Are you drawn to big machinery?
Enjoy working with tools?
Do you support the idea of wind power?
If you answered yes to these questions, you might want to consider pursuing a career in the wind energy industry as a wind turbine technician sometimes also called “wind techs” or “wind turbine engineers”.
Working as a wind turbine technician can be considered part of public utilities or energy career paths. Both offer great opportunities for a long career.
What Does A Wind Turbine Technician Do?
Wind turbine technicians install, inspect, repair, and maintain wind turbines. They ensure turbines function efficiently by troubleshooting issues in electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems.
Typical Responsibilities:
- Inspect turbines for structural integrity and performance
- Climb turbines for maintenance and repairs
- Perform routine upkeep to maximize efficiency
- Diagnose and fix issues with electrical, control, and braking systems
- Replace damaged or malfunctioning components
- Collect and report operational data
- Service wind field substations and underground transmission systems
Most wind techs work on wind farms, ensuring turbines remain operational.
How To Become A Wind Turbine Technician
A high school diploma or equivalent is required. While certification isn’t mandatory, employers prefer candidates with formal training.
1. Education & Certification
Technical schools and community colleges offer certification programs or associate degrees in wind energy technology. Programs typically last six months to two years and cover:
- Wind turbine safety
- Electrical and mechanical systems
- Hydraulic and braking systems
- Alternative energy systems
2. Hands-On Training & Internships
Programs often include on-site training, providing real-world experience. Wind tech apprenticeships involve 144 hours of classroom instruction and over 2,200 hours of hands-on training in safety, maintenance, and repair work.
Recommended Skills
- Mechanical aptitude – Understanding tools, hydraulics, and electrical systems
- Troubleshooting – Diagnosing and resolving turbine issues
- Physical fitness – Climbing turbines and lifting heavy components
- Communication – Working in teams and documenting repairs
Wonder what a day in the life of a wind tech looks like? Check out this video!
Industry Resources
Below are some helpful industry resources to learn even more about this career, and how to get started.
The Pros + Cons
Now, let’s cover some of the pros and cons of being a wind turbine technician.
PROS
- No four-year degree required
- Strong job demand with renewable energy growth
- Physically active, outdoor work
- Competitive salary
CONS
- Physically demanding and requires working at extreme heights
- Rural job locations
- May require overtime and on-call work
How Much Do Wind Turbine Technicians Make
The median salary of a wind turbine technician was $61,770 in 2023 per the BLS.
You can expect to earn the median pay scale once you have a couple of years of experience on the job and certification from a reputable institution. Salary will be adjusted for experience and location.
Our wind tech salary guide breaks down salaries by state.
Wind Turbine Technician Job Outlook
Wind turbine technician jobs are plentiful! As more wind turbines are created – so are more jobs!
Most states are looking for ways to generate energy from more environment-friendly sources. The government continues to invest heavily in solar and wind farms to grow the use of electricity with wind power.
The outlook for wind turbine technicians is very strong with 60% growth through through 2033.
Wind Turbine Technician Schools
The training cost to become a wind tech varies depending upon many factors, such as whether you opt to go to a technical school or community college, how extensive the course is, and the type of onsite training that it may entail.
You can find numerous wind tech training trade schools and community colleges across the U.S.
The typical cost for training ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 per year at a community college, varying by state. Keep in mind that these training costs don’t include textbooks and living expenses.
If you plan to enroll in a community college outside your city or town of residence and need to relocate, be sure to do some research and account for living costs.
When opting for training, make sure that the program covers all aspects of the wind turbine technician’s job. The more thorough your coursework and training, the better equipped you will be when you go out on the job. Thus, it may be better to opt for more expensive and comprehensive training.
Likewise, be sure to check what type of on-the-job training and internships the school or college offers. Coursework is undoubtedly essential, but you will learn how to apply your textbook learning to repair and maintenance work through hands-on experience.
The map below can help you find a wind energy school near you that focuses on the education you need to become a WindTech professional. This list includes both vocational schools and community