Wind turbine technicians in Utah can establish a strong foundation for their careers by attending a comprehensive program, laying the groundwork for future career opportunities. The purpose of this guide is to introduce interested individuals to everything they need to consider in order to achieve this objective.
We introduce them to the right ways to prepare for training and the most suitable training arrangements, initiatives, and courses to develop comprehensive proficiency. After exploring opportunities for employment and continuing education, we dive into the possible licensing steps, certification requirements, and specific training programs.
Finally, the guide concludes with a detailed section showing the annual average salary possibilities of wind turbine technicians in Utah.
How to Become a Wind Turbine Technician in Utah
The following steps outline the process to become a wind turbine technician in Utah.
Preparation & Fundamental Attributes
To prepare for formal education, it is crucial for prospective wind turbine technicians in Utah to be in good physical shape and have a high school diploma. This can sometimes be an admission requirement into top programs.
For those without a high school diploma, a GED equivalent is typically acceptable as an alternative.
Formal Academic Education
For formal academic training, prospective wind turbine technicians in Utah can choose to complete a certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree program. They can also choose an array of majors, including dedicated wind turbine technology programs, renewable energy technology programs with a wind focus, or engineering technology programs.
The specific amount of time they will spend in training depends on this decision. Some programs can be completed in a few months, while others take a couple of years to complete.
Bachelor’s degree programs, of course, take 4 years to complete.
On-the-Job Training
A significant number of technical skills required for becoming a wind turbine technician can be acquired through an academic program. However, many skills need to be cultivated in an actual work environment for candidates to be confident enough to carry out their duties at a high level.
Although several programs on campus feature actual turbines where students can learn, it is more common to find candidates participating in an internship or working in an entry-level position for on-the-job training.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Wind technicians in Utah are not required to be licensed before they can start working professionally. Candidates who wish to enhance their credibility and career prospects may opt to become certified, although this is not mandatory.
The major organizations that offer certifications and credentials for technicians in this state are the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), and the Global Wind Organization (GWO).
Thanks to the importance of safety in the discipline, certification from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) is also highly essential.
Top Wind Turbine Technician Schools in Utah
Below are some schools with robust training possibilities for wind turbine technicians in Utah.
Utah State University
Logan, UT Campus Only
Utah State University offers a certificate in Industrial Technicians and Maintenance through its College of Applied Sciences, tailored for individuals seeking careers in wind turbine maintenance and related mechanical fields.
Tuition
$14,611 per SemesterContact
(435) 797-1079
admit@usu.edu
Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake City, UT Campus Only
Salt Lake Community College offers energy training programs that serve as foundational pathways into renewable energy and electrical technology careers, including those for wind turbine technicians.
Tuition
$99 - $1,239 per CreditContact
(801) 957-5555
help.desk@slcc.edu
Weber State University
Ogden, UT Campus Only
Weber State University offers a Mechanical Engineering Technology degree that prepares students for technical careers in mechanical systems, including wind turbine technology.
Tuition
$5,768 - $17,156 per YearContact
(801) 626-6050
admissions@weber.edu
Explore wind turbine technician schools in Utah by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a wind turbine technician in Utah is approximately $49,369. By “average”, we mean professionals who fall into the mid-range when it comes to factors like experience, location, professional network, credentials, and other key determinants of earnings in the field.
Those who fall on the strong side of these factors can earn an annual average salary of $71,920, putting them in the top 10%. Those who fall on the weaker side of the factors can end up with an annual average salary of $30,953, putting them in the bottom 10%.
Regarding location, Park City is where wind turbine technicians in Utah earn the highest state average, at $56,732 per year. Those who work in Ogden manage an annual average salary of $53,068 in second place, while wind turbine technicians in Salt Lake City are third with an annual average salary of $52,479.
Some companies may also offer per diem payments to cover daily expenses for technicians working on remote projects or traveling for work. These payments can significantly supplement a technician’s take-home income, especially for those in roles that require frequent travel.