Tower Technician Programs in Riverside, California

Becoming a Tower Technician in Riverside, California

Tower technicians—also known as tower climbers, cell tower technicians, or telecommunications tower technicians—play a vital role in building and maintaining the infrastructure powering wireless communications. If you’re considering a career as a tower technician in Riverside, California, understanding the job requirements, training programs, and certification options is essential. This guide explores the process of becoming a tower technician in Riverside, highlighting local training options, industry-recognized certifications, and employment opportunities in the region.

About Riverside, California

Riverside, located in Southern California’s Inland Empire, is known for its historic Mission Inn, diverse neighborhoods such as Downtown, Arlington, and La Sierra, and its thriving local economy. As the county seat of Riverside County, the city is a hub for industry and technology, making it a strategic location for telecommunications infrastructure. For more information about the city, visit the official Riverside city website.

Tower Technician Training Programs in Riverside, California

Finding the right training program is a crucial step toward a successful tower technician career. While Riverside itself has limited direct tower technician programs, several reputable options are available in the region:

1. BTS Training – Mira Loma, Riverside County

Location: Mira Loma (approximately 13 miles from central Riverside)
Program: Hands-On Tower Technician Training
BTS Training specializes in practical, hands-on training for telecommunications tower technicians. The program covers tower climbing, safety and rescue, rigging, fall protection, RF safety, and OSHA compliance. Mira Loma’s proximity to Riverside makes it a convenient option for local residents.

2. Pinnacle Career Institute – Online & Kansas City, MO (with Regional Access)

Location: Online coursework with a 10-day bootcamp in Kansas City, MO (remote learning accessible from Riverside)
Program: Tower Technician Certificate Program
Pinnacle Career Institute offers a comprehensive 30-week program that includes both online theory and an in-person bootcamp. The curriculum covers electrical fundamentals, tower safety, climbing certification, and preparation for NWSA TTT-1 certification. Though the bootcamp is out of state, many Riverside area students complete their training here due to the program’s quality and industry recognition.

3. Dreambound – Partnered Training in San Bernardino/Riverside Area

Location: Various campuses in the San Bernardino/Riverside metropolitan area (within 10–20 miles)
Program: Tower Technician Training
Dreambound partners with local schools to offer classroom and hands-on tower technician programs. Courses typically last 22 weeks and include safety, climbing, basic electricity, rigging, and first aid/CPR. These programs are tailored for those seeking entry-level positions in the industry.

Note: If attending in-person classes outside Riverside, consider commute times and whether programs offer job placement assistance.

Tower Technician Employment Opportunities in Riverside

Riverside’s position as a technology and logistics center ensures a steady demand for tower technicians. Major employers in the area include:

  • AT&T
    AT&T Careers
    AT&T is a leading telecommunications provider with infrastructure and maintenance operations throughout Riverside. Positions include tower technician, field technician, and network installer roles.

  • Crown Castle
    Crown Castle Jobs
    Crown Castle owns and operates wireless towers and small cell networks nationally, with a significant presence in the Inland Empire. They frequently hire for tower climber and maintenance roles.

  • Verizon
    Verizon Careers
    As one of the nation’s largest wireless carriers, Verizon offers positions in network support and tower maintenance, especially as 5G infrastructure expands.

  • MasTec Communications Group
    MasTec Jobs
    MasTec is a major telecommunications contractor, employing tower technicians for site builds and upgrades across the Riverside region.

  • SBA Communications
    SBA Communications Careers
    SBA manages wireless infrastructure and frequently has openings for field-based tower climbing professionals.

Most of these employers are headquartered in or have facilities in and around industrial districts, Arlington, and along the I-215 corridor.

For a broader look at the field, see the Bureau of Labor Statistics job outlook for Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers.

Prerequisites for Tower Technician Programs

Before enrolling in a tower technician program, prospective students should be aware of the following typical prerequisites:

  • Minimum Age: 18 years or older
  • Education: High school diploma or GED
  • Physical Fitness: Ability to climb towers (often up to 300 feet), lift 50+ pounds, and work outdoors in varying weather
  • Background Check: Some programs and employers require criminal background checks
  • Drug Screening: Pre-employment and/or random drug testing may be required
  • Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license for fieldwork and travel to sites

Tower Technician Certification Options

Certifications are often industry-driven and may be required by employers to demonstrate competency and safety compliance.

  • NWSA (National Wireless Safety Alliance) Certifications
    NWSA Telecommunications Tower Technician (TTT-1 & TTT-2)
    Recognized nationally, the TTT-1 and TTT-2 certifications validate core skills, safety knowledge, and climbing proficiency.

  • ComTrain Certifications
    ComTrain Tower Safety & Rescue
    ComTrain offers courses in tower climbing safety, competent climber/rescuer, and rigging. Many employers require ComTrain credentials.

  • OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training
    OSHA 10-Hour Construction
    OSHA training covers workplace safety and is often included in tower technician programs or required by employers.

  • CPR/First Aid Certification
    Red Cross or American Heart Association certifications are commonly required.

Certification is typically renewed every 2–3 years and may involve refresher training or retesting.

Get Started Today

A career as a tower technician in Riverside, California offers a pathway to stable employment, competitive pay, and opportunities for advancement in the ever-evolving telecommunications industry. With the right training, certification, and safety mindset, you can join a workforce that keeps communities connected. Take the first step by contacting a local training provider and exploring your education options today.