Energy

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What Does a Wind Turbine Technician Do?

If you want your career to take you to new heights, this job literally delivers. A wind turbine technician — also called a wind turbine service technician — installs, inspects, maintains, operates and repairs wind turbines that generate electricity. Technicians are able to diagnose and fix problems with malfunctioning components. Wind turbine technicians are also responsible for gathering data.

Because wind turbines are monitored from a 24-hour, remote central office, the job can include on-call travel out to the field when issues arise.

These technicians maintain wind turbines, substations, underground transmission systems as well as the fiber optic sensing control systems. A wind turbine technician may also be involved with construction of new turbines.

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Our one-of-kind Opportunity Meter rates jobs based on salary, current openings and future demand to help you choose the career that is best for you.

Salary Range $ 38,000 - $ 80,000

Median Salary $ 53,000

Jobs Available 1,340+

A typical day for a wind technician is spent outside, since that’s where ‘the office’ is. (Credit: Jacques Tarnero/Shutterstock)

A Day In the Life

Charlie Tran, wind turbine technician ambassador, on top of a wind turbine

A Day In the Life

Some people know what career path they'll take — but many people don't. Charlie Tran knows what that feels like.

"As a kid, I always liked to take stuff apart and knew I was always mechanically minded, but I couldn’t pick a career," says Charlie.

But then he got a random email about the fastest growing jobs in the United States. He clicked on it and discovered the opportunities in wind energy.

"It matched everything I had always liked doing — being outdoors, seeing new places and maintaining things."

Not everyone's "aha" moment works this way, but Charlie's story is an example of serendipity that every career seeker should read.

Job Responsibilities

Install new wind turbine equipment
Repair and troubleshoot inoperable or worn equipment, including working in confined spaces inside or around the tower
Climb towers to inspect, troubleshoot or repair equipment
Collect turbine data for testing and analysis
Perform routine maintenance
Test electrical components and mechanical and hydraulic systems

Education + Training

Many wind turbine technicians attend technical school to learn the profession. Technicians can also earn an associate degree through a community college, where they typically complete a certificate in wind energy technology. They receive more than 12 months of on-the-job-training in addition to coursework. Part of this may be an internship with a wind turbine servicing contractor. Apprenticeships are another option offered by unions and individual contractors.

Licensing + Certification: A license is not required to become a wind turbine technician, but certification is recommended. Find out more about how to become a wind turbine technician.