How much does a wind turbine tech make?
Answer: A typical wind turbine tech in the United States makes $64,120 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 10,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Wind turbine tech pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $49,230 | $64,120 | $92,460 | about 10,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $74,880 | about 900 |
| Texas | $61,950 | about 4,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can differ with experience, safety or technical credentials, the employer or industry, and the wind farm’s location. More complex repairs or greater responsibility can also mean higher pay.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a wind turbine tech do?
Inspect, diagnose, adjust, or repair wind turbines. Perform maintenance on wind turbine equipment including resolving electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic malfunctions.
What's a typical day like?
They check turbine alerts, then climb a tower in a safety harness to inspect the nacelle, lubricate parts, or troubleshoot electrical and mechanical faults. They use tools and a computer, record what they find, and arrange repairs.
How to get this job
In the United States, finish high school, then usually study wind energy at a technical school or community college for a certificate or associate degree. Employers train new hires on their turbine models; safety, climbing, or self-rescue certificates are not required for the occupation.
Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
When a turbine blade needs repair, a U.S. wind tech may rappel on a rope from the nacelle to reach the damaged section.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/wind-turbine-technicians.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.energy.gov/cmei/systems/career-map-wind-technician
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-9081.00
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY