Renewable energy is the future!
Imagine being a part of of something so large that can help combat issues like global warming and the emissions of greenhouse gases. Wind power will play a large role in helping our local communities become less dependent on energy sources that are harming our environment.
As a wind turbine technician you will service, install, repair, and ensure the safe operation of wind turbine equipment that is used to generate energy. You will basically be responsible for keeping that wind turbine in perfect working order, from the generator to the blades and even the gearbox.
In this article, we’ll cover the pros and cons of pursuing a wind turbine technician career.
What Are The Pros and Cons of Being A Wind Turbine Technician
The reality is, there is no such thing as a perfect career.
No matter what path you choose in life, there will always be some good and bad things that you need to carefully consider.
This list of pros and cons of being a wind turbine technician is based on data found from the technicians that work out in the trenches. So, dive in and see what you think about this career opportunity!
Pros of being a wind turbine technician
There are definitely more things to like about this career than there is to dislike. Let’s dive in and see some of the positive things a wind technician career offers.
1. Travel or site technician
You can choose to be a technician that either works at a single wind farm or you can travel and work at multiple farms.
Working at a single wind farm is a great option for those that do not have a desire for that nomad lifestyle. You still may need to be away from home for a few days, but your are not always on the road. The only issue is you would need to live locally to a location that has a wind farm or that will be adding some soon.
There are many wind farms in various rural areas and on our shorelines, so if you like city living and do not want to travel – this may not be the right career choice.
The main benefit of becoming a traveling technician is the ability to see more of the country (or world). This could be an excellent way to experience different cultures while still working in the same field. Additionally, many people find that they enjoy the challenge of working in different locations and meeting new people all the time.
2. Salaries
This career commands high salaries due to the level of danger and increased growth in implementing green energy.
The median annual salary for this career is $56,260. Salaries for turbine technicians vary across
But there are many workers that make well over 6-figures annually. View our state-by-state salary guide to see which states offer the best wages.
Of course more experience, training, and willingness to travel can command much higher wages.
3. Education
A high school diploma will be required, but no additional formal education is required to become a wind turbine technician. Of course attending a wind turbine technician trade school is highly recommended to land a better job and get started earning higher wages quicker. Having a certificate that proves your abilities will definitely make you an asset to any employer.
Alternatively, you can do an apprenticeship and start work right away, but usually this will be at a lower wage.
Either of these options will provide a solid base for understanding how to repair wind turbines and do routine maintenance to keep them from breaking in the first place.
4. Demand
Jobs in clean energy are projected to grow significantly in the next ten years. In the United States alone, it is expected that there will be a 44% increase in employment opportunities annually over the next 10 years.
5. Environment
A wind turbine service technician can help to reduce the world’s dependence on fossil fuels by maintaining and repairing the turbines used to generate power. This job offers the satisfaction of knowing that their work is helping to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
Cons of being a wind turbine technician
There are definitely more things to love about working as a turbine technician, but we cannot forget to talk about the not so great things to. For some of you, these may be non-issues, so read on to find out what turbine workers say are some of the things they may not love about their jobs.
1. Time away from home
Wind turbine technicians may need to be away from home for extended periods of time.
Typically, technicians are required to stay at the job sites, potentially in a different city from where they live. This means that they may not be home every night and be required to stay on site for repairs and maintenance.
2. Danger
Wind turbine technicians must be prepared to respond to emergencies during odd hours, which can put them at risk in hazardous environments. Working in high winds and extreme weather conditions can present dangerous situations for technicians.
Working at great heights and with heavy equipment can also be dangerous for wind turbine technicians. The high-stress nature of this job requires continuous training and expertise to ensure safe execution of their duties.
3. Heights
If you do not like climbing or working at heights that could be 300 feet in the air, then you may want to stop reading now. You will not only need to be fearless at those heights, but able to do pretty detailed work while you are up there.
It’s important to understand the safety protocols and precautions required for working in these extreme heights. You will undergo training and be equipped with high-quality safety equipment to ensure you are as prepared as can be.
You can also receive training at GWO Working at Heights which focuses on training specific to this career.
4. Relocation
Wind energy is still pretty new. Not every state is utilizing it yet which means there may not be any job opportunities where you currently live. If the idea of being a traveling technician does not appeal to you, then you may need to relocate.
The states that have wind farms or offshore wind opportunities are usually in more rural or coastal areas. Currently Texas, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Kansas have some of the highest number of installed turbines.
Conclusion
While this career is not for the faint of heart, it offers so many positive things that make it one of Blue Collar Brain’s top skilled trade picks. Wind power will only continue to grow, meaning more opportunities will definitely be coming up if you choose this career path.
Still doing more research on careers? Be sure to check out our other skilled trade career guides!
