Job Opportunities in Energy: Wind Turbine Technician
By Sammie Trvalik, Earth Forward Group
Published October 13, 2022. Updated April 30, 2024.
October is Energy Awareness Month, promoting building optimization and management, energy resilience, and the use of advanced energy technologies to build a more sustainable future. This month, Earth Forward Group celebrates the rapidly accelerating growth of green energy jobs. Each week, we will be highlighting career opportunities in the energy sector for entry-level professionals, seasoned workers, and career-changers. Green job skills are in high demand — we will cover which valuable skills and certifications will help you land the job for each position.
This week, we are focusing on another rapidly growing career opportunities in renewable energy — the wind turbine service technician, or wind tech. This position is the fastest growing occupation in the United States, in part because of its particular low barrier to entry compared to the other trades as there are no mandatory licensing requirements.
The following information for a Wind Turbine Technician was collected from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2024:
Average Salary: $61,770/yr ($29.70/hr)
Entry-level Education: Recommended to have a post-secondary non-degree award
29% have a high school diploma
34% have a high school diploma and relevant certification(s)
22% have some college experience
Number of Jobs (2022): 11,200
Projected Growth (over next 10 years): 45% (Much faster than average)
Background: Not required, trade experience in electrical, construction useful
Key Benefits:
Required paid overtime
High demand in areas with low cost of living
High percentage of self-employed workers
Extensive on-the-job training
Job Duties:
Inspect the exterior and physical integrity of wind turbine towers
Climb wind turbine towers to inspect or repair wind turbine equipment
Perform routine maintenance on wind turbines
Test and troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic components and systems
Replace worn or malfunctioning components
Collect turbine data for testing or research and analysis
Service underground transmission systems, wind field substations, or fiber optic sensing and control systems
Skills:
Communication skills
Detail oriented
Mechanical skills
Physical stamina
Physical strength
Troubleshooting skills
Certification, Training, Licensing: There are no consistent requirements for wind techs, but the following are examples of useful opportunities to make yourself more marketable in the industry.
Wind Energy Education and Training Programs interactive map (all accredited programs)
ENSA North America, Inc. (working at heights)
HYTORC (tool safety)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) (electrical safety
OSHA-10 (construction safety)
Certificate in Wind Energy Technology
Drivers License
Electrical license
Tower climbing
Self-rescue
Employers:
Electric power generation: 32%
Repair and maintenance: 25%
Utility system construction: 21%
Self-employed workers: 7%
Professional, scientific, and technical services: 3%
Tour a wind turbine!
See CareerWatch’s video: Become a Wind Turbine Tech in 2021? Salary, Jobs, Education
Browse these sites to find green jobs and other impactful careers:
Green Jobs Network and Job Board
EERE’s Clean Energy Jobs listings
If you are interested in learning more about EFG’s own workforce development program design offerings, please contact us at info@earthforwardgroup.com.