Is a Career as a Wind Turbine Technician a Good Choice?

Wind turbine technicians are key in maintaining renewable wind energy systems.

Are you also looking to play a role in creating a better future?

Then consider enrolling in career training at Universal Technical Institute's (UTI) Wind Turbine Technician training program, a 30-week curriculum at our Rancho Cucamonga, California; Lisle, Illinois; and Houston, Texas, campuses. The 7-month Wind Power Technician program is also available at our Canton, Michigan, campus. While enrolled, students learn how to service and install wind turbines, and graduates are prepared to pursue entry-level technician jobs in the industry!¹

However, you may still wonder if becoming a wind turbine technician is right for you.

Read on to find out more! In this post, we'll go over what it's like to work as a wind technician and how to get training for this career at UTI.    

What Does a Wind Turbine Technician Do?

Wind turbine technicians install, maintain and repair wind turbines. Their typical responsibilities include:

• Installation: Wind turbine assembly, installation and commissioning, including electrical, mechanical and hydraulic components.
• Maintenance: Wind turbines require routine maintenance, which includes inspecting and repairing blades, bearings, gearboxes and other components. Climbing towers and working at heights may be required.
• Troubleshooting: Diagnose and troubleshoot wind turbine problems, including identifying electrical and mechanical faults.
• Reporting: Maintain accurate records of maintenance and repairs and document and report any issues or malfunctions with wind turbines.

Read: How Do Wind Turbines Work?

Benefits of a Wind Turbine Technician Career

Wind turbine technicians are in demand, especially with the growing interest in renewable energy technologies in various industries. Wind technology is a demanding career that allows techs to take on dynamic, hands-on career opportunities. With sufficient training and experience, technicians may also choose to specialize in specific aspects of wind energy technology and pursue advanced supervisory or management positions.⁷⁷

Wind Turbine Technician Career Outlook

Skilled wind turbine technicians are currently in demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts 2,000+ estimated average annual wind turbine technician job openings in the U.S.⁶⁹

The BLS also reported that the median annual wage for wind turbine technicians in the United States was $61,770.⁶⁰ This means that half earned more and the other half earned less. Remember that salary is affected by a variety of factors, including experience, employer, demand and the cost of living in the area.

Read: What Is a Field Service Technician?

How To Become a Wind Turbine Technician?

Future wind turbine technicians should enroll in a trade school to get the right training to prepare for this career path. To apply for technical training, prospective students often need a high school diploma or GED to demonstrate that they have completed a structured curriculum, such as that offered at the trade school they’re signing up for.

Trade school students can develop their skills through hands-on training led by experienced industry professionals. This learning method allows students to practice skills that are often required of wind turbine technicians in controlled lab settings.

Training can take anywhere from a few months to many years to complete. The Wind Turbine Technician training program at UTI lasts 30 weeks (or 7 months at the Canton campus). Our students can gain the knowledge and skills needed to pursue jobs in the industry through wind turbine technology courses covering topics such as:

• Energy Industrial Fundamentals    
• Safety Compliance    
• Math, OSHA-10 and First Aid    
• Applied Physics and Precision Measuring    
• DC and AC Basic Electricity    

Wind technician training is offered at four campuses: Rancho Cucamonga, Lisle, Houston, and Canton.

Read: How to Become a Wind Turbine Technician

Wind Turbine Technician FAQ

Do wind turbine technicians travel a lot?

Depending on the location of the worksite, wind turbine technicians may be required to travel to different places to perform routine maintenance, repairs or inspections on turbines. Some technicians may work for a company that has wind farms or projects in multiple states or countries, which would also require frequent travel. However, other technicians may work primarily at a single site or location and don’t need to travel long distances to carry out their responsibilities.

Is being a wind turbine technician hard?

Being a wind turbine technician can be physically demanding and challenging, but also exciting and rewarding. These technicians must often work at great heights in various weather conditions and know how to install and maintain wind turbines, as well as their accompanying equipment.

Many wind turbine technicians enjoy the challenges that come with the job. This way, they are constantly pushed to their limits, can continually hone their skills and do work that keeps them moving and active!

Enroll in Wind Turbine Technician Training at UTI!

Wind turbine technicians help produce renewable energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. You too can pursue this career path and impact renewable energy technologies with the right training.

Does a career in wind tech interest you? Apply for wind turbine technician training today and start training! Request more information on our website or contact an Admissions representative now at 1-800-834-7308 for further information.