In Arizona, wind turbine technicians leverage their extensive knowledge of wind turbine technology to help repair, maintain, and install critical components that make the technology function as it should. Thanks in part to the gradual global shift towards renewable energy, the field is fast becoming one of the most popular options for individuals in the state.
Candidates interested in becoming a wind turbine technician in Arizona will be glad to know that the sections below contain everything they’ll need to launch their careers properly. This includes everything from basic prerequisites to educational requirements, possible training programs, certification requirements, salary projections, and more.
How to Become a Wind Turbine Technician in Arizona
The following are the most important steps in starting a wind turbine technician career in Arizona.
Academic Education
The first step in starting a career as a wind turbine technician in Arizona is to secure admission into a training program. It is typical for training institutions to ask that candidates possibly get a diploma from high school or a GED.
Once admission is secured, candidates will spend two years acquiring extensive training regarding fundamental and advanced topics in wind turbine technology. They will spend most of their time in the classroom, but some programs have provisions for hands-on training in laboratories or the real world.
Two-year colleges and technical schools typically offer academic wind turbine technician programs. Some may also last 6 months and offer a certificate instead of an associate degree.
Real-World Training
Even though, as mentioned above, it is common for some programs to have provisions for hands-on training in laboratories or the real world, additional field experience is often necessary to start a full-fledged career.
It is possible to secure employment before completing real-world training, as most employers are willing to offer on-the-job training for fresh wind turbine technicians in Arizona.
Certification
Certification is not a necessary component of being a wind turbine technician. Most candidates choose to earn one anyway because it gives them an edge when securing contracts and employment with the best establishments in the area.
Getting Hired
Candidates who have completed the above steps will have a significant edge in the job market. They can secure employment fast and improve their prospects by taking advantage of continuing education opportunities.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Wind turbine technicians in Arizona are not required to obtain a state license. However, they may pursue professional certifications from sources such as:
- The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA),
- The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP),
- The Electronics Technicians Association (ETA),
- ENSA North America, Inc. (ENSA), and
- The OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training Program,
- OSHA 30,
- And GWO BTT and GWO BST
These credentials offer the general benefits one would expect, including continuing education opportunities and skills verification.
Top Wind Turbine Technician Schools in Arizona
Aspiring wind turbine technicians in Arizona may consider the options below for high-quality training.
Arizona State University
Phoenix, AZ Online + Campus
At Arizona State University, future wind turbine technicians may enroll in a bachelor's degree program officially called the Electrician Electrical Engineering BSE with an Emphasis on Electrical Power and Energy Assistance program. The school boasts state-of-the-art facilities and received the 20% Wind Energy Funding Opportunity Announcement award.
Tuition
$13,900 - $42,300 per YearContact
customerservice@asu.edu
(480) 965-7788
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ Online + Campus
Northern Arizona University is another institution in the state offering top-quality wind turbine technology training. The school boasts a modern wind application center known as the Arizona Wind Application Center and operates at a very high educational standard.
Tuition
$12,652 - $29,900 per YearContact
admissions@nau.edu
(928) 523-9011
Notable Mentions
Individuals may also consider enrolling in the Associate of Applied Science degree program in Alternate Energy Technology offered by the Coconino Community College and the basic high school level training offered by the Northeast Arizona Technical Institute of Vocational Education (N.A.T.I.V.E).
Explore wind turbine technician schools by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
According to ZipRecruiter, wind turbine technicians in Arizona with mid-range earnings take home an annual average salary of $50,536. While the highest earners in the top 10% earn approximately $73,620 annually, the lowest earners in the bottom 10% take home an average annual salary of $31,684.
By optimizing factors such as experience, location, credentials, and specific employment establishment, Arizona wind turbine technicians may move from the lower end of the salary spectrum to the higher end.
Some of the most popular locations for practicing as a wind turbine technician in Arizona include Scottsdale, with an annual average salary of $54,583; Phoenix, with an annual average salary of $66,755; and Tucson, with an annual average salary of $63,155.
Wind turbine technicians in Mesa earn an annual average salary of $62,912.
Many employers also offer a per diem allowance when working away from home. This can significantly increase a technician’s overall take-home pay, particularly for those who frequently travel for work.
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