How to Become A Tower Technician in Illinois
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Illinois employs approximately 780 workers in the related “Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers” category (SOC 49-2021), with a median annual wage of $61,110 1. The state’s concentration of jobs in this category is 1.79x the national average, indicating strong regional demand. Nationally, employment in this category is projected to grow 8.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,200 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a tower technician in Illinois, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
A note on salary data: The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track tower technician salaries as a separate category. The wage figures on this page are based on the closest matching BLS classification: Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers (SOC 49-2021). Actual tower technician earnings may vary.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Tower Technician in Illinois
How do I become a tower technician in Illinois? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for tower technicians in Illinois.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
What do tower technicians earn in Illinois? The BLS does not track tower technician wages separately. Based on the related “Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers” category, the median annual wage in Illinois is $61,110, with entry-level wages around $48,540 and experienced workers earning $77,630 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Illinois): $61,110 per year (based on related “Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers” category) 1
Tower Technician Wages by Metro Area in Illinois
Tower Technician Wages by Metro Area in Illinois
Note: The BLS does not track tower technician wages separately. The data below is based on the closest matching category: Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers (SOC 49-2021).
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers wages in Illinois vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis | 90 | $54,070 | $60,370 | $43,370 | $84,470 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | N/A | $61,110 | $61,570 | $48,880 | $76,480 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Explore More Trades in Illinois
- Electrician in Illinois
- Plumber in Illinois
- HVAC Technician in Illinois
- Welder in Illinois
- Carpenter in Illinois
- Solar Installation Technician in Illinois
- Auto Mechanic in Illinois
- CNC Machinist in Illinois
- Certified Nursing Assistant in Illinois
- Medical Assistant in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for tower technicians in Illinois? Illinois employs approximately 780 workers in the related “Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers” category 1. Nationally, employment in this category is projected to grow 8.6% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Illinois? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Illinois.
How much do tower technicians earn in Illinois compared to the national average? The median annual wage for tower technicians in Illinois is $61,110 (based on the related “Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers” category), which is $3,080 below the national median of $64,190 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |