Tower Climber Equipment and Prices

Where safety is concerned, no price is too high, but what equipment is really needed? What can you wait on and the biggest question of all, how much will it cost? A lot of companies will either supply the equipment you need to get started or take care of it for you. Some places though, may require you to purchase tour own equipment, then reimburse you or it will come off as a tax write-off (yeah business expenses).

Safety Harness – Arguably the most important piece of equipment for any tower climber, especially a newbie. These come in a wide variety of styles and are made from several different materials, many are equipped with added padding for comfort, different colors for safety (or style) and even built in tool belts.

The least expensive one that was found on an internet search starts at $283.00, not including tax or shipping. From there, they average seems to be $300-450.00. One deluxe model runs just above $600 and is made of a lightweight aluminum, with six adjustable straps for an amazing fit. It also has quick lock closures and back support.

Helmets – Just because they are for safety, doesn’t mean they can’t be comfortable as well. A few select models are available with a favorite team logo, making them easily identifiable. Unlike a construction workers helmet, the hard hat for a tower climber needs a strap (for obvious reasons).

Overall, these run from $100 to $160. Models come in different colors, but the really important differences in these helmets is ventilation and material. When you are working in the heat, head sweat is not only gross, but dangerous if it gets in your eyes. Some of the models had removable built in head lamps, but without these, a headlamp can be secured to almost any model.

Carabineers – Do not, I repeat DO NOT use the ones you can buy at the grocery store for a buck or two. The Carabineers needed for climbing are safety rated by weight. It goes without saying that you need to get one rated for your weight PLUS the weight of your tools and equipment.

Compared to helmets and harnesses, a carabineer is relatively inexpensive. Most are under $100, just keep in mind that you will want to buy multiple carabineers. The low end of the spectrum is $20 a piece, with a higher end just under the $100 mark. Shape and the ability to lock it into place are big factors when pricing.

Gloves – For a tower climber, any old glove will not do. Gloves will get a lot of use and need to be replaced several times per year. The very basic gloves designed for climbing cost less than a single carabineer, but, grip and fit are important. Surfaces may be wet, hot, cold, sticky, slippery who knows what else. If gloves are too big, they could slip off your hands, too tight and your hands will ache by the end of the day.

Basic black ones, I found starting at $4-10. A really nice pair was found for $20. With the exception of one sight which had a single pair of gloves for $90, I found few that were above $30-35.00. If you are going to spend $90 for climbing gloves, ask if you can pay that 5 more times throughout the year. Most will settle for a pair with a good fir and a great grip.

There are a few more things to factor in such as boots, bags and rope, but these are a bit more discretionary and, with some exceptions, don’t have to meet rigorous safety standards. Just for the equipment listed above be prepared to spend $473 (price factored for four carabineers and a $10 pair of gloves) to $1,200 to get all of your equipment situated. If your budget is more in the $500-700 range, it will require smart shopping on your part. If even the $473 is making your debit card cringe, see if any of your co-workers have something extra they would be willing to let you borrow.

Tower Climber Equipment and Prices

Tower Climbing - More than the Usual Career

The life of a tower climber is not one for many. It is a highly specialized occupation that requires focus and precision.

What if you had the kind of job where you had to climb thousand foot structures on a daily basis for major cell phone carriers that care more about money than they do about your well being? Instead of being in the trenches with the thousands of tower climbers, these corporate professionals can more likely be found in the board room or on a corporate jet totally detached from the realities of the industrial hazards and pressures.

I think time is the worst factor because it wears down the mind in an insidious manner. Work environments vary and all are extreme. There are many factors at play that when all combined could result in a catastrophic injury. Workers climb on a daily basis so they are very confident about doing their job, which could lead to a serious lack of judgment that could result in fatalities.



Tower climbers are well aware of the choice they make when they decide to climb towers. A major precaution is when you get comfortable doing something, almost with everything, it is human nature to relax and take shortcuts, as you find ways to get results regardless of unfavorable conditions. In other words, it is human nature to push the limits and it is easy to take chances.

The difference between someone who does not take extreme occupational risks and tower climbers is that the slightest bit of error in their job could be fatal. It is not unusual that this risk usually comes with inadequate insurance.

Another factor to be mindful of is location, which determines weather, which is another factor. Regardless of the weather towers have to be climbed because consumers are not going to stop using their cell phones. As a matter of fact, nowadays people are using cell phones even more. There are more towers being built for the growing number of mobile telephone users everyday. And that is a good thing. More towers, more jobs.

But the reality is that with so many opportunities, there are so many things to consider. For instance the weather, which is out of control of everybody’s hands. For instance, if you are not from California or working in California, the time of the year matters because there are some places where it snows or rains profusely that may interfere with the safety of the worksite. Many jobs are in the east and midwest where the weather is takes drastic turns.

Tower climbers usually go out to the middle of nowhere to work. One of the bad things about that is if there is an accident on the worksite, most likely it would take longer for the help to arrive on the scene. When every minute saved or lost can make the difference between life and death, workers should have the security and comfort knowing that the most that can be done will be done by the employer to assist them and their crew.

Tower climbing is a high demanding occupation. And it is very likely that it will remain that way in the future as growth and expansion of the wireless industry continues. The outlook is good, as long as everyone’s outlook is considered.

Tower Climbing - More than the Usual Career

Tower Climber Staffing Agency: Benefits

There are different ways of getting a job as a tower climber. But one method that has stood the test of time is that of using a staffing agency. Different agencies offer different services. There are many tower climber agencies out there that you can start with. But before that, it is important to note some of the benefits a person would get from using an agency rather going alone to look for a job. Tower Climber agencies specialize in providing industry specific data, statistics, news and important updates.

● Saves Time

“Time is money” is a familiar saying. This keeps many of us running against time to try to reach our goals. Have you ever asked yourself how much time you consume visiting different sites to seek a job? Agencies are making things simpler for you to locate that perfect job and eliminate the wasteful tasks. For instance, there is no need to travel to different destinations to find that job. Instead, a smarter way is to subscribe to an agency, sit back and wait for a call.

● Saves Money

As a job applicant you can end up spending a lot of money that would have otherwise been used for other necessary things. While you are managing your resources and life during this job search time, you can see where you can find ways to save.

● Numerous Opportunities

You get to choose from a wider pool of jobs. When you go to look for a tower climber job in an agency, you are exposed to numerous job opportunities that you could not have otherwise been aware.

● Better Pay

Jobs that are sought for through a staffing agency are better paying than jobs that are gotten individually. This is because the agencies usually bargain the pay on your behalf so that they may get their cut. Their bargaining power is usually good and the employee stands to benefit more.

Features of a Good Tower Climber Staffing Agency

Let’s look at some of the features that make a good tower climber staffing agency.

● Registered

A good tower climber staffing agency should be registered with the appropriate organizations. This shows credibility and such a company can be trusted.

● Company Website

A good company should also have an active website. This is one of the easiest ways of knowing the legitimacy of a company. If a company is serious enough, then they should have a nice website that allows members to interact. The website should also offer a platform where members can update their personal info.

● Reliable Staffing Associates

A good tower climber staffing agency should have reliable staffing associates who help the registrant in securing job opportunities. Make sure that your calls and emails are being returned and responded to as needed.

● Process, Policy and Procedures

Make sure that your tower climber staffing agency should have the best process, policies and procedures that allows tower climbers to quickly apply, have access to constant updated job information and gain employment with jobs in which they qualify.

From the above mentioned tips, it can be concluded that using a staffing agency to get a tower climber position is by no doubt the best method.

Tower Climber Staffing Agency: Benefits

Largest Tower Climbing Companies in the US

With so many companies to work for, there is a lot to think about when applying. Larger companies are more likely to have benefits and relocation potential. It can however, be harder to move up in a larger company.

Crown Castle-  In 1994, Crown Castle started with just over 100 tower in Southwest Texas. Today they own over 22,000 towers in the United States and 1,600 in Australia. They have been able to rise up through technological advancements and innovations. Their tower tenants include most of the major wireless carriers.

American Tower - Though the corporate office is in the United States, American Tower has almost 15,000 towers all over the world. The have locations in Peru, Ghana, Uganda, South Africa, Germany, India, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Mexico. The have over 2,800 employees.

SBA Communications-  By striving to build better communications, as their motto says, they have reached nearly 15,000 towers. The specialize in vertical growth, utilizing rooftop towers, as well as, traditional towers. They are one of the preferred companies to work with for those in the wireless communication indusry.

United States Cellular Company- Headquartered in Chicago, IL, US Cellular is approaching the 5,000 mark as far as towers it operates. The have a strong customer centered motto that they live by. They have really begun to make a name for themselves within the last few years and expected to grow.

KGI Wireless- This company works hand-in-hand with Verizon Wireless, Time Warner, Mediacom Communications, and Charter Communications. All together it owns 18,000 towers in 7,000 cities. It is one of the fastest growing companies in the United States.

T-Mobile Towers- With one tower in China and many in Puerto Rico and across the United States, a total of just over 1000, T-Mobile Towers, associated with T-Mobile, provides service to 30 million customers. The company has won the J.D Power and Associates award multiple times.

Affiniti- Affiniti specializes in rural networking, bringing fast efficient communications to areas where it may otherwise be unavailable. Formerly Trillion Partners, they now have nearly 700 towers across the United States.

South Carolina Educational TV- As this name implies, this company reaches out to the educational needs of South Carolina with some 600 towers. Of these, eleven are strictly transmission towers. Those the area it serves may seem small, it is also close-knit and specialized.

Insite Towers- Serving exclusively the United States, Insite Towers has nearly 600 towers across the US, with the majority being in Texas and many more around the Southwestern and Southeastern US. Those who are involved in the operation of this company have been industry leaders for 20 years on average.

Union Pacific Railroad Company- More than just railroads, Union Pacific has been a part of connecting America since 1848. It has not remained in the past though, today Union Pacific operates more than 1,500 towers nationwide. Some of these towers are 500 feet while others are 40. Their towers are even maintained in the winter, reached via snow cats when necessary.

These are just some of the thousands of companies that have an outstanding reputation in their field. If a certain city, state or country calls to you, there is almost a guarantee that a company serves the area. There is always the option to apply with an up and coming company an be an insider as it grows or get in on the ground floor with an established company. In the end, the choice is yours.

Largest Tower Climbing Companies in the US

Tower Climber Training, Tower Foreman, Tower Project Managers

Many companies that hire tower climbers have their own training and certification processes. There is, however, an alternative. Some one may take the classes with an external company to give them an edge for a career with the company they want. Even if someone has been a tower climber for many year, retaking a class can give a sort of refresher or update to keep him or her ahead of the game.

Aside from the technical and electrical aspects of tower climbing, courses similar to the ones listed below focus just on the climbing, safety, and foreman aspects.


Tower Climbing Safety – It may be called something different from location to location, but this course should include a classroom lecture and hands on training. The hands on training in the class room is designed to get students comfortable with; the rigging apparatus, ropes, harnesses, lanyard, and connections.

After the lecture portion, student will have the opportunity to utilize their skills on a tower. This is where they learn how to climb and maneuver. The practice tower is usually 50-150 feet. This also give students the opportunity to come to grasp with the heights and for businesses to evaluate their new hires.

Climber safety and rescue- The class of this equivalent should meet or exceed OSHA standards. This is where a student will learn the specifics of working on wind turbines, water tanks, wireless and broadcast towers. Topics covered in a course such as this are ANSI standards, PPE, NATE Climber Training Standards, fall protection and rescue.

This course is generally taught over several days.Even upon completion of this type of course, it is still recommended that the student be teamed up with an experienced climber who is used to varied conditions.

Certification – This will vary a bit depending on the company and if it is a general course or one taught by a specific employer. In general, students will learn what their roles and responsibilities as climbers are, company policy (which varies from company to company), different types of knots, varying rope types and qualities, maintaining equipment, descending, a safety plan (for different situations), OSHA standards, self-rescue and coworker rescue.

If it hasn’t already been covered, this is where trainees will learn how to identify potentially dangerous, usually unseen hazards, such as burning in legs as a symbol of EF radiation. All those unexpected situations, like sudden storms and dangling wires, will be covered to ensure the safety all personnel.

The following courses may or may not be required depending on employer, state laws, pay grade and position, but can be beneficial to anyone in a tower climbing related job.

Advanced Climber and Rescuer- Recommended for supervisors, crew leader and oversees or anyone who wants to apply for one of these positions. It will cover topics taught in the basic climber courses, but more in depth. This type of course should comply with OSHA, NATE, and ANSI training standards.

For those who want to keep their feet on the ground most companies offer courses in Safety and Rescue designed for non-climbers – Specifically laid out to teach ground workers, managers, CSR, engineers, and safety inspectors what safe climbing practices are. Though they may not be up on a tower, it is everyone’s responsibility to watch out for the safety of everyone on the crew.

Roles and responsibilities relating to their specific position will be covered. Theses student will also learn some of the items of importance climbers learned, such as, knots, equipment, tower hazards, site hazards, inspection, care, controlled descent, maintenance and rescue (self and co-worker).

It is common practice to have those in the non-climber courses oversee those in the climbing courses. There is usually some sort of assessment given afterwards where they pick out the proper gear and act as crew chief.

These are just some of the courses that may be taught, but these are the foundation, the groundwork for anyone wanting a career in any of the fields that relate to tower climbing. It has been said before, but it is worth reiteration, safety is everyone’s responsibility, not just those who climb but those on the ground as well. Everyone must be a team looking out for the best interests of everyone.

Tower Climber Training, Tower Foreman, Tower Project Managers