Wind Turbine Technician Schools in Washington

As with most places worldwide, the demand for renewable energy technology in Washington is rapidly increasing. If the Bureau of Labor Statistics projections hold up, there would have been a 45% increase in the demand for wind turbine technicians across the country in only ten years.

These figures are stunning and offer a golden opportunity for individuals in the state looking to pursue an important career with lots of room for growth. To help make the process a lot more enjoyable, we have highlighted below everything an aspiring wind turbine technician in Washington must know to start their career the right way.

The guide below contains the educational requirements, certification requirements, salary projections, and more.

How to Become a Wind Turbine Technician in Washington

The following are the steps to becoming a wind turbine technician in Washington.

Basic Prerequisites

A career as a wind turbine technician in Washington requires a fundamental understanding of mathematics, physics, general sciences, and language. Candidates are expected to have a high school diploma or an equivalent certificate that shows they have the rudimentary knowledge needed to succeed in the field.

Finding the Right Training School

There are numerous schools in Washington where candidates can receive high-quality training to begin their careers. We look at some of these below, but accreditation is one of the most important things to consider.

Accredited schools offer valid credentials that make employment easier. Most of them last 2 years and include comprehensive classroom training with additional hands-on training.

Finding Internships and Apprenticeship Opportunities

Companies in Washington offer candidates the opportunity to learn what it takes to be a wind turbine technician. They do this through internships and apprenticeship opportunities. While candidates can secure apprenticeship opportunities with only a high school diploma, it is common for individuals to complete an academic training program before enrolling for an internship or apprenticeship.

Securing Employment

Candidates who get to complete their internship/apprenticeship with a wind turbine company may secure employment with the same establishment. Others may have to compile a resume and apply for open positions in relevant companies, including those focused on power generation, communication, and equipment manufacturing.

Continual Improvement

Wind turbine technology is still in its infancy, with many innovations and improvements coming out regularly. For this reason, wind turbine technicians in Washington must continue to stay on top of this development by pursuing continuing education and improving their skills.

Explore other trades with similar paths:

• Learn to become an electrician in Washington

Licensure and Certification Requirements

Wind turbine technicians in Washington are not expected to register with the state or acquire a license before practicing professionally.

Currently, the most popular professional organizations offering credentials to wind turbine technicians in Washington include the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA), ENSA North America, Inc. (ENSA), and OSHA. Additionally, Global Wind Organisation (GWO) certifications, specifically the Basic Safety Training (BST) and Basic Technical Training (BTT), are essential for demonstrating both safety and technical proficiency.

Candidates may also consider the credentials offered by the North American Wind Research and Training Center.

Top Wind Turbine Technician Schools in Washington

The following are some of the best schools to study as an aspiring wind turbine technician in Washington.

Notable Mentions

Other notable mentions include Northwest Renewable Energy Institute offering a 6-month wind turbine technology program and DNV GL offering various wind training courses.

Explore wind turbine technician schools by city:

• Wind turbine technician schools in Seattle

Salary and Career Outlook

Figures revealed by Indeed, through a survey of wind turbine technicians in Washington, show that professionals in this field make an average annual salary of around $68,765 - if they fall into the mid-range of earners.

If they fall among the top 10%, they will earn an annual average salary of $98,394, while those among the lowest-paid will still earn an average salary of $48,058 per year.

In Walla Walla, wind turbine technicians earn an annual average salary of $64,899, while wind turbine technicians in Seattle earn an annual average salary of $61,498.

Apart from location, other factors such as professional credentials, experience, company of employment, and specialty area can significantly influence the yearly earnings of a wind turbine technician in the state of Washington.

In addition to base wages, many wind turbine technicians in Washington receive per diem pay when working on projects outside of their home base. These per diem charges depend on the employer, location, and the nature of the job, which can increase the average yearly earnings.