Wind Turbine Technician Schools in California

Wind turbine technicians undergo a lot of training to become familiar with how wind power generation works. Apart from the technical aspect of the job, a career as a wind turbine technician also requires a lot of physical exertion, including climbing, crouching, and standing.

Below, we dive into the various requirements of becoming a wind turbine technician in California. Aspiring candidates will discover a plethora of useful information, including the basic educational requirements, certification and licensing requirements, and the possible training programs to enroll in all around the state.

Those curious about the potential salary and career outlook will also be satisfied after going through the section detailing the projected career salary for wind turbine technicians in California based on a handful of determining factors.

How to Become a Wind Turbine Technician in California

The following are the key steps to starting a wind turbine technician career in California.

Step 1: High School Diploma or GED

The basic educational requirement for California wind turbine technicians is a high school diploma or GED. Receiving additional formal education after this is optional, but regardless of the chosen training path, employers and instructors will most likely ask for either of these credentials.

Step 2: Attend a Training Program

Typically, wind turbine technicians in California start their careers by attending a technical school. They will learn all the theoretical skills required to secure employment during their program. Most wind turbine technician schools are arranged as a 2-year technical program.

Students may also be focused on classroom instructions, with the hands-on experience part of the training left to potential employers.

Step 3: Hands-On Training

While academic training programs focus predominantly on classroom instructions and topics, candidates still need real-world experience to succeed as wind turbine technicians.

It is common for this part of the training to be reserved until after employment is secured. Employers will then have the duty of providing on-the-job training for some time until the candidates are satisfied with their learning.

Usually, on-the-job training for wind turbine technicians in California lasts 12 months.

Step 4: Certification and Employment

Lastly, wind turbine technicians in California are advised to become certified to improve their career opportunities and network with fellow professionals in the field. As we will see below, certification is optional but very important.

From here, candidates may assemble their resumes and apply for jobs at relevant companies.

Explore other trades with similar paths:

• How to become a solar technician in California

Licensure & Certification Requirements

California wind turbine technicians are not required to obtain a state license, similar to other states.

That said, candidates seeking to enhance their career opportunities may consider obtaining some of the most respected credentials in the industry, such as the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. The board offers a range of certifications to renewable energy professionals, including those working in solar and wind technologies.

Other options to consider are the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA), GWO, and OSHA 30.

Top Wind Turbine Technician Schools in California

The following are some of the top wind turbine technician schools in California;

Notable Mentions

Other notable mentions include California Wind Tech, San Jose State University, Cerritos College, Cal Maritime Academy, College of the Desert, and Golden West College.

Explore wind turbine technician schools by city:

• Wind turbine technician schools in Los Angeles

Salary & Career Outlook

According to Indeed, wind turbine technicians in California earn an annual salary of approximately $65,511, which is roughly the national average. It is also possible to scale higher, earning an annual average salary in line with the top 10% earners in the state.

Those who fall into this category make around $96,666 every year. Meanwhile, wind turbine technicians in California, who are among the bottom 10% still manage an annual average salary of $44,398.

Rosamond, Salinas, and Palm Springs are California’s three highest-paying cities for being a wind turbine technician. Professionals in this field earn annual average salaries of $82,609, $78,227, and $74,834, respectively.

San Diego and Mojave follow with annual average salaries of $60,344 and $57,699, respectively.

In addition to base pay, technicians often receive a per diem allowance for remote work, which boosts their total income, especially on large wind farms.