Wind Turbine Technician Salary Guide (2025)
Wind turbine service technicians hold a remarkable distinction: according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, their occupation is projected to grow 60% from 2023 to 2033 — the single fastest-growing occupation in the entire United States. The national median annual wage is $57,320, and experienced technicians in offshore wind and union markets earn significantly more.
Wind Turbine Technician Salary by State (2025)
| State | Annual Mean Wage | Market Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $74,840 | Offshore wind expansion |
| New York | $70,840 | NY offshore wind investment |
| California | $68,840 | Large existing onshore fleet |
| Oregon | $65,840 | Pacific Northwest wind corridor |
| Washington | $64,840 | Columbia River Gorge wind |
| Minnesota | $63,840 | Midwest wind leader |
| Illinois | $62,840 | Prairie wind farms |
| Colorado | $60,840 | Significant wind capacity |
| Texas | $58,640 | #1 wind state by capacity |
| Iowa | $58,840 | Wind provides 60%+ of state electricity |
| Kansas | $57,840 | Significant wind corridor |
| Oklahoma | $56,840 | Growing wind fleet |
| North Dakota | $55,840 | Strong wind resources |
| Wyoming | $55,840 | Remote sites with travel pay |
Wind Turbine Tech Salary by Experience and Setting
| Role / Setting | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level Tech (onshore) | $44,000 – $54,000 |
| Experienced Tech (onshore) | $54,000 – $68,000 |
| Lead Technician | $65,000 – $82,000 |
| Offshore Wind Technician | $75,000 – $110,000 |
| Senior/Field Service Tech | $70,000 – $90,000 |
| Wind Farm Supervisor | $80,000 – $105,000 |
Education Path
Most wind turbine technicians complete a 2-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program in Wind Energy Technology. Key programs are available at:
- Iowa Lakes Community College (Estherville, IA) — one of the most respected wind tech programs
- Texas State Technical College — serves the massive Texas wind market
- Laramie County Community College (WY) — positioned in Wyoming's growing wind corridor
- Mesalands Community College (NM) — AWEA-recognized program with industry partnerships
Programs include electrical systems, hydraulics, mechanical systems, tower climbing safety, and turbine-specific training (often with Vestas, Siemens Gamesa, or GE turbines).
Physical Requirements and Safety
Wind turbine work is physically demanding and requires comfort with heights — technicians regularly climb 200–300 feet to turbine nacelles. GWO (Global Wind Organisation) Basic Safety Training is required by most employers and covers manual handling, first aid, fire awareness, working at height, and sea survival (for offshore work).
See the Wind Turbine Technician Career Guide.
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