Wind Turbine Technician key facts
- National median pay
- $64,120 per yearBLS, May 2025
- Projected growth
- 30%BLS, 2025 to 2035
- Annual openings
- 1,500BLS, 2025 to 2035 average
- Typical entry education
- Postsecondary nondegree award, such as a certificate or associate degree, followed by long-term on-the-job training.
- Typical training route
- Certificate at a technical school or community collegeVaries by program
- Licensing note
- Postsecondary certificate or associate degreeTypical entry education
- Primary source
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Last verified
- Data verified November 2026 · BLS May 2025 wages · BLS 2025 to 2035 projections
Career overview
What does a wind turbine technician career actually involve?
Wind turbine service technicians inspect, diagnose, maintain and repair wind turbines. It is a small occupation, with about 11,800 jobs in 2025, so a high growth rate adds a modest number of positions.
BLS lists a postsecondary nondegree award as the typical entry education, followed by long-term on-the-job training. Many technicians earn a certificate or associate degree at a technical school or community college.
Typical work
Climb turbine towers to inspect and service equipment.
Diagnose mechanical, electrical and hydraulic faults.
Repair or replace components.
Perform scheduled maintenance and safety checks.
Record work and follow safety and rescue procedures.
Step-by-step path
How to enter this career
Choose a training program
BLS says technicians typically complete a certificate or associate degree at a technical school or community college. Compare programs on hands-on climbing, electrical and hydraulic training.
Learn safety and climbing skills
BLS notes that certifications are not mandatory but cover areas such as electrical safety, tower climbing and self-rescue. Ask employers which ones they prefer.
Get on-the-job training with an employer
Employers and turbine manufacturers provide additional training on the job. BLS does not give a fixed length, so ask each employer what to expect.
Be ready to travel
Offshore work can mean being away for days or weeks, and some jobs are on call. Consider whether that fits your life before committing.
Build experience across turbine types
Experience with different equipment and employers makes you easier to place when projects change.
Pay, without the hype
How much does a wind turbine technician make?
The BLS national median for this occupation is $64,120 per year (May 2025 wages). Half of workers earn more and half earn less, so it is not a starting wage: the lowest-paid 10% earned under $49,230, and apprentices usually earn less than fully trained workers while they train.
Median pay in selected industries
BLS reports a May 2025 median of $64,120 a year ($30.83 an hour), with the lowest 10% earning less than $49,230 and the highest 10% more than $92,460. Travel, overtime and on-call work can change take-home pay, and this is a small occupation, so local openings vary widely.
Training choices
Compare the main routes into the field
Certificate at a technical school or community college
People who want focused technical trainingShort certificate programs cover turbine systems, electrical work, hydraulics and safety.
Associate degree
People who want a broader technical foundationA 2 year associate degree is another common route to the postsecondary award BLS lists.
Employer and manufacturer training
People who have completed a program and are starting a jobEmployers and turbine manufacturers add on-the-job training. BLS does not state a standard length.
Licenses & credentials
What you may actually need to work
Postsecondary certificate or associate degree
Typical entry educationBLS lists a postsecondary nondegree award as the typical entry education for this occupation.
Safety and rescue certifications
Not mandatoryBLS says certifications are not mandatory but may cover electrical safety, tower climbing and self-rescue.
Employer and manufacturer training
Provided on the jobTraining on specific turbine models is typically provided by employers and manufacturers.
2025 to 2035 job outlook
What is driving demand?
BLS projects 30% employment growth from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. Because only about 11,800 people work in the occupation, that is about 3,500 new jobs and about 1,500 openings a year.
BLS attributes the growth to rising electricity demand. A very high percentage on a small base does not mean a large number of openings, so check local employers before relying on it.
Career fit
Who tends to fit this work — and what to consider first
This path may fit you if…
- You are comfortable climbing towers more than 200 feet high.
- You like mechanical, electrical and hydraulic troubleshooting.
- You are willing to travel, including offshore, for days or weeks.
- You can work outdoors and be on call.
- You want a growing, specialized field and accept that openings are limited.
Know the realities
- •Turbine towers are often more than 200 feet tall, and the work is outdoors.
- •Technicians may travel for days or weeks, including offshore.
- •On-call work is part of some jobs.
- •The occupation is small, so there may be few openings near where you live.
One possible progression
Trainee or entry technician
Learn safety, climbing and rescue procedures, and basic servicing under supervision.
Wind turbine technician
Diagnose and repair common faults and perform scheduled maintenance independently.
Lead technician
Handle complex repairs and guide less experienced technicians.
Site or crew supervisor
Coordinate maintenance schedules, safety and crews across turbines.
Related technical roles
Experience in electrical and mechanical systems can carry over to other energy and industrial maintenance work.
Keep researching
Related TrainingForFuture guides
Source transparency
Where this guide gets its facts
TrainingForFuture prioritizes primary government and industry sources for pay, projections, licensing and certification. Data below was checked for this guide in September 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers
How much do wind turbine technicians make?
The BLS median annual wage for wind turbine service technicians was $64,120 in May 2025. The lowest 10% earned less than $49,230 and the highest 10% earned more than $92,460.
How do you become a wind turbine technician?
BLS lists a postsecondary nondegree award as the typical entry education, usually a certificate or associate degree from a technical school or community college, followed by on-the-job training from employers and manufacturers.
Is wind technician one of the fastest growing jobs?
BLS projects 30% growth from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average. The occupation is small, at about 11,800 jobs, so that means about 3,500 new jobs and about 1,500 openings a year.
Do wind technicians need certifications?
Certifications are not mandatory according to BLS, but they cover areas such as electrical safety, tower climbing and self-rescue, and employers may value them.
Is the job dangerous or physically demanding?
Technicians work on towers often more than 200 feet tall, outdoors, and may travel offshore for days or weeks. Safety training and fitness for climbing are central to the job.