Wind Turbine Technician Schools in Oregon

The guide on this page provides a detailed and rigorous analysis of how to become a successful wind turbine technician in the state of Oregon. It ensures that readers are adequately prepared for the journey ahead by introducing them to the major preparatory steps, educational opportunities, training arrangements, and possibilities for employment, networking, and career growth.

A few sections are also dedicated to showing candidates which training programs are considered among the best in the state for wind turbine technicians, as well as which certification organizations hold the most respected credentials.

Lastly, the last section discusses the annual average salary categories and possibilities for wind turbine technicians in Oregon.

How to Become a Wind Turbine Technician in Oregon

Successful wind turbine technicians in Oregon typically start their careers by following the approach below.

Basic Educational Requirements

To qualify as a wind turbine technician in Oregon, individuals typically need to have a high school diploma. Those who don’t have a diploma can use a GED equivalent in its place.

Important Qualities

The most important fundamental attributes for an aspiring wind turbine technician to possess include physical strength and stamina, attention to detail, a willingness to work at heights, quick thinking, and a safety-conscious attitude.

Effective communication and teamwork skills are also highly valued in the workplace.

Post-Secondary Education

The majority of wind turbine technicians in Oregon complete some form of post-secondary education to begin their careers. These programs may focus solely on wind technology or be part of a larger renewable energy technology program that encompasses areas such as wind and solar technology.

Students also have the option of choosing between wind energy certificate programs that can be completed more quickly or associate degree programs that take longer to complete.

In the next section, we analyze some of the top wind turbine technology programs to consider for interested candidates in Oregon.

Hands-On Training

Hands-on training is absolutely crucial for aspiring wind turbine technicians. Many academic training programs offer candidates the opportunity to work with tools, equipment, and actual wind turbines before they graduate.

Some facilitate hands-on education through apprenticeships. Some employers across the state may also offer on-the-job training opportunities for candidates with or without prior experience.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a solar technician in Oregon

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Oregon has no licensing requirements for wind turbine technicians. This means that professionals in the state don’t have to register or pass a professional examination to work for prominent companies in the area.

The state itself does not have certification expectations of wind turbine technicians either. Employers, however, always value candidates with professional credentials.

Certification can also lead to better job opportunities, higher pay, networking opportunities, access to continuing education resources, and more. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners is one of the top providers of wind turbine technician certification in the country.

The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), the Global Wind Organisation (GWO), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also have prominent credentials to consider.

Top Wind Turbine Technician Schools in Oregon

All of the schools below offer excellent training programs for future wind turbine technicians in Oregon.

Explore wind turbine technician schools in Oregon by city:

• Wind turbine technician schools in Portland

Salary & Career Outlook

Location is a crucial criterion to consider when analyzing the annual average salaries of wind turbine technicians in Oregon. Portland is currently the destination in the state with the highest annual average salary for wind turbine technicians.

Those who work here earn an annual average salary of $87,933. Arlington and The Dalles are also high on the list, thanks to annual average salaries of $73,966 and $64,679, respectively.

Without focusing solely on location, wind turbine technicians in Oregon generally earn an annual average salary of $50,912 in the bottom 10% and $96,905 in the top 10%. They make an annual average salary of $70,240 in the median bracket, according to Indeed, where most professionals find themselves.

Along with location, experience, and professional credentials, specific employers can also be crucial in helping candidates improve their earnings as wind turbine technicians in Oregon. Many employers in Oregon also offer per diem pay for travel, lodging, and meals during field projects, which can add to overall compensation.