Wind Turbine Service Technician Salary 2025: $64,120 Median, 49.9% Growth
Wind turbine service technicians earn a median $64,120 a year, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The average pay works out to about $31 an hour, with the top 10% pulling in $92,460 and entry-level roles starting around $49,230. That pay comes with a lot of climbing—literally—since technicians spend much of their time scaling towers hundreds of feet high.
How much Wind Turbine Service Technicians earn
The national median salary for wind turbine service technicians is $64,120 as of May 2023 BLS estimates. The mean (average) is slightly higher at $68,980, reflecting a skew toward higher earners. Most technicians earn between $49,230 (10th percentile) and $92,460 (90th percentile).
Pay varies by experience. Entry-level technicians often start around the 10th percentile, while senior techs with certifications and several years of experience can exceed $90,000. Overtime is common during heavy turbine maintenance seasons, boosting annual earnings.
Pay by state
Location matters a lot. The highest-paying state for wind turbine service technicians is New York, with an average salary of $81,330. Kansas comes next at $78,240, followed by California ($77,910), Indiana ($76,680), and Washington ($75,880). These states have high demand or strong wind energy infrastructure.
On the lower end, Mississippi pays an average of $50,040—about 27% below the national mean. New Mexico ($57,230) and Maine ($59,220) also fall below the median. Even in lower-paying states, the job offers a decent wage relative to local costs, but the gap is significant.
How to become Wind Turbine Service Technician
Becoming a wind turbine service technician typically starts with a technical school program or an associate degree in wind energy technology. These programs take one to two years and cover hydraulics, electrical troubleshooting, and climbing safety.
Certifications are key. Most employers require a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. The Global Wind Organisation (GWO) basic safety training—covering first aid, fire awareness, and working at heights—is often mandatory. Some technicians also earn the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) Wind Power Technician certification.
Entry-level jobs usually involve on-the-job training with a senior technician. After one to two years, techs can advance to lead roles. No licensing is required, but many companies prefer candidates with mechanical or electrical experience.
- Complete a wind energy certificate or associate degree (1–2 years).
- Obtain GWO basic safety training (multiple modules, ~$1,500–$3,000).
- Earn an ETA wind power certification (optional but preferred).
- Start in an entry-level position; expect 1–2 years of supervised work.
Job outlook
Employment for wind turbine service technicians is projected to grow 49.9% from 2024 to 2034, the BLS reports. That's much faster than the average for all occupations, driven by rapid expansion of wind energy capacity. About 2,300 openings are expected each year over the decade.
Most openings will come from growth plus the need to replace workers who retire or move to other fields. Job prospects are best for technicians with certifications and willingness to travel or relocate to wind-heavy regions like Texas, Iowa, and the Great Plains.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary of a wind turbine service technician?
The average salary is $68,980 per year, with a median of $64,120. Hourly, it works out to about $31.
Do I need a degree to become a wind turbine technician?
A formal degree is not required, but most employers prefer a certificate or associate degree from a wind energy program. On-the-job training is common.
Is wind turbine technician a dangerous job?
It has risks like working at heights and with high-voltage equipment, but safety training and equipment reduce hazards. Fatalities are low when protocols are followed.
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 Wind Turbine Service Technicians data.