Tower Technician Programs in Denver, Colorado

Becoming a Tower Technician in Denver, Colorado

Tower technicians—also called tower climbers or cell tower technicians—play a vital role in Colorado’s expanding telecommunications industry. These highly trained professionals are responsible for building, maintaining, and repairing cellular and broadcast towers, working at heights to ensure seamless wireless connectivity. As demand for wireless infrastructure grows across the state, Denver stands out as a prime location for launching a rewarding career as a tower technician.

Aspiring tower technicians in Denver can choose from several education and training pathways, including hands-on certification programs, specialized safety courses, and industry-recognized apprenticeships. This guide explores local training options, certification requirements, employment opportunities, and the steps you need to take to start your tower technician career in Denver, Colorado.

About Denver, Colorado

Denver, known as the “Mile High City,” is the capital and largest city in Colorado, located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains City of Denver Official Website. Home to diverse neighborhoods like LoDo, Capitol Hill, and Cherry Creek, Denver boasts a thriving technology sector and serves as a hub for major telecommunications companies. The city’s robust infrastructure, scenic surroundings, and growing population make it an ideal location for those interested in careers related to wireless technology and telecommunications.

Tower Technician Training Programs in Denver, Colorado

Denver offers several reputable tower technician training programs, as well as additional options in nearby communities. Below are the top local and regional training providers:

1. Axxess Connect Climbing School (ACS) – Denver, CO

  • Location: Metro Denver Area
  • Program: Tower Safety and Rescue Certification
  • Overview: ACS provides comprehensive Tower Safety Climbing and Rescue courses, fulfilling OSHA, ANSI, and industry safety standards. The curriculum covers tower climbing regulations, fall protection, equipment inspection, climbing techniques, and rescue procedures. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training on actual towers.
  • Duration & Cost: $1,350 for the main certification course; climbing gear can be purchased for $1,800 (or provided for use). Additional courses include Field Installation Quality Assurance ($995) and OSHA 10/CPR ($295).
  • Website: Axxess Connect Climbing School

2. Technical Rescue Systems (TRS) – Fort Collins, CO (approx. 65 miles from Denver)

  • Location: Fort Collins, CO
  • Program: Authorized Climber, Advanced Climber, and Custom Climber Courses
  • Overview: TRS delivers hands-on tower climbing safety and rescue training, with courses ranging from one to four days. The curriculum includes comprehensive instruction in climbing regulations, rescue operations, equipment handling, rigging, and emergency planning.
  • Website: Technical Rescue Systems

3. Elevated Safety – Regional Training (Denver-based courses available)

  • Location: Training events held in the Denver metro area
  • Program: Competent Tower Climber and Rescuer Course
  • Overview: Elevated Safety offers a two-day, 16-hour program focusing on both classroom and practical skills. Students learn safe climbing, fall protection, rescue techniques, and are evaluated through written and practical exams.
  • Website: Elevated Safety

If you are searching for additional options, programs like Safety LMS and Comtrain offer in-person and online tower safety courses that may be available in the broader Colorado region.

Tower Technician Employment Opportunities in Denver

Denver’s status as a telecommunications hub means numerous employers are regularly seeking qualified tower technicians. Here are several major companies and organizations with operations or hiring opportunities in the Denver area:

1. American Tower Corporation

  • Overview: American Tower owns and operates thousands of wireless and broadcast towers across the U.S., including critical infrastructure in Colorado.
  • Opportunities: Careers range from entry-level tower climber positions to advanced technical and supervisory roles.
  • Employment Page: American Tower Careers

2. Crown Castle

  • Overview: Crown Castle is a leading provider of shared communications infrastructure, with a significant presence in Denver and surrounding areas.
  • Opportunities: Regularly hires for tower technician and related field roles.
  • Employment Page: Crown Castle Careers

3. Mountain Wireless Contractors Inc.

  • Location: Denver, CO (with projects throughout Colorado)
  • Overview: Specializes in tower construction, installation, and maintenance services.
  • Opportunities: Offers positions for tower hands, tower technicians, top hands, and foremen.
  • Employment Page: Mountain Wireless Contractors Careers

Other regional employers include Eastex Tower LLC, InfraServices, and Resound Networks LLC—all of which often advertise tower technician roles within the greater Denver metropolitan area.

Prerequisites for Tower Technician Programs

Most tower technician training programs and employers in Denver require candidates to meet the following prerequisites:

  • Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED
  • Age Requirement: Typically 18 years or older
  • Physical Fitness: Ability to lift up to 75 pounds, climb towers, and work at significant heights in various weather conditions
  • Legal Requirements: Valid driver’s license, ability to pass a background check, and pre-employment drug screening
  • Technical Aptitude: Mechanical skills and experience with hand/power tools are strongly preferred
  • Other: Some employers give preference to veterans and those with prior experience in electrical or mechanical trades

Tower Technician Certification Options

Certification is a crucial component of a tower technician’s career, ensuring safety and industry compliance. The following certifications are widely recognized and often required by employers:

1. NWSA (National Wireless Safety Alliance) Certifications

  • Certifications: NWSA offers the Telecommunication Tower Technician 1 (TTT-1) and Telecommunication Tower Technician 2 (TTT-2) credentials.
  • Details: These certifications validate knowledge and practical skills for tower work at various levels.
  • Official Website: NWSA

2. ComTrain Certifications

  • Certifications: ComTrain provides Competent Climber/Rescuer and Train the Trainer certifications, which are accepted by most major telecommunications companies.
  • Official Website: ComTrain

3. OSHA Safety Certifications

  • Certifications: OSHA 10-hour and 30-hour Construction Safety certifications are often required.
  • Details: These demonstrate a foundational understanding of workplace safety and health standards.
  • Learn more: OSHA Training

4. Additional Industry Certifications

  • TIA (Telecommunications Industry Association) Certification: Focuses on tower safety, rigging, and antenna installation.
  • RF Safety Awareness Certification: Essential for working safely around radiofrequency hazards.

Certification renewal is typically required every three years, and continuing education is recommended to stay current with evolving technology and safety protocols.

Get Started Today

A career as a tower technician in Denver, Colorado, offers robust job prospects, competitive salaries, and advancement opportunities in a dynamic industry. With the right training, certification, and commitment to safety, you can become an essential part of Colorado’s telecommunications workforce.

Ready to take the next step? Contact a local school or training provider to learn more about their programs, and start your journey toward becoming a qualified tower technician today.

For additional information on job outlook and national statistics for telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook page.