Wind Turbine Technician Schools in South Carolina

Wind turbine technicians must receive extensive training to understand how wind turbines work. Other than the technical aspect of the job, individuals interested in becoming wind turbine technicians must also be able to deal with the physical exertions of the job, which range from climbing, crouching, and standing.

The sections below look into the various requirements needed to become a wind turbine technician in South Carolina. Candidates will find an array of useful information, such as the basic educational requirements, licensing requirements, certification options, and the best training programs to enroll into

Anyone looking to know the potential salary and career outlook will also satisfy their curiosity in the concluding section.

How to Become a Wind Turbine Technician in South Carolina

Wind turbine technicians in South Carolina are advised to follow the steps below to launch their careers on the right foundation.

Earn a High School Diploma or GED

The first step to becoming a wind turbine technician in South Carolina is to have a high school diploma or GED. Candidates will need either of these to enroll in a training program.

Employers who offer training on the job also ask for a high school diploma or equivalent as the basic requirement.

Training Routes

Aspiring wind turbine technicians in South Carolina may consider either of the following options for their technical training:

• Community College/Technical School - Candidates may begin their careers by earning a certificate or an associate degree from an academic training program.

These programs may be standalone programs that can be completed within 6 - 12 months or General Renewable Energy Technology programs that can be completed within 2 - 4 years.

• On-the-Job Training - Those with prior experience in related fields may also be able to secure hands-on training positions through apprenticeship arrangements.

Combining Both Avenues

The best approach to becoming a wind turbine technician in South Carolina is to combine both academic and on-the-job training. Many academic training programs help candidates achieve this through internships.

Some also have wind turbines on campus that candidates can work on to acquire real-world experience.

Apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training opportunities offered by potential employers also tend to find a way to ensure that candidates get classroom training.

After completing the steps above, aspiring wind turbine technicians in South Carolina may apply for professional credentials.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn to become an aircraft mechanic in South Carolina

Licensure & Certification Requirements

As a newly graduated wind turbine technician in South Carolina, you are not required to obtain a license from the state. Candidates looking to acquire some extra credibility through professional certification can do so by considering the following alternatives:

• The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP),
• The Electronics Technicians Association (ETA),
• ENSA North America, Inc. (ENSA),
• The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA),
• Global Wind Organisation (GWO), and
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Some contracts also have stringent safety requirements, which may necessitate an OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training Program or an OSHA 30 certification, among others.

These certification options provide candidates with the professional benefits one would expect, including enhanced employment opportunities, access to continuing education resources, and opportunities for career growth.

Top Wind Turbine Technician Schools in South Carolina

The programs below are some of the best for aspiring wind turbine technicians in South Carolina.

Explore wind turbine technician schools in South Carolina by city:

• Wind turbine technician schools in Charleston

Salary & Career Outlook

According to ZipRecruiter, as a wind turbine technician in South Carolina, you can expect to start your career with a yearly salary of around $31,550. This represents the bottom 10%. As you progress in your career, you may increase this figure to an annual average salary of $50,323, which is comparable to the midpoint salary for wind turbine technicians.

Wind turbine technicians who travel for work are also paid per diem charges, which significantly increase their overall yearly salary. These charges vary by employer.

Finally, at the upper end of the spectrum, wind turbine technicians in South Carolina earn an annual average salary of $73,309. These are the highest-paid individuals in the top 10%.

To progress, candidates may acquire professional credentials, increase their advanced skills, and optimize their location.

Notable cities for wind turbine technicians in South Carolina include Charleston, with an annual average salary of $50,749; Elloree, with an annual average salary of $52,711; and Florence, with an annual average salary of $52,426.