High pay, high demand: Why wind turbine technicians are one of the fastest growing careers in California, and nationwide
Wind turbine technicians are among the fastest-growing careers in America, with jobs expected to increase 60% between 2023 and 2033. Alongside rapid growth, median annual pay reached $62,580 in 2024—well above the national average.
Wind turbine technicians are entering the spotlight as one of America’s fastest-growing green careers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the field is projected to grow by 60% between 2023 and 2033—a rate far beyond the national average across all occupations.
Alongside strong growth, windtechs also earn competitive wages. The median annual salary was $62,580 in 2024, nearly $13,000 higher than the average for all U.S. workers. At the top end, the most experienced technicians made over $88,000, while even entry-level earners brought in close to $49,000 a year. Pay also varies by industry, with some windtechs working in electric power generation or machinery wholesaling making between $64,000 and $66,700 annually.
The demand for wind energy—and the attractive pay that comes with it—translates directly into job opportunities. Each new turbine built must be installed, monitored, and maintained, creating a steady need for trained technicians. For Californians, the rise of wind energy jobs ties directly to the state’s ambitious clean energy goals. With nearly 400 wind turbine technicians already working in California as of 2025, the career is expected to remain a critical piece of the state’s green workforce in the years ahead.
What Wind Turbine Technicians Do
Wind turbine service technicians—commonly called windtechs—keep turbines running safely and efficiently. Their responsibilities include installing new towers, inspecting structural integrity, conducting routine maintenance, and troubleshooting mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical issues. They also replace worn components and collect turbine data for testing and analysis.
The job is physically demanding and requires comfort with heights. Towers often exceed 200 feet, and windtechs climb them while secured in harnesses and carrying tools. When blades need repair, technicians rappel down from the nacelle to reach the problem area. Inside the nacelle, they work in confined spaces to diagnose and fix electrical or mechanical systems.
Work environments vary widely, from rural plains to offshore wind farms, often in extreme weather conditions. Technicians typically work full-time and may be on call during evenings or weekends. Travel is common, and offshore assignments can keep technicians away from home for days or weeks at a time.
Pay and Job Outlook
Wind turbine technicians earn competitive wages that reflect both the technical demands and physical challenges of the job. In 2024, wind turbine technicians' median annual pay was $62,580, per BLM, significantly higher than the U.S. median wage across all occupations ($49,500). At the lower end, the 10th percentile earned about $49,110, while the most experienced windtechs in the 90th percentile took home more than $88,000 annually.
To put those figures in perspective, here’s how wages for wind turbine technicians break down across different experience levels:
Earnings also vary by industry. Those working with machinery, equipment, and supplies wholesalers averaged $66,710, while technicians employed in wind electric power generation earned $64,170. Even roles in construction and equipment maintenance paid between $61,000 and $63,000, showing consistent strength across sectors.
For California, the career is firmly on the rise. As of 2024, the state employed about 390 wind turbine technicians, a number expected to grow as California continues to expand its renewable energy infrastructure. With a national employment increase of 6,800 jobs projected between 2023 and 2033, Californians can expect steady opportunities in the field over the next decade.
Pat Sharyon
How to Become a Wind Turbine Technician in California
Becoming a wind turbine technician typically starts with postsecondary training rather than a four-year degree. Many aspiring windtechs attend technical schools or community colleges, where they complete a certificate in wind energy technology or pursue an associate degree. These programs often feature hands-on training with actual turbines and coursework in electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical systems, as well as safety and rescue procedures.
Once hired, new technicians receive on-the-job training specific to the turbine models they will service. This employer- or manufacturer-provided instruction helps workers develop the skills needed to maintain and repair equipment effectively.
While not required, certifications in tower climbing, electrical safety, or self-rescue can boost employability and demonstrate competence. Employers often guide technicians toward certifications that align with industry standards.
Successful windtechs combine technical know-how with physical capability. The role demands mechanical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work safely at significant heights. Physical stamina is also key, as technicians must climb 200-foot towers with tools in tow and occasionally work in offshore or remote environments.
Why Californians Should Pay Attention
California ranks 6th in the nation for wind turbine technician jobs, with about 390 positions reported in 2024. While this figure is modest compared to wind-heavy states like Texas or Iowa, it reflects the growing role of wind energy in California’s broader push toward renewable power.
To see where California sits in context, here are the top states by wind turbine technician employment in 2024:
The state has ambitious clean energy targets, and expanding its wind capacity is part of the long-term strategy to reduce carbon emissions and strengthen energy resilience. That expansion translates directly into job opportunities for workers willing to train as windtechs.
What makes this career especially attractive in California is its accessibility. Unlike many high-demand roles in the clean energy sector, becoming a wind turbine technician does not require a four-year degree. Instead, postsecondary certificates, associate programs, and on-the-job training provide a direct pathway into a career with competitive pay and strong long-term prospects. For Californians seeking stable, hands-on work in the green economy, windtech jobs stand out as one of the most viable options.
Final Thoughts
Wind turbine technicians are among the rare careers that combine rapid job growth, solid pay, and direct environmental impact. With a national growth rate of 60% projected through 2033, the role is expected to remain one of the fastest-rising occupations in the U.S.
For Californians, the opportunity is even more compelling. Entering the field means not only building a career in a booming industry, but also contributing to the state’s clean energy transition. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a worker seeking a new trade, or someone passionate about renewable energy, becoming a wind turbine technician offers a chance to be on the frontlines of California’s sustainable future.
