How to Become a Wind Turbine Technician: Follow These 8 Steps

Looking for a career that doesn’t stick you behind a desk, pays well, and has a future? You might want to look into how to become a wind turbine technician.

Wind power is booming. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for wind turbine technicians is expected to grow by 60% between 2023 and 2033; that’s way faster than most other jobs out there. With wind farms popping up across the U.S. and offshore projects gaining traction, companies need skilled techs to keep things running.

If you’re handy, not afraid of heights, and like solving mechanical or electrical issues, this might be a perfect fit. Let’s break down the real steps to get into this field, no fluff, just what you actually need to do.

1. Finish High School or Get a GED

To start off, you’ll need a high school diploma or a GED. No way around it. It’s the minimum requirement for most training programs and employers.

If you’re still in school, focus on math and science, stuff like algebra, physics, and maybe even some basic computer courses. These will help when you’re dealing with electrical systems and diagnostics down the line. Even a basic understanding of how systems work will give you a leg up later in your training.

Some schools also offer career and technical education (CTE) programs that touch on electronics or mechanics. If you have the option, take it. It’s a solid intro to the type of work you’ll do as a wind turbine technician.

2. Enroll in a Wind Turbine Technician Training Program

Next up is formal training. You can’t just walk into the field, you need to know how turbines work and how to fix them. That’s where a wind turbine technician program comes in.

You’ll find these at community colleges and technical schools. Programs usually last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on whether you’re going for a certificate or an associate degree. Both are fine, what matters is that the program gives you hands-on experience.

In school, you’ll learn how to:

• Understand wind turbine systems (mechanical, electrical, hydraulic)
• Safely climb and work on towers
• Troubleshoot problems in real-world scenarios
• Use tools and equipment specific to turbine maintenance

Some programs also connect you with local wind farms for practice, which can lead to internships or job offers.

Pro tip: Look for a school that offers tower climbing labs or simulation tools. You’ll want to know what you’re getting into before you’re 250 feet off the ground.

3. Get Certified in Safety and Technical Skills

Even after training, you’ll need to meet industry safety and skill standards. This is where certifications come in. They’re part of most wind turbine technician requirements, especially if you’re aiming for top employers or planning to work offshore.

The main ones to focus on:

• GWO (Global Wind Organisation): Covers first aid, fire awareness, manual handling, working at heights, and rescue training. GWO is required by most companies, especially if you want to be an offshore wind turbine technician.
• OSHA 10 or 30: General workplace safety. Required by many employers.
• CPR and First Aid: You’ll be working in remote spots, so being able to respond to emergencies is crucial.
• NCCER Certification: Optional but shows strong technical knowledge in construction and maintenance work.

These certifications not only help you land the job but also keep you safe in a field where safety isn’t just a guideline, it’s a daily priority.

4. Get Some Real-World Experience (Intern or Apprentice)

After your schooling and certifications, it’s time to get hands-on. Most people start out with an internship or apprenticeship. Some training programs include this as part of the curriculum, which makes the transition easier.

During this phase, you’ll:

• Assist with routine inspections and maintenance
• Shadow experienced techs to learn how to troubleshoot issues
• Practice using diagnostic tools
• Get familiar with climbing gear and safety systems

It’s also a reality check. You’ll figure out if you’re truly comfortable working at heights, in all types of weather, and under pressure. If you enjoy the challenge and the physical side of the work, you’re on the right path.

This step also helps you build connections. Some internships lead directly to full-time jobs, especially if you show initiative and work well with others.

5. Apply for Entry-Level Wind Turbine Technician Jobs

Once you’ve trained, certified, and interned, you’re ready to hit the job market. Most entry-level roles are listed as:

• Wind turbine technician
• Wind energy technician
• Wind tech apprentice
• Wind field service tech

These jobs are often with major wind companies like Siemens Gamesa, Vestas, or GE Renewable Energy. There are also smaller regional companies and contractors that handle maintenance for multiple sites.

Be ready to travel. Most wind farms are located in remote or rural areas. You may be assigned to a site for weeks at a time, or travel from one farm to another. If you’re aiming to become an offshore wind turbine technician, you’ll likely work on a rotating schedule, two weeks on, two weeks off, living on a service vessel or offshore platform.

Starting pay is solid, typically around $50,000 to $60,000 per year for new techs. With a few years of experience, that can climb to $80,000 or more, especially in high-demand areas.

6. Stay Physically and Mentally Ready

Being a wind turbine technician is no desk job. You’ll need to stay in good shape, physically and mentally.

Expect to:

• Climb towers daily (200+ feet)
• Work in heat, cold, rain, or wind
• Lift tools and components while strapped into safety gear
• Handle high-pressure situations calmly

Many employers do fitness or endurance checks during hiring. Staying in shape and keeping your nerves in check isn’t just about performance, it’s about survival.

If you’re targeting offshore wind turbine technician jobs, physical and mental endurance matter even more. Living offshore for weeks at a time in tight quarters isn’t for everyone.

7. Keep Building Your Skills

This field moves fast. New turbine models, tools, and software are constantly coming out. If you want to move up, or just stay employable, you need to keep learning.

What to focus on:

• Annual safety refresher courses (some are required)
• Advanced diagnostics and SCADA systems
• High-voltage systems and fiber optics
• Blade repair or composite work
• Offshore logistics and equipment

Some companies offer in-house training, others pay for third-party courses. Either way, it’s smart to stay current.

The more skills you bring to the table, the more valuable you are—and the more leverage you have for better pay or better roles.

8. Grow Your Career in Wind Energy

After a few years, you’ll have options. You could:

• Become a lead technician or site supervisor
• Specialize in troubleshooting or blade repair
• Transition to training new techs
• Move into remote diagnostics and monitoring
• Work with turbine manufacturers on R&D or testing

You could also aim for offshore wind turbine technician roles if you haven’t already. These usually pay more and offer unique challenges.

Whatever direction you take, keep showing up, keep learning, and keep climbing, literally and career-wise.

Climbing Towers, Building a Career

Not every career gives you a front-row seat to the future. But working as a wind turbine technician puts you right in the middle of one of the biggest energy shifts in history. You’re not just fixing machines; you’re keeping the lights on in a changing world. And that kind of work matters.

Sure, the path takes effort, and yeah, the job isn’t easy. But if you’re the type who’d rather climb towers than climb the corporate ladder, this might just be your lane. The wind industry doesn’t care much about fancy titles, it values grit, skill, and people who show up ready to work. So if you’re looking for a career with purpose and staying power, start climbing. The view’s not bad from up there.