Job Outlook for:
Wind Turbine Technicians
SOC: 49-9081 OOH: U255
| Wind Turbine Technicians Quick Stats |
|
| Total Jobs in 2016 | 5,800 |
| Expected Growth | 96% (Much faster than average) |
| New Jobs To Be Added from 2016 to 2026 |
5,500 |
| Median Pay | $35,000 to $54,999 |
- Job Outlook for Wind Turbine Technicians
- Pay for Wind Turbine Technicians
- What do Wind Turbine Technicians do all day
- The work environment
- How to become one
Employment Outlook for Wind Turbine Technicians
Employment of wind turbine service technicians, also known as windtechs, is projected to grow 96 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. However, because it is a small occupation, the fast growth will result in only about 5,500 new jobs over the 10-year period.
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.
Job Prospects
Job prospects are expected to be excellent. The number of wind turbines being installed is increasing, which should result in continuing demand for windtechs.
Job opportunities vary by individual state. Wind farms are generally more prevalent in the Great Plains, the Midwest, and along coasts, and windtechs will likely find more job opportunities in these areas.
Typical Pay for Wind Turbine Technicians
The median annual wage for wind turbine technicians was $52,260 in May 2016. 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 $36,970, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $76,250.
In May 2016, the median annual wages for wind turbine technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Electric power generation | $58,640 |
| Utility system construction | 50,190 |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 49,120 |
| Repair and maintenance | 48,800 |
The majority of wind turbine service technicians, also known as windtechs, work full time, and they may also be on call to handle emergencies during evenings and weekends.
When a wind turbine is not functioning, technicians must find the problem and make the necessary repairs as quickly as possible.
Windtechs often travel to rural areas, where many wind farms are located.
What Wind Turbine Technicians Do All Day
Wind turbine service technicians, also known as windtechs, install, maintain, and repair wind turbines.
Duties
Wind turbine service technicians typically do the following:
- Inspect the exterior and physical integrity of wind turbine towers
- Climb wind turbine towers to inspect or repair wind turbine equipment
- Perform routine maintenance on wind turbines
- Test and troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic components and systems
- Replace worn or malfunctioning components
- Collect turbine data for testing or research and analysis
- Service underground transmission systems, wind field substations, or fiber optic sensing and control systems
Wind turbines are large mechanical devices that convert wind energy into electricity. The turbine is made up of three major components: a tower, three blades, and a nacelle, which is composed of an outer case, generator, gearbox, and brakes. Wind turbine service technicians install and repair the components of these structures.
Although some windtechs are involved in building new wind turbines, most of their work is in maintaining them, particularly the nacelles, which contain the equipment that generates electricity.
Maintenance schedules are largely determined by a turbine’s hours in operation, but can also vary by manufacturer. Turbines are monitored electronically from a central office, 24 hours a day. When a problem is detected, windtechs travel to the worksite and make the repairs. Typical maintenance includes inspecting components and lubricating parts. For turbines that operate year round, routine maintenance may occur one to three times a year.
Windtechs use safety harnesses and a variety of hand and power tools to do their work. They also use computers to diagnose electrical malfunctions. Most turbine monitoring equipment is located in the nacelle, which can be accessed both onsite and off.
Work Environment for Wind Turbine Technicians
Wind turbine technicians held about 5,800 jobs in 2016. The largest employers of wind turbine technicians were as follows:
| Electric power generation | 31% |
| Repair and maintenance | 23 |
| Self-employed workers | 17 |
| Utility system construction | 15 |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 5 |
Wind turbine service technicians, also known as windtechs, generally work outdoors, often at great heights and with a partner. For example, when repairing blades, windtechs rappel—or descend by sliding down a rope—from the nacelle to the section of the blade that needs servicing. To reach the mechanical equipment, workers must climb ladders—sometimes more than 260 feet tall—while wearing a fall protection harness and carrying tools. When maintaining mechanical systems, windtechs work in the confined space of the nacelle.
For major service or repairs, additional windtechs and other specialists, such as electricians, may be needed to complete the job quickly.
Work Schedules
Although the majority of windtechs work full time, they may also be on call to handle emergencies during evenings and weekends.
When a wind turbine is not functioning, technicians must find the problem and make the necessary repairs as quickly as possible.
Windtechs often travel to rural areas, where many wind farms are located.
How To Become a Wind Turbine Technician
Most wind turbine service technicians, also known as windtechs, learn their trade by attending a technical school. They are also trained by their employer after hiring.
Education
Most windtechs learn their trade by attending technical schools or community colleges, where they typically complete certificates in wind energy technology, although some workers choose to earn an associate’s degree.
Many technical schools have onsite wind turbines that students can work on as part of their studies. In addition to lab coursework, other areas of focus that reflect the various skill sets needed to do the job include the following:
- Rescue, safety, first aid, and CPR training
- Electrical maintenance
- Hydraulic maintenance
- Braking systems
- Mechanical systems, including blade inspection and maintenance
- Computers and programmable logic control systems
Training
In addition to their coursework, windtechs typically receive more than 12 months of on-the-job training related to the specific wind turbines they will maintain and service. Part of this training is manufacturer training. Other training may include an internship with a wind turbine servicing contractor.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Although not mandatory, professional certification can demonstrate a basic level of knowledge and competence. Some employers prefer to hire workers who are already certified in subjects such as workplace electrical safety, tower climbing, and self-rescue. There are many organizations who offer certifications in each of these subjects, and some certificate and degree programs include these certifications.
Important Qualities
Communication skills. Windtechs rely on proper communication with their coworkers in order to perform their duties 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 all mechanical, hydraulic, braking, and electrical systems of a turbine.
Physical stamina. Windtechs must be able to climb to the tops of turbines, often with tools and equipment. Some tower ladders may be 260 feet high or taller.
Physical strength. Windtechs must lift heavy equipment, parts, and tools, some of which weigh in excess of 50 pounds.
Troubleshooting skills. Windtechs must diagnose and repair problems. When a turbine performs abnormally, technicians must determine the cause and make the necessary repairs.
"Wind Turbine Technicians" SOC: 49-9081 OOH Code: U255