Wind power, with its ability to generate clean and renewable electricity, stands at the forefront of the green energy revolution. In the last 10 years, total installed wind capacity more than doubled, and capacity is projected to keep growing.
Wind power is harnessed through wind turbines. As the number of installed wind turbines increases, the greater the need there is for people—known as wind turbine service technicians or windtechs—to install, repair, and maintain them. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that windtechs are tied as the fastest-growing occupation in the U.S.
If you’re interested in a career that makes a difference by promoting clean, sustainable energy, impacting people around the globe, read on to learn more about how to become a wind service technician.
How Do Wind Turbines Work?
Wind turbines work by converting the energy of the wind into mechanical energy, which is then transformed into electrical energy. The fundamental components of a wind turbine include the rotor, generator, gearbox, and tower.
Wind turbines are built on tall towers constructed of steel and concrete. The rotor, consisting of two or three blades, is positioned at the top of the turbine tower to capture the energy from the wind. As the wind blows, it causes the rotor blades to rotate. Through the gearbox and generator, the wind energy is converted to electrical energy. Wind turbines have control systems to start and stop the machine.
How to Become a Wind Turbine Service Technician
To become a windtech, you typically need a postsecondary nondegree award, such as a certificate or diploma. There are also associate degree programs—typically Associate of Applied Science degrees—available for wind turbine service technicians.
Once you complete your education and find an employer, you’ll usually engage in on-the-job training, which typically lasts a year or more.
Employers might prefer or require specific certifications in areas of safety, rescue, and first aid. Examples of such certification include:
- GWO certification: The Global Wind Organisation (GWO) offers certification in Basic Safety Training, Basic Technical Training, Advanced Rescue Training, and Control of Hazardous Energies
- OSHA certification: OSHA offers certifications dealing with health and safety hazards, filing OSHA complaints, workplace risks, employee rights, and employer obligations.
- First Aid/CPR
Courses in a wind tech certificate or degree
A certificate program in a technician school is geared toward preparing you to enter the windtech profession as quickly as possible. Programs thus tend to focus on the specific skills you’ll need, covering topics such as:
- Wind technology
- Electricity
- Hydraulics
- Mechanical systems
- Computer skills
- Wind turbine safety
- Wind turbine maintenance
Programs also include hands-on training, sometimes in a lab and other times out in the field—in fact, some schools even have their own wind turbine for students to practice on!
How long does it take to become a wind turbine service technician?
While there is some variation in the length of certificate programs, in general they take less than a year to complete.
An associate degree typically takes 2 years to complete.
Keep in mind that once you are hired, you generally need to engage in long-term training.
What Is a Wind Turbine Service Technician?
Wind turbine service technicians are professionals responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of wind turbines. Their primary role is to ensure the efficient and reliable operation of wind energy systems. The job entails climbing up wind turbines (wearing a safety harness), which could be up to 500 feet!
They do much of their work in or on top of the part of the turbine known as the nacelle, which is at the top of the tower and contains major components such as the gearbox and generator. Space is sometimes tight in the nacelle, so in addition to not being afraid of heights, windtechs need to feel comfortable working in confined spaces.
What does a wind service technician do on the job?
Typical responsibilities and tasks of wind turbine service technicians include:
- Installation
- Routine maintenance
- Diagnostic testing
- Repairing and replacing turbine components
- Conducting safety inspections
- Collecting data for analysis or testing
Windtechs generally work outdoors. They might be required to travel to wind farms and be away from home for days or weeks a time.
What skills or qualities do wind techs need?
Wind service technicians require a diverse set of skills in their profession.
- Ability to work at heights
- Communication skills
- Detail-oriented
- Mechanical skills
- Physical stamina and strength
- Problem-solving skills
Wind turbine technician jobs
Many different companies employ wind turbine service technicians. Some of the largest employers are companies that build and design wind turbines, known as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Windtechs might also work for energy companies or construction companies.
Some techs focus on just one phase of the industry, such as building wind turbines or repair and maintenance. Other job opportunities include consulting with environmental companies or working as project managers.
Wind turbine service technicians salary and job outlook
Windtechs are in high demand; as mentioned previously, the occupation is the fastest-growing career, tied with nurse practitioners. Employment is projected to increase 45% from 2022–2032.1
Employment typically varies by state. The following states have the highest employment levels of wind turbine service technicians:2
- Texas
- California
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Oklahoma
Not surprisingly, these states are all in the top ten list of states with the largest wind energy capacity.
How much do wind turbine service technicians make?
The median annual wage for wind turbine service technicians was $57,320 in 2022.1 This salary is higher than the average for occupations requiring an associate degree ($52,260). As with employment demand, salaries may vary by geography.
Following are the top paying states for wind turbine service technicians:2
| State | Median Annual SalAry |
|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $87,050 |
| Minnesota | $75,370 |
| New York | $70,890 |
| California | $69,220 |
| North Carolina | $68,8130 |
Salaries and job projections of related professions
| Electrical Technicians3 | |
|---|---|
| Median annual salary, 2022 $66,39 | Job growth, 2022–2023 1% (Little or no change) |
| Health and Safety Specialists4 | |
|---|---|
| Median annual salary, 2022 $75,240 | Job growth, 2022–2023 13% (much faster than average) |
How Wind Turbine Service Technicians Make a Difference
The negative results of pollution are well known, as are concerns about depleting natural resources such as oil and natural gas. Scientists and environmentalists have been seeking alternative energy sources that are eco-friendly and sustainable. Wind energy is both, making it a viable alternative to traditional sources of energy.
Wind turbine techs play a key role in the wind energy. Climbing towering turbines, often at great heights, these technicians conduct routine inspections, troubleshoot issues, and perform essential maintenance tasks. By addressing wear and tear, replacing faulty components, and implementing preventive measures, they contribute to the reliability and longevity of wind turbines. In doing so, wind turbine technicians play may be instrumental in optimizing the generation of clean and sustainable electricity.
Conclusion
Windtechs are essential to the wind energy industry. Their mechanical abilities combined with problem-solving skills help ensure that wind turbines operate correctly, efficiently, and safely. They are in high demand, and the required education to be a windtech could be completed in less than a year. Explore your educational options for entering this impactful career today!
Sources:
1. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/wind-turbine-technicians.htm
2. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499081.htm
3. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineering-technicians.htm
4. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-health-and-safety-specialists-and-technicians.htm