While many may go on Craigslist hunting for a new dresser, Ryan Dupal found a career, when — in 2013 — he stumbled on an advertisement to climb cell towers for $15 an hour.
For most, the interview process could have raised some alarms. “Put this harness on. We're going to climb 280 feet, and we're going to do some work,” Dupal recalled the technician saying. “I was like, What?! I couldn’t believe it.”
But now, being hundreds of feet (and sometimes thousands) in the sky is part of his everyday life.
“There’s nothing like being in the air,” Dupal declared.
Nowadays, he often catches himself wrapped up in the technical work to be done, forgetting to take the time to stop and look around. But every time he does, he’s always reminded of why he loves it, “getting to see views that nobody else would.”
Dupal takes pride in the peerlessness of his profession. While being a tower climber can not only be a seriously dangerous job, it is an essential support for how millions of people are living their lives today.
“We’re the very few people that do it,” he said.
Learning the ropes
While for some folks, being strapped to the top of a tower 500 feet in the air may be a kind of personal hell, for others — it’s freedom.
But there’s more to consider when becoming a tower technician than being comfortable with heights. Foremost is the fact that technicians will need to brave these heights in all kinds of weather.
“If you're from southern Florida, you better take a trip to Minnesota in the middle of the winter and stand outside for an hour,” Dupal said laughing.
But indeed, tower techs are not just climbing at golden hour in wine country. If a tower radio needs replacing at 10 p.m. in the wind, techs are typically expected to get the work done (so long as there isn’t significant danger from the weather).
Different towers in different weather also means traveling — another job trait stressful for some, but one that Dupal absolutely loves.
With employer-paid travel, meals and the chance for significant overtime pay, it presents a lucrative way of seeing different sites across the country in ways no one else would.
And the two-weeks-on, two-weeks-off rotation that is common for the job means longer breaks at a time.
“This industry is very lucrative... If you just stay focused and keep moving forward, you will move up the food chain very quickly.”
Getting ‘tower turtles’ out of their shells
Tower climbing being the singular job that it is, Dupal is eager to get more newbies — or “tower turtles” as he calls them — out in the field and properly trained.
“We’ve all been a tower turtle,” Dupal reflected: moving slowly, an iron grip on the tower and ever so cautious to get equipment passed around.
Of course, it’s understandable. Most people aren’t likely to scale 300 feet for the first time with ease and confidence. And for mentors like Dupal who’ve been in the field over a decade, keeping turtles safe is a huge priority.
“You’re their backbone,” he explained.
As more experienced folks “are phasing out” out of the industry, Dupal knows young, healthy talent is really critical. “I love tower climbing. I really enjoy being in the air. I know my body can't withstand it forever,” he said. “Anybody who climbs knows you can't do it forever.”
And because there really isn’t standardized nationwide training for tower technicians, having solid mentorship to show you the ropes really “goes a long way," he added.
It may not be a job for everyone, but Dupal urges newcomers not to give up after one rotation — advocating for both the financial and personal growth that comes with sticking around.
“Be prepared for an experience that you've never experienced before, but it's one that you'll never forget. It's very rewarding,” he concluded.
Explore a career as a tower technician through Broadband Nation's Jobs board and training portal.