---
title: "Wind Turbine Technician: Training, Pay and Outlook"
description: "How to become a wind turbine technician: certificate programs, safety training, climbing towers, travel, May 2025 BLS pay and very fast job growth."
url: https://shapemycareer.com/trades/wind-turbine-technician/
updated: 2026-10-10
site: ShapeMyCareer
---

Trade · Wind tech

# Wind turbine technician

Climb, troubleshoot, repeat. Growth is fast.

Certificate · Heights · Fast growth

Wind techs climb turbine towers to inspect, maintain and repair the electrical and mechanical systems inside. It is one of the fastest growing jobs in the country, though it is still a small field.

In short

Most wind turbine technicians complete a certificate program at a technical school or community college, then train on the job for a year or more. Employers usually require industry safety training for working at heights. BLS projects 29.5% job growth from 2025 to 2035, among the fastest of any occupation, but from a small base of about 11,800 jobs. The median wage was $64,120 in May 2025.

**Sources checked October 10, 2026** Pay, training and outlook come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay is the middle (median) figure nationally; your first paycheck in the trade will usually be lower.

| Middle pay | $64,120 a year, roughly $30.83 an hour (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| How most people start | Certificate to start, then long-term on-the-job training |
| People in the trade | About 11,800 nationwide (2025) |
| Growth to 2035 | BLS expects 29.5% growth |
| Openings a year | Around 1,500, counting retirements |

From the [BLS](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm) Employment Projections table (2025 to 2035) and May 2025 wage survey. These are U.S. numbers. Local shops may pay above or below them, and apprentices start well under the middle figure.

## Is it for you?

- You must be comfortable climbing tall towers in all weather
- Travel to remote wind farms is common
- Electrical and hydraulic troubleshooting are daily work
- Safety rules are strict and taken seriously

### Find wind and energy training

Tell us your ZIP and we will send programs nearby.

[Find training near me](#smc-form)

## Straight answers

### How long does it take to become a wind turbine technician?

Many certificate programs take about a year or two, followed by on-the-job training.

### Do wind techs need a degree?

BLS lists a postsecondary nondegree award as typical.

### Is wind turbine technician a good career?

Growth is very fast, but there are few total jobs and you must handle heights and travel.

## Where this comes from

- [BLS OOH: Wind Turbine Technicians](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/wind-turbine-technicians.htm)
- [Wind turbine service technicians in the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/wind-turbine-technicians.htm)
- [Global Wind Organisation (wind safety training standards)](https://www.globalwindsafety.org/)
- [BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025 to 2035)](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm)

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