Electrician vs. Solar Technician: Which Career Is Right for You?
Quick answer: Electricians earn a median of $63,190 per year and solar technicians earn $53,140 (BLS, May 2025), so electricians tend to take home more, especially as they gain a license and experience. Solar work is the faster-growing field by far, at 42.1% projected growth through 2034. Pick electrician if you want higher pay and broader work across homes, businesses, and industry. Pick solar technician if you want into one of the fastest-growing trades and prefer outdoor rooftop work.
Choosing between a career as an electrician and a solar technician is one of the most common decisions people face when entering the skilled trades. Both are solid, in-demand careers, but they differ in pay, work environment, training requirements, and long-term outlook.
This guide breaks down the key differences using current Bureau of Labor Statistics data so you can make an informed decision.
Electrician vs. Solar Technician at a Glance
| Category | Electrician | Solar Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,190 | $53,140 |
| Median Hourly | $30.38 | $25.55 |
| Entry-Level Pay (10th %) | $42,640 | $41,600 |
| Experienced Pay (90th %) | $108,510 | $79,970 |
| Total Employed | 757,220 | 31,350 |
| Job Growth (2024-2034) | 9.5% (faster than average) | 42.1% (much faster than average) |
| Annual Job Openings | 81,000 | 4,100 |
| Typical Training | 4 to 5 years (apprenticeship) | 1 to 2 years (trade school or certificate program) |
| Work Setting | Residential, commercial, and industrial buildings | Rooftops, solar farms, residential and commercial sites |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (BLS, May 2025); Employment Projections (2024-2034).
Salary Comparison
Electricians earn a higher median salary, about $10,050 more per year than solar technicians (BLS, May 2025).
Here is how pay breaks down across experience levels:
| Pay Level | Electrician | Solar Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $42,640 | $41,600 |
| Median (annual) | $63,190 | $53,140 |
| Median (hourly) | $30.38 | $25.55 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $108,510 | $79,970 |
Keep in mind that salaries vary by state, metro area, union membership, specialization, and overtime. Both trades frequently offer overtime opportunities that can push annual earnings well above the median.
Job Outlook and Demand
Solar Technician jobs are projected to grow faster (42.1% vs. 9.5%) through 2034.
| Metric | Electrician | Solar Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 757,220 | 31,350 |
| Projected Growth | 9.5% | 42.1% |
| Annual Openings | 81,000 | 4,100 |
Annual openings include positions created by workers retiring, changing careers, or moving into supervisory roles. With 81,000 openings per year for electricians and 4,100 for solar technicians, both fields offer strong hiring prospects.
Training and Education
Electrician: Apprenticeship, or trade school plus apprenticeship. Training typically takes 4 to 5 years through a registered apprenticeship. Key certifications include a state journeyman or master license, plus OSHA 10 or 30.
Solar Technician: A solar installation training program plus OSHA certification. Training typically takes 1 to 2 years through trade school or a certificate program. Key certifications include the NABCEP PV Installation Professional credential, plus OSHA 10 or 30.
Both careers require hands-on training, and most states require some form of licensing or certification before you can work independently.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Electrician: Electricians typically work in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Physical demands include climbing, lifting, working in confined spaces and at heights.
Solar Technician: Solar Technicians typically work in rooftops, solar farms, residential and commercial sites. Physical demands include rooftop work, heavy lifting, outdoor exposure to heat and heights.
Career Advancement
Electrician: The typical career path goes from Apprentice, Journeyman, Master Electrician, Electrical Contractor.
Solar Technician: The typical career path goes from Installer, Lead Installer, Project Manager, Solar Business Owner.
Both careers offer a path to self-employment. Experienced electricians and solar technicians often start their own contracting businesses, which can significantly increase earning potential.
Which Career Should You Choose?
Choose Electrician if you:
- Enjoy working with electrical systems, wiring, and circuitry
- Want a career with strong earning potential across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors
- Are comfortable working at heights and in tight spaces
- Want a path to running your own electrical contracting business
Choose Solar Technician if you:
- Want to work in one of the fastest-growing fields in the country
- Are interested in renewable energy and sustainability
- Enjoy outdoor rooftop work and physical activity
- Want a career with strong long-term demand as solar adoption grows
There is no wrong answer here. Both are respected, well-paying trades with strong demand across the country. Your decision should come down to which type of work interests you more on a daily basis.
Related Resources
- Learn more about becoming an electrician
- Learn more about becoming a solar technician
- Compare trade salaries nationally
- Find trade schools near you
FAQ
Is Electrician or Solar Technician a better career?
Both are strong career choices. Electricians earn a higher median salary, about $10,050 more per year (BLS, May 2025). Solar Technician jobs are projected to grow much faster (42.1% vs. 9.5%) through 2034. The right choice depends on which type of work appeals to you more.
Do electricians or solar technicians make more money?
Electricians earn a median salary of $63,190 per year ($30.38 per hour), while solar technicians earn $53,140 ($25.55 per hour), per BLS, May 2025. Top earners (90th percentile) make about $108,510 as electricians and $79,970 as solar technicians.
Which trade is easier to get into?
Both trades are accessible with a high school diploma. Electricians typically train 4 to 5 years through an apprenticeship, while solar technicians often start after 1 to 2 years of trade school or a certificate program. Neither requires a college degree.
Can you switch from Electrician to Solar Technician?
Yes. Many foundational skills, such as reading blueprints, following building codes, and working safely on job sites, transfer between trades. You would need additional training and any licensing specific to the new trade.
What is the job outlook for each trade?
The BLS projects 9.5% growth for electricians and 42.1% growth for solar photovoltaic installers from 2024 to 2034. In raw numbers, electricians see about 81,000 annual openings versus roughly 4,100 for solar technicians, since the electrician workforce is far larger.
How much do entry-level electricians and solar technicians earn?
At the 10th percentile, electricians earn about $42,640 per year and solar technicians about $41,600, per BLS, May 2025. Entry pay is close, but electrician earnings climb higher with experience and licensing.
Does a solar technician need a license like an electrician?
Requirements vary by state. Electricians generally need a state journeyman or master license to work independently. Solar installers often work toward the NABCEP PV Installation Professional credential and OSHA 10 or 30 safety training, though licensing rules differ by state.
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.