Wind Turbine Service Technicians

SOC code 49-9081 · O*NET-SOC 49-9081.00 · Medium preparation needed · Skilled trades

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Wind Turbine Service Technicians pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$64,120

a year

Hourly

$30.83

per hour

10th$49,230Median$64,12090th$92,460

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$68,980

$33.16 per hour

Middle 50%

$58,840 – $78,010

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$49,230 – $92,460

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

9,980

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $49,230; $23.67/hr
25th percentile: $58,840; $28.29/hr
Median percentile: $64,120; $30.83/hr
75th percentile: $78,010; $37.51/hr
90th percentile: $92,460; $44.45/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+50%

Growing much faster than average

13,600

jobs in 2024

20,500

projected for 2034

About 6,900 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 wind turbine service technician do?

Inspect, diagnose, adjust, or repair wind turbines. Perform maintenance on wind turbine equipment including resolving electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic malfunctions.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Troubleshoot or repair mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical malfunctions related to variable pitch systems, variable speed control systems, converter systems, or related components.
Perform routine maintenance on wind turbine equipment, underground transmission systems, wind fields substations, or fiber optic sensing and control systems.
Diagnose problems involving wind turbine generators or control systems.
Test electrical components of wind systems with devices, such as voltage testers, multimeters, oscilloscopes, infrared testers, or fiber optic equipment.
Start or restart wind turbine generator systems to ensure proper operations.
Climb wind turbine towers to inspect, maintain, or repair equipment.
Maintain tool and spare parts inventories required for repair, installation, or replacement services.
Test structures, controls, or mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical systems, according to test plans or in coordination with engineers.

How to become a wind turbine service technician

Most people in this role hold post-secondary certificate — 34% 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.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Post-Secondary Certificate34%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)29%
Some College Courses22%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree15%

Common questions

How much does a wind turbine service technician earn?

The national median is $64,120 a year. The full range runs from $49,230 at the 10th percentile to $92,460 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 wind turbine service technician 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 wind turbine service technician in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 50% 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 Thinking3.5/5
Reading Comprehension3.3/5
Monitoring3.3/5
Active Listening3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Mechanical4.5/5
Computers and Electronics4.2/5
English Language4.0/5
Public Safety and Security3.7/5
Engineering and Technology3.7/5
Education and Training3.3/5
Administration and Management3.3/5
Building and Construction3.3/5

Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repairing, Complex Problem Solving, Quality Control Analysis.