Wind Turbine Technician Schools in South Dakota

As a resident of South Dakota with a dream of entering the renewable energy field and making the world a better place, starting a career as a wind turbine technician is a remarkable choice to consider. Professionals in the field are well-paid, in high demand for their expertise, and all of these trends are expected to continue improving over the coming decade.

Through the guide below, we introduce readers and aspiring wind turbine technicians to all the key considerations to keep in mind when starting their careers in this field. We outline the steps to be taken before, during, and after training.

We also discuss the earnings possibilities and the various approaches to improving yearly income as a wind turbine technician in South Dakota.

How to Become a Wind Turbine Technician in South Dakota

The following steps are required to become a wind turbine technician in South Dakota.

Step 1: Preparing for Training

Candidates in South Dakota can prepare for a career as a wind turbine technician by developing their fundamental skills. Professionals in this field must be strong enough to lift heavy equipment and climb tall towers.

They must also have excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and quick thinking. Some training programs will also set admission requirements that include a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

Step 2: Choosing a Training Program

When choosing a turning program, prospective wind turbine technicians in South Dakota should consider the duration of their training and the desired award. Candidates who wish to graduate more quickly can pursue post-secondary certificate programs, while those who are willing to spend longer in training can opt for associate degree programs.

Some associate and bachelor’s degree programs are structured as renewable technology programs, explaining not only wind technology but also solar and other renewable energy technologies.

Step 3: Hands-On Proficiency

Through academic education, candidates develop theoretical and practical proficiency. Through hands-on learning initiatives, such as apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs, candidates develop confidence in the real world.

It is possible to find on-the-job training opportunities as a fresh graduate of a training program. Although rarer, some employers also offer on-the-job training to candidates without prior experience or a specific priority.

Step 4: Employment & Career Advancement

Lastly, after their training period, fresh wind turbine technicians may secure employment with power generation companies or wind technology equipment manufacturers. They can also facilitate career advancement by becoming certified through the process highlighted below.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

Wind turbine technicians in South Dakota can begin their careers after completing the right educational programs. They don’t have to register with the state or receive a license to qualify for job placement.

Professionals in the state tend to pursue certification, but this is not compulsory by law. Certification is highly advisable for professional opportunities and credibility. Wind turbine technicians can also discover positions and network with fellow professionals through their certifying organizations.

Some prominent credentials and certifications to pursue include those offered by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). In addition, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Global Wind Organisation (GWO) provide respected safety certifications that are widely recognized across the wind energy industry.

Top Wind Turbine Technician Schools in South Dakota

Below are some notable training programs for prospective wind turbine technicians in South Dakota.

Explore wind turbine technician schools in South Dakota by city:

• Wind turbine technician schools in Sioux Falls

Salary & Career Outlook

A wind turbine technician in South Dakota can significantly increase their yearly earnings by selecting favorable locations and companies in the area. Obtaining professional credentials and spending enough time on the job are other effective approaches to improving yearly salary figures as a wind turbine technician in the state.

Currently, the most prominent locations for professionals in this field include White Lake, with an annual average salary of $96,590; Highmore, with an annual average salary of $74,597; and Sioux Falls, with an annual average salary of $73,452. Analyzing the numbers by Indeed, without focusing on any singular criterion, we have the annual average salary breakdown for wind turbine technicians in South Dakota to be as follows:

• The top 10% make an annual average salary of $102,555;
• The bottom 10% make an annual average salary of $60,425; and
• The median earners make an annual average salary of $78,720.

Many employers also offer per diem pay to cover travel expenses when technicians are assigned to remote projects.