in the Top Industries in the US
As we stated earlier, Tower Climber salaries can vary depending on the industry.
For example, Business Support Services, Electric Power Generation, and Telecommunications companies tend to offer much higher salaries for Tower Climbers.
Below you’ll see the top paying companies for those working in this category according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics
| Rank | Industry | Annual Mean Average |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Business Support Services | $ 91,780 |
| 2 | Electric Power Generation Transmission & Distribution | $ 90,190 |
| 3 | Telecommunications | $ 71,670 |
| 4 | Communications Equipment Manufacturing | $ 69,600 |
| 5 | Rail Manufacturing | $ 67,300 |
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Are There Other Benefits of Being a Tower Climber Aside From the Salary?
Being a tower climber comes with a lot of perks. The biggest benefit is a tower climber’s salary, which can be as high as $20 per hour with high school graduation.
Job Security
Another advantage of working as a tower climber is job security; they are in high demand. This comes with the increase in the installation and maintenance of 5G and other towers.
Exciting Experience
Climbers on towers usually experience an incredible rush of excitement because they are physically challenged the entire time.
In addition, many Tower Climber positions include a company vehicle you use for your job and take home every night.
Allowance
Climbers traveling for the job also usually get a “per diem” which you can take as an allowance. The company you work for pays for meals each day and some also pay for the hotel rooms in addition to the per diem.
Insurance
Most companies offer full medical and dental, and some even a 401k. If this information isn’t provided in a job posting, make sure to inquire during your interview.
It is important you get insurance if you work in a career that requires a lot of heights.
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What are Tower Climber’s Job Prospects?
A 2019 report by CNBC stated that the drive to make 5G a reality has led to a surge in demand for tower climbers.
Companies like Ericsson are putting the infrastructure in place that is needed to make 5G a reality. To lay the groundwork, tower climbers are in high demand.
However, a recent report by Zippia.com states that compared to other jobs, Tower Climbers have a growth rate described as a “decline” at -6% between the years 2018 – 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In fact, the number of Tower Climber opportunities that are predicted to open up by 2028 is -13,100.
In summary, scanning the internet, we viewed over 700 Tower Climbers jobs on LinkedIn, Tower Climber OSHA 30 Jobs on indeed.com, and thousands of others on ZipRecruiter and Zippia.
Conclusion
Tower Climbers are passionate people who love heights and the idea of being outdoors. For a job that can be gotten with a high school degree, the salary appears to be good.
Some of the factors that can affect your payments are the industry you work in as well as your location. Of course, experience and certifications cannot be overlooked.
If you feel we’ve missed any important information about Tower Climber’s salaries, feel free to share your thoughts or stories about Tower Climbers’ salaries and jobs in the comment section.
Frequently Asked Questions on tower climber salary
How much do American tower climbers make?
The average Tower Climber’s salary is $44,340 per year, or $21.32 per hour, in the United States, according to Zippia.com.
Further, people on the lower end of that spectrum, the bottom 10% to be exact, make roughly $27,000 a year, while the top 10% make $71,000
Do cell tower climbers make good money?
A Cell Tower Climber’s salary is $60,043 per year in the United States, with an average salary of $40,228 per year, according to Glassdoor.
What state pays the most for tower climbers?
Alaska
There are 6 states that pay over $40k per year for Tower Climber jobs. Topping the list is Alaska ($69,918) with North Dakota (43,699) far behind in the second place.
Michigan ($40,511) and Connecticut ($43,230) take the third and fourth places, while Massachusetts ($42,265) and Oregon ($40.568) come fifth and sixth on the list.
How much do tower climbers make in California?
$42,271 on average
Is tower climbing a good job?
Tower Climbers make $44,340 on average per year. If you enjoy travel and being outdoors, then this could be a great job for you. This job is also associated with traveling but it really depends on what kind of work you will be doing. If it works for a carrier, then expect to travel a great deal.
How much do American tower climbers make?
Do cell tower climbers make good money?
A Cell Tower Climber’s salary is $60,043 per year in the United States, with an average salary of $40,228 per year according to Glassdoor.
What state pays the most for tower climbers?
Alaska
There are 6 states that pay over $40k per year for Tower Climber jobs. Topping the list is Alaska ($69,918) with North Dakota (43,699) far behind in the second place.
Michigan ($40,511) and Connecticut ($43,230) take the third and fourth places while Massachusetts ($42,265) and Oregon ($40.568) come fifth and sixth on the list.
How much do tower climbers make in California?
$42,271 on average
Is tower climbing a good job?
Tower Climbers make $44,340 on average per year. If you enjoy travel and being outdoors, then this could be a great job for you. This job is also associated with traveling but it really depends on what kind of work you will be doing. If it works for a carrier, then expect to travel a great deal.
References
- www.zippia.com – Best States for a Tower Climber
- www.ziprecruiter.com – Tower Climber Salary
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