Wind turbine technicians are among the professionals at the forefront of renewable energy technology in the country and worldwide. Thanks to the growing popularity of the field, there has never been a better time to consider a wind turbine technician career in Maryland.
For interested candidates looking to get started on the right foot, this is exactly the right place to be. The article below explores every key consideration needed to make optimal decisions from the beginning of the journey right to the end.
We start with the general steps involved in the process before moving on to the state’s certification requirements, licensure requirements, and some amazing wind turbine technology training programs to consider.
How to Become a Wind Turbine Technician in Maryland
The following are the steps required to become a wind turbine technician in Maryland.
Step 1: A High School Diploma or GED Certificate
A high school diploma or GED is the basic requirement to become a wind turbine technician in Maryland and virtually everywhere in the country.
Candidates who wish to avoid getting a postsecondary degree must secure training positions or employment.
Step 2: Certificate or Associate Degree Program
As insinuated above, not all wind turbine technicians must get a post-secondary certificate or associate degree. However, those who do so are typically favored in the employment market.
Luckily, there are several community colleges, trade schools, and technical schools in Maryland where candidates can receive a robust wind turbine technology education.
Here, they will acquire the skills to install, maintain, and repair wind turbines as part of their preparation to enter the workforce.
Step 3: On-the-Job Training
Academic programs dealing with wind turbine technology tend to incorporate hands-on training into their curriculum. This is because candidates must have much real-world experience working with actual wind turbines before they can call themselves professional wind turbine technicians.
It is common to find out that most of these schools have wind turbines on campus, so candidates can upgrade, service, and work on them.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Becoming professionally certified can significantly enhance a wind turbine technician’s career trajectory in the state of Maryland. Professional credentials are important not only in the eyes of companies and employers but also in the incredible avenues for continuing education and professional networking.
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) offers the most relevant credential for wind turbine technicians in the state of Maryland. Candidates seeking alternative options may consider those offered by the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA). Additionally, certifications such as the GWO Basic Technical Training (BTT), GWO Basic Safety Training (BST), and OSHA 30-Hour Construction are also highly valued in the industry.
While many of these certifications are highly beneficial, it is also worth noting that they are not compulsory. Those who become certified do so primarily because of the professional benefits they can obtain.
Top Wind Turbine Technician Schools in Maryland
The following are some of Maryland’s best schools to learn as an upcoming wind turbine technician.
Maryland Energy Innovation Institute
College Park, MD Campus Only
Maryland Energy Innovation Institute’s Advanced Engineering Education Office offers a Sustainability Studies program focusing on wind energy.
Tuition
$11,233 - $39,469 per YearContact
(301) 405-9378
csteph5@umd.edu
Montgomery College
Rockville, MD Online + Campus
Montgomery College offers a Green and Training Technology program. It boasts a comprehensive curriculum and a high graduate success rate with the possibility of earning professional credentials (such as the green building certification).
Email: raptorcentral@montgomerycollege.edu
Tuition
$134 - $380 per CreditContact
(240) 567-5000
Email in Bio
Hagerstown Community College
Hagerstown, MD Online + Campus
Lastly, aspiring wind turbine technicians in Maryland may also consider Hagerstown Community College. They may apply here for the Alternative Energy Technology program, where they'll study for 6 months to earn a certificate.
Tuition
$123 - $252 per CreditContact
(240) 500-2238
admissions@hagerstowncc.edu
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Salary & Career Outlook
According to Indeed, the average annual salary for wind turbine technicians in Maryland is approximately $64,036, which is in line with the national average. This figure is relevant to the average wind turbine technician in the state.
Those considered well-established and who have increased their earnings to become among the highest-paid in the state will earn an annual average salary of nearly $97,070.
For those just starting their careers or those who, for other reasons, are still among the lowest-paid in the state, the annual average salary to expect is around $42,244.
Some of the reasons for the differences in annual salary among wind turbine technicians include location, experience, specialty, and establishment of employment.
Maryland wind turbine technicians frequently receive per diem compensation for travel, which significantly boosts their overall income, particularly when working on offshore or remote projects.