In the age of drones and automation, a man from South Dakota still does a remarkably risky job: every six months he climbs a giant telecom tower to replace a single light bulb.
The Man With the Light Bulb on Top of the World
Kevin Schmidt of Sioux Falls Tower and Communications is one of the few specialists in the United States who regularly climb structures reaching nearly half a kilometre into the sky. His job is to maintain and replace the warning lights on towers – these are what signal the presence of an obstacle to aircraft flying at night over South Dakota.
460 Metres and Thousands of Viewers
The tower, which Schmidt climbs twice a year, is about 457 metres tall – taller than the Empire State Building. The ascent itself takes up to two hours and demands extreme precision, excellent fitness and nerves of steel. The video showing the process has gone viral – it has already been watched millions of times on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. Drone footage shows the man climbing with a tool bag, and at the top he replaces a tiny light bulb, on which flight safety depends.
How Much Does a Man Who Changes Light Bulbs at 1,500 Feet Really Earn?
Many rumours circulate online about Schmidt’s huge earnings – some sources even mention $20,000 for a single ascent. However, the actual pay is much lower. According to newer information, workers of this type receive about $200 per bulb change, which corresponds to market rates for high-altitude work in the US.
Such a large discrepancy shows how often jobs requiring courage, precision and experience are undervalued. Although Schmidt is not a millionaire, his work is hugely important for air traffic safety.
What Makes Him Irreplaceable?
Some viewers joke that the lights on towers should be replaced by drones or powered by solar energy. The problem is that such tall structures are often located in places where precision and safety do not allow for automation. Many tasks must be performed by a human – by hand, with full control, in extreme wind conditions reaching 60 miles per hour.
The Invisible Heroes of Heights
What would be a nightmare of heights for most people has become routine for Kevin Schmidt. He climbs systematically, documents his expeditions with selfies from the clouds, and his calm and professionalism earn admiration from internet users.
His story reminds us that heroes are not always the ones on the screen – sometimes they are people who risk their lives every half year so that we can safely look at the night sky.
