For many people, the answer is yes. If you enjoy the outdoors and want to work in one of the fastest-growing fields in the United States, a career as a wind turbine technician might be a great field for you. These skilled workers play a crucial role in installing and maintaining the equipment that converts wind energy into electricity. They earn high salaries without spending their days sitting at a desk and can qualify for positions without needing to earn a four-year degree. However, the job also involves climbing hundreds of feet above the ground, working in changing weather conditions, and safely handling complex electrical systems.
What Is a Wind Turbine Technician?
Wind turbine technicians, or wind techs, are skilled trades professionals who install, inspect, repair, and maintain wind turbines. They ensure equipment works properly to prevent power disruptions and accidents.
Core Responsibilities
Wind turbine technicians are responsible for assembling turbines and keeping them in good working order. In addition to installing new turbines, they diagnose and repair problems in the mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems of existing equipment.
They also perform routine maintenance, including inspections and component testing. They clean and lubricate parts so that the machinery operates safely and efficiently, with minimal errors and breakdowns.
Wind techs also collect and enter data. They keep track of all maintenance and repair activities so they can accurately monitor expenses, order new parts, and catch potential malfunctions early before they become more severe.
Necessary Skills
Working as a wind turbine technician requires a combination of technical and practical skills, including:
Knowledge of how to troubleshoot and fix gearboxes, brakes, bearings, and hydraulic systems
Physical stamina to continue working in extreme conditions for long hours
Computer literacy to input and read data
Teamwork to work safely and effectively with other technicians
Communication to follow instructions from supervisors and collaborate with team members
It is possible to develop these skills through a training or education program to become a competent wind technician.
Daily Life of a Wind Turbine Technician
Wind turbine technicians typically begin the day with a safety briefing, going over their assignments and discussing any recent safety concerns or violations. They then travel to a repair or installation location, often with a team of two or three other professionals.
After arriving at the site, the technicians put on their safety equipment and gather their tools. Some use climb-assist devices to reduce the strain on their bodies as they ascend the turbine towers. Once at the top, they work inside the nacelle, which houses all the essential equipment for the turbine. Some of the most common activities include repairing gearboxes and maintaining generators.
Technicians also spend time on computers documenting the tasks they've completed. They fill out digital maintenance checklists and update work orders for repairs. At the end of their shift, the team ensures they have all their tools before climbing down from the nacelle and clocking out for the day.
Benefits and Challenges of a Career in Wind Energy
For many professionals, working as a wind turbine technician is rewarding and exciting. However, the career also comes with some challenges.
The biggest benefits of working as a wind tech include:
Job security:
Wind turbine technician jobs are in high demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the field is projected to increase by around 50% from 2024 to 2034. Companies around the world are hiring more technicians to maintain their turbines and to construct new wind farm installations as the adoption of this technology continues to grow.
Salary:
A wind turbine technician is a high-paying job, with professionals in the field earning an average annual salary of $63,000. With more experience, wind techs consistently earn six figures.
Opportunity to travel:
Because the wind energy industry is global, technicians have the chance to work in many different locations. Employers are looking for professionals for both onshore and offshore jobs.
Flexible entry requirements:
A wind turbine technician position generally doesn't require a four-year degree. That makes the job more accessible to a wider range of people from diverse backgrounds.
A career as a wind tech can be extremely rewarding, but it also comes with challenges that you should be aware of. The role is physically draining and sometimes dangerous, requiring you to lift heavy equipment and work with high-voltage electricity. Technicians often experience extreme weather — from rain to wind to heat — and spend much of their time between 200 and 300 feet in the air, working within the limited space of the nacelle.
Scheduling is also sometimes unpredictable, especially if you're offshore. While many onshore workers have standard day shifts, offshore workers are often on a vessel for two weeks, followed by two weeks off. Some professionals have to work overtime or remain on call to respond to emergencies even when not scheduled.
How to Become a Wind Turbine Technician
Wind techs need specialized training in electrical and mechanical systems, but a four-year degree isn't usually a requirement. Most professionals in this field complete a one-year or less certification program or a two-year associate degree.
For example, students at Mesalands Community College who want to become wind techs typically enroll in one of three programs:
Associate of Applied Science – 2 years
Applied Science Certificate – 1 year
Occupational Certificate – 1 semester
These programs cover essential topics, including electrical systems, climbing safety, and computer controls. Students also get opportunities to work directly with nacelles to practice real-life field tasks.
Many employers also require professionals to earn industry certifications and complete on-the-job training. As a new employee, you will most likely shadow an experienced technician, who will introduce you to the company's specific turbine models. They'll walk you through maintenance protocols and help you become more comfortable before you begin working independently.
Start Your Career as a Wind Turbine Technician
As the U.S and countries around the world expand their use of wind energy, the need for skilled wind turbine technicians will continue to rise. If you want to become part of the industry, you can quickly start your career by completing a one-year certificate at Mesalands Community College. You'll train at the North American Wind Research and Training Center in Tucumcari, New Mexico, where you'll develop the skills and expertise you need to succeed as a wind tech. Learn more about our Wind Energy Technology program. Concerned about cost? We offer some of the lowest tuition in the country, and check out our financial aid and scholarship options to make your training even more affordable.