Solar Photovoltaic Installers
SOC code 47-2231 · O*NET-SOC 47-2231.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Skilled trades
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Solar Photovoltaic Installers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$53,140
a year
Hourly
$25.55
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$57,900
$27.84 per hour
Middle 50%
$46,700 – $62,870
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$41,600 – $79,970
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
31,350
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $41,600
- $20.00/hr
- 25th percentile
- $46,700
- $22.45/hr
- Median percentile
- $53,140
- $25.55/hr
- 75th percentile
- $62,870
- $30.23/hr
- 90th percentile
- $79,970
- $38.45/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+42%
Growing much faster than average
28,600
jobs in 2024
40,600
projected for 2034
About 12,000 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What does a solar photovoltaic installer do?
Assemble, install, or maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs or other structures in compliance with site assessment and schematics. May include measuring, cutting, assembling, and bolting structural framing and solar modules. May perform minor electrical work such as current checks.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Install photovoltaic (PV) systems in accordance with codes and standards, using drawings, schematics, and instructions.
- Check electrical installation for proper wiring, polarity, grounding, or integrity of terminations.
- Identify electrical, environmental, and safety hazards associated with photovoltaic (PV) installations.
- Identify installation locations with proper orientation, area, solar access, or structural integrity for photovoltaic (PV) arrays.
- Assemble solar modules, panels, or support structures, as specified.
- Apply weather sealing to array, building, or support mechanisms.
- Install module array interconnect wiring, implementing measures to disable arrays during installation.
- Install required labels on solar system components and hardware.
How to become a solar photovoltaic installer
Most people in this role hold post-secondary certificate — 37% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Post-Secondary Certificate37%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)34%
- Bachelor's Degree14%
- Less than a High School Diploma11%
Common questions
How much does a solar photovoltaic installer earn?
The national median is $53,140 a year. The full range runs from $41,600 at the 10th percentile to $79,970 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a solar photovoltaic installer without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Is solar photovoltaic installer in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 42% between 2024 and 2034 — growing much faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Critical Thinking3.3/5
- Active Listening3.1/5
- Monitoring3.1/5
- Reading Comprehension3.0/5
- Active Learning3.0/5
Knowledge areas
- Building and Construction4.8/5
- Engineering and Technology4.4/5
- Mechanical4.3/5
- Design4.1/5
- Administration and Management4.1/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
- Mathematics4.0/5
- Public Safety and Security3.8/5
Transferable strengths: Installation, Operations Monitoring, Quality Control Analysis, Judgment and Decision Making, Coordination.