WIND TURBINE TECHNICIAN
Maintains and repairs wind turbines. Fastest-growing trade in BLS projections. Climbs 300+ feet for a living. Pennsylvania is not a right-to-work state — union density is higher than average and prevailing wage rules cover most public projects.
The License.
Most states issue a journeyman license (allows you to work under a licensed contractor) and a separate master or contractor license (allows you to pull permits and run your own business). The journeyman license typically requires completing your apprenticeship and passing a written exam; the master/contractor license requires additional field hours — usually 2 years as a journeyman — and a separate exam.
Requirements in Pennsylvania: confirm current hour and exam requirements directly with PA Attorney General. Rules update frequently and our data reflects published standards as of early 2025.
The Money.
Pay data for this trade in Pennsylvania. BLS metro-level data was not available for this combination. National medians shown below.
| Stage | Hourly range | Approx. annual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 apprentice | $22–$28/hr | $44,000 – $56,000 |
| Journeyman scale | $32–$45/hr | $64,000 – $90,000 |
| BLS national median | — | $61,770 |
| BLS top 10% | — | $88,300 |
Pennsylvania is NOT a right-to-work state. Union scale in Pennsylvania's major metros typically runs 20–40% above the national median. Prevailing wage laws apply to most public-sector projects.
The Path.
In Pennsylvania, apprenticeships are administered through the federal RAPIDS system via the U.S. Department of Labor. To find registered programs, go to apprenticeship.gov and filter by state. Most joint apprenticeship training committees (JATCs) also accept direct applications.
The Exam.
Industrial trade licensing in Pennsylvania often falls under boiler, pressure vessel, or contractor rules. Confirm the applicable exam provider and code edition with the relevant board. Prevailing wage requirements in Pennsylvania apply to most public-sector projects, which ties exam and licensure to wage scale compliance for contractors.
Be honest about pass rates. Many licensing boards do not publish them. When they do, first-time pass rates for journeyman exams in the trades typically run 50–75%. Preparation time varies — most serious candidates spend 60–120 hours on exam prep. Use code books from the correct edition, not what's currently in print.
What recruiters won't tell you.
- 01Heights are non-negotiable. If you have any acrophobia, this is not your trade.
- 02Wind farm locations are remote. Be honest about whether you can live in West Texas or rural Iowa.
- 03BST cert is industry-standard and costs ~$1500. Most employers want it before they'll hire.
- 04Schedules are often 14-and-7 (14 days on, 7 off) with significant travel.