How much does a wind turbine tech make?
a year · about $31 an hour
A typical wind turbine tech in the United States makes $64,120 a year, about $31 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
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.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $49,230 and $92,460How do you become one?
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.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in New York ($81,330), lowest in Mississippi ($50,040).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $81,330 | about 390 |
| Kansas | $78,240 | about 330 |
| California | $77,910 | about 400 |
| Indiana | $76,680 | about 140 |
| Washington | $75,880 | about 210 |
Official definition: Inspect, diagnose, adjust, or repair wind turbines. Perform maintenance on wind turbine equipment including resolving electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic malfunctions.
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