Wind Turbine Technician Pay in the US: Entry-Level to Experienced Professionals

According to data from 2023, Wind Turbine Technicians earned a median salary of $61,770 per year.

The salary range varies based on experience, skills, and location:

  • Top 25% earners: $63,900 annually
  • Lowest 25% earners: $48,630 annually

Quick Facts

Category Details
2023 Median Pay $61,770 per year
Hourly Pay $29.70 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education Postsecondary nondegree award
Work Experience Required None
On-the-Job Training Long-term on-the-job training
Number of Jobs (2023) 11,400
Job Outlook (2023-33) 60% (Much faster than average)
Employment Change (2023-33) +6,800 jobs

Wind Turbine Technicians stand out for their exceptional job outlook, with a projected 60% employment growth from 2023 to 2033—far exceeding the national average across all occupations. This growth stems from the increasing reliance on renewable energy sources, particularly wind power. The combination of solid pay, strong job security, and relatively low educational barriers makes this a highly accessible and promising career.

How Much Do Wind Turbine Technicians Make?

According to data from 2023, Wind Turbine Technicians earned a median salary of $61,770 per year, or $29.70 per hour. The salary range varies based on experience, skills, and location:

  • Top 25% earners: $63,900 annually
  • Lowest 25% earners: $48,630 annually

Salary Snapshot

Percentile Annual Salary
25% $48,630
Median $61,770
75% $63,900

The salary range for Wind Turbine Technicians demonstrates that while entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentile, gaining experience and certifications can quickly move workers toward the higher salary range. This upward trajectory makes the profession appealing for individuals seeking growth without needing extensive higher education.

Entry-Level Wind Turbine Technician Pay

For those starting out in the industry, the average pay for an entry-level Wind Turbine Technician is $26.07 per hour, which equates to approximately $54,230 annually. Entry-level wages can range widely:

  • 25th Percentile: $22.36/hour ($46,508 annually)
  • 75th Percentile: $28.61/hour ($59,509 annually)

Top 10 Highest-Paying Cities for Entry-Level Wind Turbine Technicians

City Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
Ione, CA $77,674 $6,472 $1,493 $37.34
Scotts Valley, CA $70,178 $5,848 $1,349 $33.74
Nome, AK $67,272 $5,606 $1,293 $32.34
Berkeley, CA $66,401 $5,533 $1,276 $31.92
Oak Bluffs, MA $65,672 $5,472 $1,262 $31.57
Vineyard Haven, MA $65,540 $5,461 $1,260 $31.51
Sitka, AK $65,330 $5,444 $1,256 $31.41
Mojave, CA $65,290 $5,440 $1,255 $31.39
North Slope, AK $65,132 $5,427 $1,252 $31.31
Menlo Park, CA $63,908 $5,325 $1,229 $30.73

The top-paying cities for entry-level technicians are concentrated in California and Alaska, where the demand for wind energy infrastructure and higher cost of living drive salaries upward. For professionals willing to relocate, these regions offer a significant financial advantage even at the start of their careers

Best-Paying States for Wind Turbine Technicians

The location significantly impacts earnings for Wind Turbine Technicians. The following states offer the highest average salaries:

State Annual Mean Salary
Pennsylvania (PA) $87,050
Minnesota (MN) $75,370
New York (NY) $70,890
California (CA) $69,220
North Carolina (NC) $68,810

Pennsylvania leads the nation due to its significant investments in renewable energy and the rapid development of wind farms. Minnesota and New York follow closely, driven by state initiatives to reduce carbon footprints and adopt clean energy solutions. California’s inclusion reflects its strong renewable energy market and high living costs, which push wages upward.

Wind Turbine Technician Pay Compared to Similar Jobs

Wind Turbine Technicians earn competitive salaries compared to other roles in the energy and maintenance industries. Here’s how their pay stacks up:

Job Title Average Annual Salary (2022)
Environmental Engineer $101,670
Electrician $65,280
Wind Turbine Technician $61,770
Solar Photovoltaic Installer $47,970
Maintenance and Repair Worker $47,130

While Wind Turbine Technicians earn less than Environmental Engineers and Electricians, their salaries are significantly higher than roles like Solar Photovoltaic Installers or Maintenance Workers. Additionally, Wind Turbine Technicians benefit from robust job growth in a rapidly expanding industry, making it a stable career choice.

Growth Opportunities in the Field

The wind energy industry is rapidly expanding, offering significant career growth potential for Wind Turbine Technicians. As professionals gain experience, certifications, and specialized skills, they can move into roles such as:

  • Lead Technician
  • Field Supervisor
  • Operations Manager

These roles not only come with increased responsibilities but also higher salaries and leadership opportunities. With wind energy expected to play a key role in achieving sustainability goals, career advancement in this field remains highly promising.

Conclusion

Absolutely! Wind Turbine Technicians enjoy strong salary potential, especially in top-paying states and cities. Entry-level technicians can start with competitive hourly pay and advance their careers as they gain experience. With the renewable energy sector booming, this career offers stability, growth opportunities, and the chance to contribute to a sustainable future.

If you’re considering a career in wind energy, now is the time to take the leap. From entry-level positions to experienced roles, Wind Turbine Technicians can expect rewarding salaries and meaningful work in one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S.