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Apprentice Tower Climber Jobs (NOW HIRING)

May supervise Tower Technicians and Tower Technician Apprentices. Back up supervisor to the Tower ... Authorized Climber & Competent Climber/Rescue certification from an accredited group is a plus.

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Apprentice Tower Climber information

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$12

$24

$35

How much do apprentice tower climber jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice tower climber in the United States is $24.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying apprenticeship trade?

Apprentice tower climbers can earn higher wages compared to many other trades due to the physical demands and safety requirements of the job. However, trades such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC apprenticeships often offer higher starting wages and earning potential as they progress, especially with specialized skills and certifications. Overall, construction trades with high risk and technical skill tend to have the highest apprenticeship wages.

How physically fit do tower climbers need to be?

Tower climbers need to be in good physical condition, with strength, endurance, and balance to safely ascend and work at heights. They often perform tasks that require lifting, climbing, and working in confined spaces, making physical fitness essential for safety and efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Tower Climber, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Tower Climber, you need physical fitness, a good understanding of safety protocols, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with climbing harnesses, fall protection equipment, and basic hand tools is essential, and OSHA certification is often required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and a commitment to safety make someone stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance while working at heights on communication towers.

What are apprentice tower climbers?

Apprentice tower climbers are entry-level technicians who assist in the installation, maintenance, and repair of telecommunication towers and related equipment. They work under the supervision of experienced tower climbers to learn safety protocols, climbing techniques, and how to handle specialized tools and equipment. Their duties may include assembling tower components, running cables, and inspecting equipment while following strict safety guidelines. This position serves as a starting point for a career in tower climbing, allowing apprentices to gain hands-on experience and industry certifications.

How hard is it to be a tower climber?

Being a tower climber is physically demanding and requires working at great heights, often in challenging weather conditions. It involves technical skills, safety training, and certifications, making it a job that demands both physical endurance and attention to safety protocols.

What are some common challenges faced by Apprentice Tower Climbers and how can they be addressed?

As an Apprentice Tower Climber, one common challenge is adapting to working at significant heights while maintaining strict safety protocols. Weather conditions, such as wind or rain, can also make tasks more difficult and require constant vigilance. Effective communication with the ground crew and other team members is essential to ensure everyone’s safety and to coordinate tasks efficiently. New climbers often find the physical demands and technical aspects challenging at first, but thorough training and mentorship help build confidence and competence over time.

What qualifications do I need to be a tower climber?

To become an apprentice tower climber, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, good physical fitness, and the ability to work at heights. Relevant skills include knowledge of safety procedures, climbing equipment, and often obtaining certifications such as OSHA safety training or fall protection certification before starting the job.

What is the difference between Apprentice Tower Climber vs Tower Climber?

AspectApprentice Tower ClimberTower Climber
CertificationsOSHA safety training, basic climbing certificationAdvanced climbing, rescue, and safety certifications
Work EnvironmentAssists and learns on-site, supervisedPerforms independent climbing and maintenance
Experience LevelEntry-level, in trainingExperienced, skilled climber

The Apprentice Tower Climber is an entry-level role focused on learning safety procedures and basic climbing skills under supervision. In contrast, a Tower Climber is a fully qualified professional responsible for maintenance and repairs at heights. The apprenticeship prepares individuals for the more independent Tower Climber position, with differences mainly in experience, certifications, and responsibilities.

More about Apprentice Tower Climber jobs
What cities are hiring for Apprentice Tower Climber jobs? Cities with the most Apprentice Tower Climber job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Tower Climber jobs? The most popular types of Tower Climber jobs are:
What states have the most Apprentice Tower Climber jobs? States with the most job openings for Apprentice Tower Climber jobs include:

$55K - $65K/yr

Full-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

TowerMRL and Advanced Tower Services have immediate openings for Telecommunication Tower Apprentice at entry level looking for professional and personal growth while traveling throughout the US. POSITION DOES REQUIRE LOCATION TO OUR COTTAGE GROVE, WI LOCATION WITHIN 60 TO 120 DAYS OF EMPLOYMENT. Telecommunication Tower Apprentices will learn and be trained perform a wide variety of field specific job duties. We travel throughout the US and although the travel is extensive, we look to schedule employees for 2-3 weeks in the field at a time. Time off is backlogged after each deployment. Employees wanting greater pay have the option for longer assignments. Tower Technicians must have the ability to climb heights in excess of 500 feet, lift more than 50 lbs., and have the ability to travel extensively out of state for extended periods of time, including overnight and weekends. ToweMRL/Advanced Tower Services provides all training and certifications, base pay (including travel time), individual hotel rooms and per diem pay for incidentals for overnight work days. All new employees will undergo a full tower and rescue training prior to first deployment. Tower Technicians have opportunity for extensive overtime and room for advancement.
NEW EMPLOYEES WILL BE REQUIRED TO PASS THE FOLLOWING FOR EMPLOYMENT WITH TowerMRL
Preemployment Drug Screening
Pre-employment DOT physical and must be able to obtain a medical card
Integrity Survey
Background Check
Review of Driver Record
Training and Skills Week
BENEFIT PACKAGE
TowerMRL provides a comprehensive benefits package. The company covers 50% of the benefits including, MEDICAL AND DENTAL as well as self-funded Vision Insurance. Subsidies are also provided for other benefit plans including LONG & SHORT TERM DISABILITY AND LIFE INSURANCE. There is a retirement plan company match based on the employee's salary after eligibility. TowerMRL & Advanced Tower Services provides a Professional Development Programs that offers various outlets such as industry related seminars, conferences, and internal training opportunities.
Hourly Wage - $20.00 to $22.00 per hour - $55,000 to $65,000 Annually
TowerMRL/Advanced Tower Services provides the following additional compensation:
All required fall protection equipment
CLC hotel card for payment of hotel rooms - NO REQUIREMENT TO SHARE A ROOM
$50.00 per day for meals while traveling - this is reimbursed on paychecks - Company does not advance this money under any circumstances
All required safety training
Tool & Boot Allowance - Annually
Cell phone for work and personal use - after 30 days of employment
Company Provide NWSA Credential Testing
Bonus Referral Program - $200 at Hiring - $300 after 6 months of employment
TRAINING:
Tower Technicians will learn the following skills to be able to pass the TIRAP & NWSA credentialing program to become a Telecommunication Tower Apprentice - Level 1.
OSHA 10 (Telecom)
Authorized Climber
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
Radio Frequency Awareness (RF)
Jobsite Safety Analysis (JSA)
Scope of Work (SOW)
CPR/First Aid/Blood Borne Pathogens
Technical Training
Scope of Work
Basic Rigging
Material Handling
Ropes/Knots
Drills/Saws/Grinders
Operate Trucks/trailers, and equipment
Knowledge of the DOT regulations
Load Securement
Introduction to Various Types of Structures and Appurtenances
Monopole
Self- Support
Guyed
Stealth
Rooftop
Antennas
Responsibilities
Conduct on-site inspections/investigations, including survey and documentation of existing conditions, field testing, photographing, and sketching
Utilize excavation equipment to assist in on-site investigations
Conduct tests to exacting standards as directed
Perform telecommunication tower inspections to include climbing towers in excess of 500 ft.
Organize field data
Perform general repairs, maintenance, upgrades and re-fabrication to towers and other structures as directed
Pick-up and delivery supplies, tools, equipment, components, etc., via company vehicle
Adhere to all Federal, State and Local driving requirements
Ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures, as well as additional legal regulatory requirements (i.e., OSHA)
Meticulously adhere to safety procedures and policies while maintaining quality standards
Maintain company vehicle in a clean and presentable condition
Utilize available resources, technology, and tools to complete work
Prioritize and perform job requirements and activities based on open communication with field and management personnel
Extensive travel, 2 - 3 weeks away from base office location (over 95% travel out of state (via air and company vehicle) to include weekends)
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
VALID DRIVER'S LICENSE

High School diploma is required, some college experience preferred
Good analytical and computer skills
Strong technical, written, and oral communication skills
Ability to work independently
Ability to analyze and solve problems
Ability and interest in performing work in the field
Demonstrated willingness to learn
Physical ability and the willingness to climb towers in excess of 500 feet
Physical ability to lift 50 + lbs. and be comfortable working in an outdoor environment in all types of weather
Ability to maintain an effective working relationship with workers, other department employees, and the general public
Some ability to read and interpret sketches and blueprints
Ability to obtain applicable tower climbing certifications
Ability to travel extensively out of state and for extended periods of time (travel required is 95% to include weekends and overnight)
Ability to be covered by company auto insurance plan (e.g. Good Driving Record - No DUI's or suspensions within the last 5 years and no more than 2 traffic violations (with less than 3pts. max on each violation) in the past 3 years)