Tower Technician Programs in Overland Park, Kansas

Becoming a Tower Technician in Overland Park, Kansas

A career as a tower technician, often called a tower climber or cell tower technician, offers a unique blend of technical challenge, physical activity, and critical contribution to modern communications infrastructure. Tower technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing telecommunications equipment on towers and other elevated structures, ensuring strong cellular, radio, and wireless signals that keep communities connected. In Overland Park, Kansas, the demand for skilled telecommunications tower technicians continues to grow, fueled by ongoing investments in wireless networks, 5G deployment, and broadband expansion.

This guide covers the essential steps to becoming a tower technician in Overland Park, including local training programs, industry certifications, employment opportunities, and what to expect as you enter this rewarding field.

About Overland Park

Overland Park is the second-largest city in Kansas and a key part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. Known for its vibrant business community, excellent schools, and diverse neighborhoods such as Downtown Overland Park, Oak Park, and the Corporate Woods district, the city provides a supportive environment for career and technical education. Overland Park’s economic growth and commitment to infrastructure make it an attractive location for aspiring tower technicians. Learn more about the city at the official Overland Park website.

Tower Technician Training Programs in Overland Park, Kansas

While Overland Park itself does not currently have a dedicated tower technician training school, several excellent options are available nearby. These programs provide both classroom and hands-on instruction required to prepare for industry certifications and entry-level employment.

1. Pinnacle Career Institute – Kansas City, MO (Approx. 20 miles from Overland Park)
Pinnacle Career Institute offers an accredited 30-week Tower Technician program. The curriculum combines online coursework with an 80-hour, in-person boot camp in Kansas City, covering tower safety, climbing skills, telecommunications equipment, rigging, and rescue techniques. Students earn certifications including OSHA-10 Construction, CPR/First Aid, and the National Wireless Safety Alliance (NWSA) Telecommunications Tower Technician 1 (TTT-1) credential. PCI provides job placement support and financial aid options for eligible students.

2. Comtrain – Regional Training Locations
Comtrain is a nationally recognized provider offering tower safety, rescue, and rigging courses that meet OSHA and ANSI standards. While Comtrain does not have a permanent facility in Overland Park, they regularly hold training sessions throughout the greater Kansas City area. Their programs include Competent Climber/Rescuer and Authorized Climber/Rescuer certifications, both highly valued by employers.

3. Texas Technical and Electrical Training Center – Wichita, KS (Approx. 200 miles from Overland Park)
The Texas Technical and Electrical Training Center offers a Certified Tower Technician course with 120 hours of state-funded training. The program covers telecommunications regulations, tower climbing, rigging, LTE installation, basic electricity, first aid/CPR, and OSHA-10. Though located in Wichita, this program is a strong option for those willing to travel for comprehensive training.

These programs are the closest to Overland Park and provide the knowledge, practical skills, and certifications needed to launch a career as a telecommunications tower technician.

Tower Technician Employment Opportunities in Overland Park

Overland Park and the surrounding Kansas City metro are home to several major telecommunications and tower service companies that frequently hire tower technicians:

1. AT&T – Kansas City Metro
AT&T Careers
AT&T operates network infrastructure and wireless services throughout the area. Their Kansas City operations center supports regional wireless and broadband networks, with technical roles based in and around Overland Park.

2. T-Mobile – Overland Park
T-Mobile Careers
T-Mobile’s regional headquarters is located in Overland Park, employing many professionals in network maintenance, tower operations, and engineering.

3. Nextlink Internet – Kansas City Region
Nextlink Careers
Nextlink Internet is a growing provider of broadband and wireless internet services in Kansas and the Midwest. They regularly seek tower technicians for installation and maintenance roles with competitive pay.

4. Crown Castle – Kansas City Area
Crown Castle Careers
Crown Castle is a leading owner and operator of cell towers and fiber networks. Their Kansas City office supports regional tower and small cell projects.

Many of these employers are located in prominent business districts such as Corporate Woods, Oak Park, and the greater Kansas City area, offering a range of career opportunities for certified technicians.

Prerequisites for Tower Technician Programs

To enroll in a tower technician training program in Kansas or nearby, candidates typically need to meet the following prerequisites:

  • Minimum age of 18 years
  • High school diploma or GED equivalency
  • Ability to pass a physical exam confirming suitability for climbing and working at heights
  • Sufficient strength to lift and carry up to 70 pounds
  • Good vision and hearing
  • No medical conditions or medications that would impair safe climbing or working at heights
  • Ability to pass a drug screening and background check

Some programs may require a basic aptitude test or interview to assess readiness for technical training and fieldwork.

Tower Technician Certification Options

Industry-recognized certifications are essential for launching a tower technician career and are often required by employers. The most common certifications include:

  • NWSA Telecommunications Tower Technician 1 (TTT-1):
    Offered by the National Wireless Safety Alliance, this certification demonstrates fundamental climbing, safety, and technical skills. Many training programs, including PCI, prepare students specifically for the NWSA TTT-1 exam.

  • Comtrain Certifications:
    Comtrain provides Authorized Climber/Rescuer and Competent Climber/Rescuer certifications, covering fall protection, rescue procedures, and rigging.

  • OSHA-10 Construction:
    This 10-hour safety card, available through many training providers, is a foundational requirement for working on construction sites, including telecommunications towers.

  • CPR and First Aid Certification:
    Required for all tower climbers to respond to medical emergencies on site.

Certification is primarily industry-based and not regulated by the state of Kansas. Employers may have additional preferred or required credentials based on their internal safety and training standards.

Get Started Today

A career as a tower technician offers rewarding work, competitive pay, and strong job security in an essential industry. If you are ready to climb toward a new career, research local training programs, review the prerequisites, and take the first step by contacting a school today. With the right training and certifications, you can join the next generation of telecommunications professionals making a real impact in Overland Park, Kansas, and beyond.

For more information about the job outlook for tower technicians, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers page.