Data Center Technician
NTT Global Data Centers – Ashburn, VA
How much does a Cell Phone Tower Climber make in the United States? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cell Phone Tower Climber in the United States is $76,032 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, a Cell Phone Tower Climber's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:
Cell Phone Tower Climber Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $85,826 | $7,152 | $1,651 | $41 |
| Average | $76,032 | $6,336 | $1,462 | $37 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,900 | $5,742 | $1,325 | $33 |
A Cell Phone Tower Climber's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Cell Phone Tower Climber's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Telecommunications Technician I | less than 1 year | $58,971 |
| Cell Phone Tower Climber | 1-2 years | $73,991 |
| Telecommunications Technician III | 2-4 years | $87,259 |
| Telecommunications Supervisor I | 5-8 years | $83,419 |
| Telecommunications Supervisor II | over 8 years | $127,075 |
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Cell Phone Tower Climbers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Cell Phone Tower Climber professionals enter the field with a high school degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Cell Phone Tower Climber with a high school is between $66,999 and $71,770.
| Typical Education for Cell Phone Tower Climber | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Degree | 1.6% |
| High School | 38.7% |
| Associate's Degree | 37.1% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 21.8% |
| Master's Degree or MBA | 0.8% |
| JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent | 0% |
Understanding how a Cell Phone Tower Climber's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $85,826 | $7,152 | $1,651 | $41 |
| Average | $76,032 | $6,336 | $1,462 | $37 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,900 | $5,742 | $1,325 | $33 |
Salaries for a Cell Phone Tower Climber can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $56,652 in 2023 to around $55,802 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Cell Phone Tower Climber salary trends, click here.
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $56,652 |
| 2024 | $56,058 |
| 2025 | $55,802 |
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The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Cell Phone Tower Climber roles, with salaries approximately 80% above the market median.
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