Wind Turbine Technician Schools in Alaska

Most wind turbine mechanics in Alaska earn an annual salary of around $90,640, which aligns with the national average. Higher up the salary spectrum, some professionals in the top 10% earn an annual average salary that can reach as high as $118,055.

Starting a wind turbine mechanic career in Alaska can be very rewarding, with several personal and professional benefits. This guide aims to help candidates become familiar with the process and the considerations they’ll need to make along the way.

We examine the basic prerequisites, training destinations, specific programs, and factors that may affect the average salary of these professionals in the state.

How to Become a Wind Turbine Mechanic in Alaska

The following are the steps to becoming a wind turbine mechanic in Alaska.

Step 1: Academic Training

Individuals looking to become wind turbine mechanics in Alaska must first gain admission into a training program. The best programs in the state naturally set a few basic requirements, including admitting only those with a high school diploma or a GED equivalent.

Those who are admitted will learn key topics that prepare them for entry-level positions upon graduation.

Depending on the award of choice, wind turbine mechanic training programs offered by academic institutions may take 6 months, 12 months, or 2 years to complete.

Step 2: Hands-On Training

While wind turbine mechanic academic training programs teach basic topics in the classroom, candidates are expected to become familiar with how to practice what they have been taught, preferably in the real world.

Some academic programs have wind turbines where candidates can practice or partner with apprenticeship programs to provide such experience.

Candidates may also participate in external internships or apprenticeships to receive hands-on training after academic training.

Step 3: Transferable Skills

Wind turbine mechanics in Alaska are expected to possess a handful of transferable skills to ensure success on the job. These include physical strength and stamina, focus, attention to detail, talent, and the ability to climb and work at height.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn the steps to become a welder in Alaska

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Wind turbine mechanics in Alaska will be glad to know that once they have completed their training and secured enough hands-on experience, they can secure full-time employment without worrying about getting a state license.

Technically, they are not expected to receive certification either. Still, many state wind turbine mechanics and technicians choose to be certified anyway – because of the benefits doing so offers.

Certification may help with job placement. It also offers professional networking opportunities and a platform to grow through continuing education.

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is currently the most prominent professional organization offering nationally recognized credentials for wind turbine mechanics in Alaska. The Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) is another sound option.

Top Wind Turbine Mechanic Schools in Alaska

The following are the top wind turbine mechanic training programs for candidates in Alaska to consider.

Explore wind turbine technician schools in Alaska by city:

• Wind turbine technician schools in Anchorage

Salary & Career Outlook

As mentioned earlier, the average annual salary for a wind turbine mechanic is around $90,640, and the average salary for those in the top 10% is $118,055. Those just starting out may fall among the average earners or have to work up from an annual average salary of around $69,591 (pertinent for the bottom 10%).

Some of the most important factors influencing the annual average salary of a wind turbine mechanic in Alaska are experience, company of employment, location, specialty areas, and professional credentials.

Sorting only by location within the state, wind turbine technicians in Ketchikan are the highest-paid, earning an annual average salary of $60,380. Those in Fairbanks follow, with an annual average salary of $58,660.

Wind turbine technicians in Anchorage earn an annual average salary of $57,267.