Among other things, wind turbine mechanics are responsible for maintaining and repairing wind turbines. To do this, they usually have to work outdoors in confined spaces and climb to incredible heights.
In New York, wind turbine technicians are rewarded for their efforts and have an array of resources to acquire the prerequisite skills and improve at their jobs over time.
In the following sections, we dive into the requirements of starting a successful wind turbine mechanic career in New York. We also review some licensing and certification requirements before providing a list of the most notable training schools for future wind turbine mechanics in New York.
Lastly, we provide an overview of salary protection and career outlook depending on key factors.
How to Become a Wind Turbine Mechanic in New York
Prospective wind turbine technicians in New York may follow the steps below to begin their careers.
Step 1: Basic Educational Requirements
The basic educational requirements to become a wind turbine mechanic in New York involve having a high school diploma or GED and having basic knowledge of fundamental topics in physics, electricity, and mathematics.
Step 2: Training Arrangements
There are several training arrangements for aspiring wind turbine mechanics in New York to consider. They include the following:
- Academic Programs - The first option to receive training in wind turbine technology is to attend an academic training program. Technical schools and community colleges offer these programs. They focus on classroom instructions and fundamental principles.
Academic programs for wind turbine mechanics typically last for 2 years.
- On-the-Job Training - The second option is to obtain training on the job. Potential employers and professional organizations offer such opportunities. This way, candidates can learn by perceiving how things are done in the real world.
On-the-job training programs for wind turbine mechanics tend to last for 12 months.
- Hybrid - The hybrid method combines classroom training and training on the job. This is the most popular avenue by far.
Candidates will first graduate from an academic program and, having understood the fundamental principles, will then receive additional job training from employers.
Combining academic and “on-the-job” training will see candidates having to train for 3 years.
Step 3: Resume and Job Application
Having completed all of the above steps, prospective wind turbine mechanics in New York may put together a strong resume and apply for open positions in relevant establishments.
Some options include power generation companies, merchant wholesalers, communications companies, and equipment manufacturers.
Explore other trades with similar paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
Aspiring wind turbine mechanics in New York will be glad to know that they are not expected to receive a license from any state or local agency before they can practice professionally and legally.
Candidates who pursue certification do so simply because of all the benefits it offers, including professional networking opportunities and appeal to potential employers.
The Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) and the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) are the two most relevant organizations offering professional credentials to renewable energy workers, a category to which wind turbine mechanics in New York belong.
Top Wind Turbine Mechanic Schools in New York
The list below contains some of the most prominent wind turbine mechanic schools in New York.
Morrisville University
Madison, NY Online + Campus
Morrisville University, a part of the State University of New York, offers candidates the opportunity to earn an associate degree in renewable energy technology. Aspiring wind turbine mechanics may focus on the wind energy component of the program.
Tuition
$8,741 - $18,651Contact
(315) 684-6046
admissions@morrisville.edu
Farmingdale University
Farmingdale, NY Online + Campus
Farmingdale University, also a part of the State University of New York, offers an array of academic credentials for future wind turbine mechanics in the area. The school also occasionally partners with companies for short but comprehensive training in wind energy technology.
Tuition
$8,576 - $18,486Contact
(934) 420-2200
admissions@farmingdale.edu
Notable Mentions
Other notable mentions include Clinton Community College, Alfred University, and Stony Brook University.
Explore wind turbine mechanic schools by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
Wind turbine technicians in New York have the opportunity to earn as much as $74,181 if they are lucky enough to fall among the highest paid, $48,157 if they fall into the midpoint of earners in the state, and $31,262 if they fall among the bottom 10% in the state.
Some factors that influence the exact point a wind turbine mechanic in the state will land include their experience level, specialty area, establishment of employment, and location.
Concerning the latter, Rochester, Bliss, and Churubusco are among the cities that pay the highest salaries for wind turbine technicians in the state of New York. Professionals in these locations earn annual average salaries of $75,597, $50,150, and $47,799, respectively.
Wind turbine mechanics in New York City earn an annual average salary of $46,352.