Wind is the fastest growing energy source in the United States. A recent report by the U.S. Department of Energy suggests that it could contribute 20 percent of the nation's electricity by 2030.
Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not collect data specifically on wind energy jobs, the most recent data from the American Solar Energy Society estimated 16,000 jobs in wind turbine construction and maintenance. These jobs were once confined to a few states that were early promoters of renewable energy, but wind farms—a group of wind turbines connected to a central utility--now operate in 34 states across the country. Just a few years ago, the average earnings at a 250-person wind turbine manufacturing company were $47,300.
Most wind farms are owned by a major utility company that pays a wind energy company to install and maintain turbines. For this reason, in many wind energy jobs, employees travel extensively. Most of these workers are technicians with a specialty, such as turbine blade repair or electrical work.
* Median wages from national research. Your actual job results and/or income may differ. No promise of a job or specific wages is promised or implied.