When researching vocational options, it is important to keep in mind the lifestyle you want to live. Read on to learn more...

Is Becoming A Wind Turbine Technician Worth It? 

A career as a wind turbine technician can be a great choice for anyone looking for an exciting and rewarding job. Wind turbines are becoming an increasingly popular source of renewable energy. This means the demand for qualified technicians is growing, and the salaries are some of the largest amongst the skilled trades, says Blue Collar Brain.

When researching vocational options, it is important to keep in mind the lifestyle you want to live. The life of a wind tech is anything but boring, and the quality and diversity of skill sets that wind techs gain over a lifetime are priceless, valuable, and sought after.

Wind Turbine Education & Training Requirements 

Wind turbine techs learn the trade by attending a technical school to ensure they receive the right certifications, hands-on training, and insights from people who simply know what they are doing. 

Most technical schools require a 2-year technical program, whereas Pinnacle Career Institute’s Wind Turbine Tech certificate program is only 10 months. This particular wind program from Pinnacle Career Institute (PCI) prepares its graduates for entry‐level jobs in a variety of electro‐mechanical technician areas, with a focus on electrical power generation, wind turbine installation/repair, and working at heights. 

Similar job positions may be found in areas relating to the repair and installation of electronics and hydraulics. Most wind programs require the following certifications, which include training and the ability to test for GWO BST (Global Wind Organization Basic Safety Training).

• Working at Heights 
• First Aid, CPR/ AED 
• Manual Handling 
• Fire Awareness 
• OSHA 30
• NFPA 70E
• LOTO (Lock‐out Tag out)
• Confined Space
• Hytorc Certification

Perks of the Job 

If you are not the traveling type, then wind turbine tech jobs may not be a fit for you. Yet, who doesn’t like traveling and exploring our planet? Each work week can lead to a new project. Each project connects you with a team. Who doesn’t love traveling with a team? The team beside you as you travel and work can easily provide your family type environment. 

Yes, there are career paths in the wind turbine industry that do not require travel whatsoever; however, what makes this career path unique is that wind techs usually work outside and on the road, experiencing something new and exciting every month. 

Wind Turbine Salary and Demand

The million dollar question is “how much does a wind turbine tech make?” well, in U.S News Wind Turbine Technicians made a median salary of $56,260 in 2021. The best-paid 25% made $63,930 that year, while the lowest-paid 25% made $47,040. In 2023 they are only projected to make more. 

There are countless ways to move up in the industry. Some programs even offer an Associates Degree program for those who want to further their education and gain a higher title in the industry. 

 Environmental Benefits 

Out of the many benefits that wind energy provides for society, one unique benefit that stands out the most is that wind turbines do not burn fuel. They provide a safer and cleaner way to track electric energy to their nearby cities. 

Renewables are defined as “the sum of electricity generated by hydropower, wind, and solar. With renewables, no fuel is burned, so there is no energy lost in the conversion of fuel to electricity.” Yale Climate Connections 

Conclusion

The growth in the wind turbine industry over the next 10 years, according to Blue Collar Brain, is forecasted to be strong, positive, and in high demand, which means job security and job stability for anyone entering the industry today. 

For more information on what program to research, please visit PCI’s Wind Turbine Tech page here.