Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians
SOC code 47-2152 · O*NET-SOC 47-2152.04 · Medium preparation needed · Skilled trades
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$63,800
a year
Hourly
$30.67
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$72,170
$34.70 per hour
Middle 50%
$50,190 – $85,110
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$44,150 – $108,420
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
465,840
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters”, not this job alone.
- 10th percentile
- $44,150
- $21.22/hr
- 25th percentile
- $50,190
- $24.13/hr
- Median percentile
- $63,800
- $30.67/hr
- 75th percentile
- $85,110
- $40.92/hr
- 90th percentile
- $108,420
- $52.13/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+4%
Growing faster than average
504,500
jobs in 2024
527,200
projected for 2034
About 22,700 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What do solar thermal installers and technicians do?
Install or repair solar energy systems designed to collect, store, and circulate solar-heated water for residential, commercial or industrial use.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Test operation or functionality of mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and control systems.
- Apply weather seal, such as pipe flashings and sealants, to roof penetrations and structural devices.
- Install solar collector mounting devices on tile, asphalt, shingle, or built-up gravel roofs, using appropriate materials and penetration methods.
- Install copper or plastic plumbing using pipes, fittings, pipe cutters, acetylene torches, solder, wire brushes, sand cloths, flux, plastic pipe cleaners, or plastic glue.
- Identify plumbing, electrical, environmental, or safety hazards associated with solar thermal installations.
- Demonstrate start-up, shut-down, maintenance, diagnostic, and safety procedures to thermal system owners.
- Install circulating pumps using pipe, fittings, soldering equipment, electrical supplies, and hand tools.
- Install flat-plat, evacuated glass, or concentrating solar collectors on mounting devices, using brackets or struts.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 43% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)43%
- Some College Courses25%
- Bachelor's Degree11%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate11%
Common questions
How much does a solar thermal installers and technicians earn?
The national median is $63,800 a year. The full range runs from $44,150 at the 10th percentile to $108,420 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 thermal installers and technicians without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Is solar thermal installers and technicians in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 4% between 2024 and 2034 — growing 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
- Reading Comprehension3.4/5
- Active Listening3.3/5
- Speaking3.3/5
- Critical Thinking3.3/5
- Monitoring3.3/5
Knowledge areas
- Mechanical4.7/5
- Building and Construction4.7/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.5/5
- English Language4.1/5
- Engineering and Technology4.0/5
- Education and Training3.9/5
- Design3.9/5
- Public Safety and Security3.8/5
Transferable strengths: Installation, Quality Control Analysis, Operations Monitoring, Troubleshooting, Judgment and Decision Making.