Solar Photovoltaic Installers: 2025 Salary Guide ($53,140 median) and Career Outlook
Solar photovoltaic installers — the workers who mount and wire solar panels on rooftops and ground arrays — earned a median $53,140 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The national mean wage hit $57,900, or roughly $26 an hour. If you're weighing a career in solar, the numbers are straightforward: the typical range runs from $41,600 (10th percentile) to $79,970 (90th percentile).
How much Solar Photovoltaic Installers earn
Pay varies by experience, location, and employer. Entry-level installers often start around $41,600, while top earners can make nearly $80,000. The national median of $53,140 is a solid middle point. Many installers also get overtime for long field days.
Pay by state
New Jersey tops the list at $78,950, followed by Hawaii ($70,370), Nevada ($67,810), Oregon ($66,320), and Ohio ($62,400). On the lower end, Arkansas pays $44,820, North Carolina $43,860, and South Dakota $42,380. These figures are BLS estimates for 2024 and reflect local demand and cost of living.
How to become a Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Most solar installers learn on the job, but a high school diploma or equivalent is standard. Many complete a 1- to 2-year certificate or associate program in solar technology or electrical work. Some states require an electrical license for certain tasks, so check local rules. Certification through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is the industry gold standard but not mandatory. Expect to start as a helper and gain experience in safety, wiring, and roof work.
Typical path:
Step 1: Earn high school diploma or GED.
Step 2: Complete a solar installation training program (community college or trade school).
Step 3: Start as an apprentice or helper with a solar company.
Step 4: Obtain NABCEP certification after enough field hours (optional).
Step 5: Pursue state or local electrical license if needed.
- High school diploma minimum
- On-the-job training typical
- NABCEP certification boosts earning potential
- Some states require electrician licensing for certain installations
Job outlook
Employment of solar photovoltaic installers is projected to grow 42.1% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 4,100 openings per year, mostly from growth and replacement needs. The push for renewable energy and falling solar-panel costs fuel this demand. The occupation currently employs about 31,350 workers nationwide.
Frequently asked questions
Do solar panel installers make good money?
Median annual wage is $53,140, with top earners reaching $79,970. It's solid pay for a job that typically requires no more than a high school diploma and short-term training.
How do I start a career as a solar installer?
Start with a high school diploma and consider a certificate program at a community college. Many employers hire helpers and train on the job. NABCEP certification can help you advance.
What is the job growth for solar installers?
The BLS projects 42.1% growth from 2024 to 2034, with about 4,100 job openings annually. It's one of the fastest-growing occupations in the U.S.
What skills do I need to be a solar installer?
You need physical stamina, comfort with heights, basic math, and problem-solving. Familiarity with electrical systems and tools is helpful. Most skills are taught on the job.
Which state pays solar installers the most?
New Jersey ($78,950), Hawaii ($70,370), and Nevada ($67,810) top the list. Pay correlates with state licensing requirements and local solar adoption rates.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Solar Photovoltaic Installers data.