Demand for wind turbine technicians gets better every year
If you have a sense of adventure, and enjoy working outdoors at great heights in confined spaces, wind turbine technician may be the job for you. Wind turbine service technicians install, maintain, and repair wind turbines.
Wind turbines are sleek, high-tech towers with giant blades that dot our landscape. Typically, they’re installed in sprawling open spaces.
Here’s how they work: The energy in the wind turns two or three propeller-like blades around a rotor. The rotor is connected to the main shaft, which spins a generator to create electricity.
Wind energy is a renewable energy source, which is solely dependent on wind power. The hydrogen energy is stored in three forms, which include liquid, solid, and gas. In wind turbines, the wind energy is converted into electric energy through generators.
Based on type, wind energy can be classified into offshore and onshore. Some major applications of wind energy include wind pumps, wind electricity generators, and wind battery charges.
The sharp demand for renewable power sources and growing concern from government. Unlike conventional power sources, power generation through wind turbines can reduce carbon emissions. Furthermore, wind turbines create more opportunities in the value chain, such as maintenance, repair, and installation, which can further improve economic activities supporting job growth.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 60.7% employment growth for wind turbine technicians through 2029. Along with the technical aspect of working on turbines — from the hydraulics to the composites — the profession also offers good pay and benefits, as
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 60.7% employment growth for wind turbine technicians through 2029. Along with the technical aspect of working on turbines — from the hydraulics to the composites — the profession also offers good pay and benefits, as well as travel opportunities.
well as travel opportunities.
A sharp growing demand for renewable power sources and growing concern from government regarding decarbonization are projected to drive market growth. Unlike conventional power sources, power generation through floating wind turbines can significantly reduce carbon emission.
Furthermore, offshore wind turbine removes the water depth constraint while choosing sites for wind power plants. Moreover, average wind speed is higher and more consistent at shore, which further improves the capacity factor of wind turbines.
And wind turbines create more opportunities in the value chain, such as maintenance, repair, and installation, which can further improve economic activities, supporting job growth.
Fast facts about wind turbine technicians:
• Median salary: $56,230 per year; $27.03 per hour.
• Job outlook through 2030: 68% growth (much faster than the average for all occupations), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Training: Most wind turbine techs learn their trade by attending a technical school. After completing a two-year technical program, employers usually provide on-the-job training lasting over 12 months.
• Skills needed: Mechanical skills; collaboration and teamwork; physical strength and stamina; basic troubleshooting; software and computer; attention to detail; ability to climb great heights; coordination; and experience with wind turbine technician equipment.
• Where to find more information: www.awea.org.
The American Wind Energy Association
(AWEA) is a Washington, D.C.-based national trade association formed in 1974, representing wind power project developers, equipment suppliers, service providers, parts manufacturers, utilities, and researchers.