While driving through rural landscapes, majestic steel windmill structures (wind turbines) often dot the horizon. As wind passes the blades of a wind turbine lift is created, causing a rotor to turn. The low speed shaft of the rotor is connected by gears with a high speed shaft, driving a generator.
Wind Turbine Technician Job Description
What does a wind turbine technician do? When a wind turbine is installed or breaks, it’s a windtech who gets the job done. A wind turbine techs job duties include:
- Inspects both the external and internal components of the turbine
- Stays fearless to heights at he or she climbs to the top to perform repairs
- Keeps the turbines in good working order through regular inspections
- Performs tests and troubleshooting for all the parts: electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical
- Replaces any parts necessary
- Remains ready to repair or replace any underground parts
- Collects any acquired data for testing, research, or analysis
How to Become a Windtech
To get into this quickly growing field, you have to go through a variety of steps.
- Get your high school diploma or GED.
- Receive your certificate in wind energy technology through a trade school or community college.
- Learn skills through a 12-month apprenticeship offered by both turbine manufacturers and contractors.
- Get certified in an area such as workplace electrical safety, tower climbing, or self rescue.
Wind Turbine Technician Salary & Job Outlook
Windtech Salary Info – Wind turbine technicians receive a mean annual salary of $65,380 in 2023. However, when you’re first entering the field, your starting salary will be closer to $40K. After you’ve put in about ten years, you may bring home over $90,300. As a windtech you’ll be working 40 hours per week, and sometimes there will be overtime. Evening and weekend work will be part of your job expectations and some travel may be involved.
Windtech Job Outlook – This is one of the fastest growing occupations, expected to grow 45% between now and 2032. This predicted increase is much faster than that of the national average of all occupations. As more cities bring in wind turbines, more wind techs will be necessary. Some states will offer more job opportunities than others. in 2023, the states with the highest windtech employment level included Texas, Iowa, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Kansas.
Reference: