The Fast Growing Career of a Wind Turbine Technician

Wind is a natural effect created by the sun’s energy. That energy hits the ground, heats it, and rises as low pressure that is then sucked up by the air. That suction produces wind. Humans have been harnessing the wind's energy for centuries to propel boats, mill grains, and pump water out of wells.

Wind can be a powerful force of energy on its own, so it makes sense that we humans find ways to harness its strength and use it for our greater good. Green energy is one of the fastest growing fields in the world. If you are searching for a career or considering a career change, why not look into becoming a wind turbine tech?

WHY WIND?

Wind is a renewable resource, meaning it doesn’t deplete the earth’s natural resources. It’s a clean, cheap, and constant source of energy. As long as the sun is in the sky, wind will always be produced. There is enough land to sustain the wind turbines used to turn the wind into power; farms and ranches in particular are the perfect land hosts for the turbines.

There are some drawbacks, however. One is that these well-suited properties are usually rurally situated, areas generally further away from the more heavily populated centers where power is needed. So, it can get costly to run the proper transmission lines. Another disadvantage, one which is being looked into, is a way to remedy the wind turbine blade collisions with birds and bats. Even though electricity is far more harmful to the environment the way it’s currently sourced, wildlife conservation is being taken seriously to keep the environmental impact of the wind turbines to a minimum.

All in all, however, wind turbines bring more benefits to the environment than harm.

WHAT IS A WIND TURBINE?

There are various geo-specific factors, from bodies of water to different terrains, that have an effect on the wind flow. Wind turbine take the available wind from whatever area it is in and create electricity via a generator. It is a modern day, state-of-the-art windmill. Clusters of turbines are called wind farms. Very often, you’ll drive down rural area of a highway and pass a wind farm standing majestically amidst large fields.

There are two different types of turbines: horizontal-axis and vertical-axis. The horizontal-axis turbines are the ones most commonly seen, with the three blades rotating. Vertical-axis turbines resemble an eggbeater. Both types can be used anywhere, land or sea. Currently, the Department of Energy is funding research for offshore wind turbines.

WHAT IS A WIND TURBINE TECHNICIAN?

Wind turbines, like most other technology, no matter how advanced, have needs—installation, repairs, and routine maintenance. And, it’s up to the wind turbine technician to make sure these needs are met.

Wind turbine technicians will perform the following tasks:

• Make sure both the exterior and integrity of the wind turbine tower is intact
• Test and troubleshoot all the turbine components
• Replace parts
• Research and analyze collected data

BECOMING ONE

Wind turbine techs, also known as “wind-techs,” usually go through technical school to get their trade education. If you already have electrical experience, you may find this career to be a great fit with your skill set.

Wind tech training takes two years to complete. In school, you will complete the required classroom coursework. Some schools have their own turbines for students to practice on, and internships prior to graduating may be available. Also, expect a minimum of 12 months of on-the-job training to get you used to the turbines you’ll be working on.

Besides the route of community colleges and trade schools, some wind-techs learn their job through an apprenticeship, which is 144 hours of coursework and 2,000 hours of paid training per year.

Whether you go through a school program or an apprenticeship, you’ll have similar coursework:

• Safety, first aid, and CPR with a focus on high-angle rescues
• Electrical maintenance
• Hydraulic maintenance
• Braking systems
• Wind turbine mechanical systems including the blade inspection and maintenance
• Computer and programmable logic control systems

In order to enter any wind-tech program, there are some requirements that first must be met:

• 18 years of age
• High school diploma or GED
• Have the physical and mental stamina required for the job
• At least one year of high school algebra with the minimum of a “C”

The job of wind turbine tech is considered dangerous, so you really can’t have any fear of heights if you want to safely succeed in this career. Heights aren’t the only thing. You’ll be expected to travel, and you may also have to go to remote and desolate places for extended periods of time. Or, you may have to relocate completely, especially if you are recruited to work for an international company.

THE NEEDED SOFT SKILLS

There are certain personality traits conducive to the career of a wind turbine technician. While they may not make or break your career, having some of these traits will make it easier to find a job in this increasingly competitive field.

• An eye for detail: You must haven an eye for minute detail and know when things are off or going smoothly.
• Mechanical skills: you should have a detailed understanding for these machines work so you can pinpoint issues that may occur.
• Strength: You can expect to lift heavy objects, haul tools, and more.
• Stamina: Wind techs have to climb up to the top of a turbine to repair it. This means you’ll be climbing 260 feet or higher.
• Troubleshooter: In order to repair the wind turbine, you must be able to diagnose what issues it has.

WHY IS IT THE FASTEST GROWING CAREER?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that by 2030, the demand for wind turbine technicians is expected to increase by an outstanding 68 percent. Which is much faster than the national average for all occupations.

HOW MUCH DO THEY MAKE?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that wind turbine technicians in 2023 made an average salary of $65,380. Salaries, of course, depend on your experience, company, and location. The top 10 percent of technicians in 2023 made $90,300 or more.

States Paying the Highest Salaries in 2023

So, whether you’re looking to get into your first career or your forever one, wind turbine technician positions are a great idea. You can be a part of a newer, emerging environmentally friendly sector. You’ll feel good about what you’re doing for so many reasons, one of which is that you’re part of a team that is doing wonderful things for humankind and the earth that sustains us.

Read:

• What does an energy technician do?