Wind turbine service technicians, also known as windtechs, maintain and repair wind turbines.
Wind turbine service technicians typically do the following:
Windtechs maintain and fix the components of wind turbines, large mechanical structures that convert wind energy into electricity. The three major components of each turbine are a tower; a nacelle, which contains the equipment that generates electricity; and three blades attached to the nacelle. Most of a windtech’s work focuses on maintaining the nacelle.
Windtechs typically maintain turbines by inspecting components and lubricating parts. Maintenance schedules are largely determined by the hours a turbine operates but also may vary by manufacturer. For turbines that operate year round, windtechs may do routine maintenance one to three times a year.
Turbines have electronic monitoring equipment, usually located in the nacelle, that provides an alert when a problem is detected. Although windtechs may access monitoring equipment both onsite and off, they must travel to the worksite to make repairs to turbine components.
Windtechs use a safety harness when climbing the tower, which may be 200 feet or higher, to reach the nacelle. They use a variety of handtools and power tools to make adjustments or repairs, and they use computers to diagnose electrical malfunctions.
Wind turbine technicians held about 11,100 jobs in 2021. The largest employers of wind turbine technicians were as follows:
| Electric power generation | 32% |
| Repair and maintenance | 25 |
| Utility system construction | 21 |
| Self-employed workers | 7 |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 3 |
Wind turbine service technicians, also known as windtechs, generally work outdoors, including in extreme temperatures, on rural or offshore wind farms. They must be physically able to work at great heights. For example, workers must climb ladders to reach the nacelle—which is mounted on towers that are more than 200 feet tall—while wearing a fall-protection harness and carrying tools. When repairing blades, windtechs rappel, or descend by sliding down a rope, from the nacelle to the section of the blade that needs servicing.
When maintaining mechanical systems, windtechs work in the confined space of the nacelle.
Windtechs sometimes work with another windtech or with other specialists, such as electricians, when doing major service or repairs.
Wind turbine service technicians have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations.
To reduce their risk of falls, windtechs follow safety protocols such as using a harness and other safety equipment during climbs. To guard against injury, they wear hard hats, gloves, and other protective gear.
Most windtechs work full time, and they also may be on call in the evening or on weekends.
Windtechs may travel to wind farms in rural areas or on offshore wind farms. Working on offshore farms may require being away from home for several days or weeks at a time.
Wind turbine service technicians, also known as windtechs, typically need a postsecondary nondegree award to enter the occupation. They also typically receive on-the-job training from their employer.
Windtechs typically attend technical schools or community colleges, where they may complete a postsecondary certificate in wind energy technology or choose to earn an associate’s degree.
Many technical schools have onsite wind turbines that students service as part of their studies. In addition to hands-on learning, windtech coursework includes maintenance instruction for electrical and hydraulic systems, braking and mechanical systems, and programmable logic control systems. Students also receive instruction in tower climbing, along with training for rescues, safety, first aid, and CPR.
Once hired, windtechs typically receive employer- or manufacturer-provided on-the-job training that is related to the specific wind turbines they will maintain and repair.
Although not mandatory, professional certification allows workers to demonstrate a certain level of knowledge and competence. Certification subjects for windtechs include workplace electrical safety, tower climbing, and self-rescue. Employers often direct workers to the certifications they need.
Ability to work at heights. Windtechs must be comfortable working at heights to maintain or repair turbines. Tower ladders are usually at least 200 feet high.
Communication skills. Windtechs must exchange information with windtechs or specialists, such as electricians, in order to work safely and effectively.
Detail oriented. Windtechs must maintain records of all of the services they perform. Turbine maintenance requires precise measurements, a strict order of operations, and numerous safety procedures.
Mechanical skills. Windtechs must understand and be able to maintain and repair a turbine’s various technical systems.
Physical stamina. Windtechs must be able to climb turbine towers, often with tools and equipment.
Physical strength. Windtechs must lift heavy equipment, parts, and tools, some of which weigh 50 pounds or more.
Problem-solving skills. Windtechs must diagnose and repair turbine problems. When a malfunction or other issue arises, technicians must determine the cause and make the necessary repairs.
Median annual wages, May 2021
The median annual wage for wind turbine technicians was $56,260 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $46,420, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $77,810.
In May 2021, the median annual wages for wind turbine technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | $63,640 |
| Electric power generation | 60,730 |
| Repair and maintenance | 51,110 |
| Utility system construction | 50,630 |
Most wind turbine service technicians, also known as windtechs, work full time, and they also may be on call in the evening or on weekends.
Percent change in employment, projected 2021-31
Employment of wind turbine technicians is projected to grow 44 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 1,900 openings for wind turbine technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Development of taller towers with larger blades has reduced the cost of wind power generation, making it more competitive with coal, natural gas, and other forms of power generation. As additional wind turbines are erected, more windtechs will be needed to install and maintain turbines. However, because it is a small occupation, the fast growth is expected to result in only about 4,900 new jobs over the projections decade.
| Occupational Title | SOC Code | Employment, 2021 | Projected Employment, 2031 | Change, 2021-31 | Employment by Industry | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | ||||||
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program |
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Wind turbine service technicians |
49-9081 | 11,100 | 16,100 | 44 | 4,900 | Get data | |
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U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
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