Wind Turbine Technician Career Resource Page
Description of Job: Wind turbine technicians, also known as wind techs, install, maintain, and repair wind turbines, which are crucial for generating renewable energy. This job involves working at significant heights and in various weather conditions, inspecting turbines, troubleshooting mechanical and electrical issues, and ensuring the turbines operate efficiently. Wind techs often travel to remote locations where wind farms are located.
Pros:
High demand and job security: With the renewable energy sector growing rapidly, wind turbine technicians are in high demand, ensuring long-term job stability.
Good pay for a short certification: Training can be completed in less than a year, and the pay is competitive.
Variety and adventure: The work environment changes frequently, and the job can be exciting for those who enjoy working outdoors and at heights.
Cons:
Physically demanding: The job requires climbing turbines, sometimes over 300 feet tall, and working in physically challenging conditions.
Remote locations: Technicians may need to relocate or travel frequently to rural or offshore wind farms.
Safety risks: Wind techs face risks such as falls, electrical hazards, and working in extreme weather.
Initial and Potential Pay:
Initial Pay: Entry-level wind turbine technicians can earn between $50,000 to $60,000 annually (Resume Viking).
Potential Pay: With experience, salaries can rise to $80,000+, especially for those working overtime or in specialized areas like offshore wind farms.
Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent is required.
Certification: Most employers require a certification from a technical school or community college. Programs typically last 6 months to 1 year, focusing on electrical systems, mechanical skills, and safety protocols.
Physical fitness: The job requires technicians to be physically fit, as they must climb, lift, and work in physically demanding conditions.
Career Path for the Ambitious:
Lead Technician or Supervisor: After gaining experience, wind techs can move into supervisory roles, overseeing teams and ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards.
Specializations: Wind techs can specialize in areas like offshore wind farms or high-voltage electrical systems, which offer higher pay.
Transition to Renewable Energy Project Management: Experienced technicians can move into project management, overseeing the development and maintenance of wind farms.
How to Find the Job:
Apply to renewable energy companies: Companies like Siemens, General Electric, and Vestas often hire technicians for both onshore and offshore projects.
Join training programs: Many technical schools offer job placement assistance after certification.
How to Land the Job:
Complete the certification: Ensure you complete a recognized wind turbine technician certification program.
Highlight physical fitness and reliability: Employers value techs who can handle the physical demands and work in challenging environments safely.
Risk Factors:
OSHA Risks: Wind turbine technicians face risks such as falls, electrical hazards, and exposure to extreme weather conditions. Safety training is critical to reducing these risks. The fatality rate for wind techs is higher than the national average at approximately 13.8 per 100,000 workers, compared to the 3.7 per 100,000 average across all jobs (Bureau of Labor Statistics) (Resume Viking).
Notes:
Great career for those who enjoy outdoor, hands-on work and want to contribute to renewable energy.
Safety training is crucial given the physical and environmental hazards of the job, but the high demand and growth in the industry offer excellent long-term opportunities.