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Cell Tower Maintenance Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Operating Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$45.52/hr

... a 10 cell, 12,500-ton Tower Tech cooling tower. Balance of plant equipment includes, air ... and maintenance, including startup and shutdown of utility systems and ancillary equipment in ...

... maintenance activities for utility and energy-related assets located within the Central Energy ... a 10 cell, 12,500-ton Tower Tech cooling tower. Balance of plant equipment includes, air ...

... Three Cell Pultruded Composite Structure Counterflow Cooling Tower, 120kV/13.8kV substation ... Perform all shift operations and maintenance, including startup and shutdown of utility systems and ...

O&M Technician

Marshall, MI

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

... 15-cell, 48,000-gpm modular cooling tower. Balance of plant equipment includes air compressors ... maintenance, including startup and shutdown of utility systems and ancillary equipment Perform ...

Operating Engineer

Romulus, MI · On-site

$45.52/hr

... Three Cell Pultruded Composite Structure Counterflow Cooling Tower, 120kV/13.8kV substation ... and maintenance, including startup and shutdown of utility systems and ancillary equipment in ...

O&M Technician

Marshall, MI · On-site

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

... maintenance on utility and energy-related assets located within the newly constructed Central ... 15-cell, 48,000-gpm modular cooling tower. Balance of plant equipment includes air compressors ...

Showing results 21-28

Cell Tower Maintenance information

See Michigan salary details

$10

$27

$49

How much do cell tower maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for cell tower maintenance in Michigan is $27.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.10 and $33.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cell tower maintenance technician do?

A cell tower maintenance technician is responsible for inspecting, repairing, and upgrading equipment on cellular towers to ensure reliable mobile phone and data service. Their duties include climbing towers, troubleshooting signal issues, replacing hardware, conducting routine inspections, and following strict safety protocols. This role requires technical knowledge, physical fitness, and the ability to work at significant heights, often in varying weather conditions. Cell tower maintenance is essential for maintaining the quality and coverage of wireless communication networks.

What are some common challenges faced by cell tower maintenance technicians in the field?

Cell tower maintenance technicians often encounter challenges such as working at significant heights, exposure to varying weather conditions, and troubleshooting complex equipment issues onsite. Safety is a top priority, so adhering to rigorous safety protocols and using personal protective equipment is essential. Additionally, technicians may need to respond to urgent repairs outside of regular hours and work as part of a coordinated team to ensure minimal downtime for network services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cell tower maintenance technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cell Tower Maintenance Technician, you need a solid understanding of telecommunications infrastructure, electrical systems, and safety protocols, usually supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with climbing and safety gear, RF testing tools, and systems like SCADA is typically required, along with certifications such as OSHA and tower climbing safety training. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are critical to ensuring safe, efficient tower operations and minimizing network disruptions.

What is the difference between Cell Tower Maintenance vs Cell Tower Climber?

AspectCell Tower MaintenanceCell Tower Climber
CertificationsTechnician certifications, safety trainingClimbing safety certifications, fall protection training
Work EnvironmentGround-based tasks, equipment inspectionHigh-altitude work on towers
Job ResponsibilitiesInspecting, repairing, and maintaining equipmentClimbing towers to perform inspections and repairs
Industry UsageBoth roles are essential for tower upkeep

Cell Tower Maintenance involves inspecting and repairing equipment, often from the ground or using lifts, while Cell Tower Climber focuses on physically climbing towers to perform inspections and repairs. Both roles require safety certifications and are vital for ensuring network reliability.

How much do people who work on cell phone towers make?

Cell tower maintenance technicians typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Experienced workers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages, and the job often involves working at heights and in outdoor environments.

How to become a cell tower maintenance technician?

To become a cell tower maintenance technician, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training in telecommunications or electrical systems. Many employers prefer candidates with experience in climbing, working at heights, and knowledge of tools and safety procedures; certifications such as OSHA safety training or tower climbing certifications can also be beneficial.

What are popular job titles related to Cell Tower Maintenance jobs in Michigan?

For Cell Tower Maintenance jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Cell Tower Maintenance job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% As Needed, and 82% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,231 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Operating Engineer

DTE Energy

Dearborn, MI • On-site

$45.52/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate and monitor all equipment within the Central Energy Plant to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible operation.

  • Perform shift operations, including startup, shutdown, troubleshooting, inspections, and maintenance of plant systems and equipment.

  • Respond to operational upset conditions, abnormalities, and safety hazards, taking corrective actions as needed.


DTE Energy rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 53 rated energy and utility


Job description

DTE is one of the nation's largest diversified energy companies. Our electric and gas companies have fueled our customer's homes and Michigan's progress for more than a century. And as Michigan's largest source of renewable energy, we're creating a cleaner, healthier environment to power our future. We're also serving communities beyond Michigan, where our affiliated businesses offer renewable energy, emission control technologies, and energy services to industries in 19 states. But we're more than a leading energy company... and working at DTE is more than just a job. At DTE, we take great care of each other and our customers, and we use our energy to be a force for growth and prosperity in our communities. When you join us, you'll be part of a team that welcomes, recognizes, and celebrates differences, and values everyone's health, safety, and wellbeing. Are you ready to make that kind of difference? Bring your energy to DTE. Together, we can achieve great things. The hourly rate for this position is $45.52.
Job Summary
Location: Dearborn, MI
This position will assist with the safe, efficient operation and maintenance on all equipment located within the Central Energy Plant located at Ford's Research and Engineering Campus. Work is performed as directed by Plant Management or the Lead O&M Technician. Performance is reviewed against an established set of goals and Company policies and procedures.
Plant equipment includes the following: (2) 15 MW Solar Titan 130 gas turbine generators with associated Rentech 185 KPPH Heat Recovery Steam Generator's with Duct Burners and Fresh Air Firing capability (1) Siemens-Dresser Rand 5 MW steam turbine generator (3) 27,500 MBH, and (1) 10,000 MBH steam to hot water heat exchangers, economizers, deaerators, boiler feed water pumps, condensate pumps. Also included are (4) 3,200-ton electric cooling only centrifugal chillers and (2) heating/cooling chillers (one 1,200-ton and one 1,800-ton) with an associated 5.3 MM gallon thermal storage tank and a 10 cell, 12,500-ton Tower Tech cooling tower. Balance of plant equipment includes, air compressors, water treatment systems, filters, instrumentation, PLC controls and 15/5 kV, 480 V and 125 Vdc electrical systems.
Work involves performing some difficult and complex functions requiring a high level of independent judgment, initiative and discretion. Work shifts rotate and the Operating Engineer frequently works alone.
Key Accountabilities
• Ensure that equipment is operated in a safe, efficient and environmentally responsible manner while satisfying Customer's utility and energy requirements
• Comply with all site safety requirements and procedures
• Perform all shift operations and maintenance, including startup and shutdown of utility systems and ancillary equipment in single person operations
• Perform operations in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOP's) and prudent safety standards in single person operations
• Ability to respond to operational upset conditions in the plant
• Participation in the basic safety processes as key member of the Site Safety committee, leading monthly safety meetings and having a shared responsibility for the site's overall safety performance
• Respond to abnormalities and perform corrective actions consistent with established operating procedures and prudent industry best practices
• Conduct multiple rounds per shift of the Central Energy Plant to inspect equipment, ensure systems are functional, collect/log performance data, and communicate operational problems as they arise
• Read and record gauges and meters and record all operating data using handheld electronic tablet
• Identify safety hazards and take corrective actions as necessary
• Ensure accuracy of shift operating logs, records, time sheets, work orders, and other administrative documents related to Central Energy Plant assets
• Perform routine water chemistry testing and makes necessary adjustments to optimize efficiency
• Check daily consumption rates of chemicals, gases, fuels, water and other consumables; monitor inventories and initiate action to replenish as needed
• Perform plant electrical switching and lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) of equipment in accordance with approved procedures and prudent operations and maintenance best practices
• Perform electrical and mechanical inspections, troubleshooting, and maintenance tasks as assigned
• Investigate plant problems, incidents, accidents and unusual events, and provide accurate information, analysis, recommendations, reports, and appropriate follow-up plans
• Perform routine operational tests and adjustments on all plant systems and components as required
• Develop, assist, and revise operations and maintenance related procedures to ensure optimal performance of systems
• Perform and maintain plant housekeeping duties
• Perform routine preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on all systems and equipment
• Update and maintain Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)
• Communicate pertinent information to company personnel, customers and vendors
• Communicate shift activities with relief person during shift changes
• Assist other team members and works with all departments to support corporate and plant goals
• Work scheduled and unscheduled overtime and respond to off-hour call-ins as needed
• Leads and participates in assigned continuous improvement efforts throughout the facility
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Becomes Subject Matter Expert or system representative on assigned systems
Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent
• At least five (5) years of power plant experience in operations and maintenance with a City of Dearborn or City of Detroit First Class Stationary Engineer license and Universal Refrigerant license
• Must have knowledge of utility plant mechanical and electrical equipment, including gas turbines, HRSG's, motors, pumps, mechanical chillers, hot water generators, fluid systems, chemical handling, water treatment systems, pollution control equipment, AC/DC electrical distribution, control systems, and associated maintenance functions
• Experience with at least four (4) of the following systems: natural gas fired combustion turbines, natural gas fired engines, heat recovery steam generators (HRSG), electrical systems, chilled water systems, hot water systems, compressed air, reverse osmosis, water softeners and emissions control systems
• Knowledge of and experience with at least four (4) of the following skills: pipefitting, welding, machining, rigging, rotating machine repair, fabrication, machine alignment, basic vibration analysis, and basic understanding of electrical test equipment
• Ability to learn and become proficient in all site-specific systems and sub-systems
• Ability to complete site-specific qualification training and periodic testing
• Knowledge of plant safety policies, and procedures, especially in areas such as chemical handling, energy systems, confined spaces, fire suppression, and first aid
• Knowledge of and ability to understand fundamental principles related to physics, mathematics, AC/DC electrical theory, heat transfer, fluid flow, thermal dynamics and chemistry
• Knowledge of water chemistry and power plant chemical applications
• Ability to operate valves, switches, controls, keyboards, and other devices associated with power plants
• Ability to use basic hand tools, portable electric, pneumatic tools, and basic rigging equipment such as winches, hoists and slings
• Ability to locate, troubleshoot, and correct problems with mechanical and electrical system and ancillary equipment
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing
• Ability to operate testing equipment
• Familiarity with Allen Bradley PLC interfaces
• Experience with CMMS
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) and email
Additional Qualifications
The physical demands characterized here epitomize those that must be met by an employee to properly perform the integral functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. In order to properly perform the integral functions of this job, the employee is required to:
  • Frequently sit, stand, walk or climb and occasionally stoop, kneel or crawl
  • Talk and hear; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms extensively
  • Frequently lift objects of up to 35 pounds in weight and occasionally lift or move objects of up to 50 pounds in weight
  • Occasionally push or pull up to 70 pounds in weight
  • Vision requirements for this position include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus

Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions, including extreme heat/cold, wet and/or humid conditions. Occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and vibration. Regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and/or machinery. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
PRIVACY NOTICE TO CALIFORNIA JOB APPLICANTS
At DTE Energy, we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and a sense of belonging. We seek individuals with a heart for service, a passion to help our communities prosper, and ideas to help shape the future of energy. We are proud to be an equal opportunity, employer that considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, national origin, citizenship, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable federal and/or state laws.

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