How to Become A Solar Installation Technician in New Jersey
New Jersey employs approximately 1,880 solar installation technicians according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $78,950 1. The state’s concentration of solar installation technician jobs is 2.17x the national average, indicating strong demand. Nationally, solar installation technician employment is projected to grow 42.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 4,100 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a solar installation technician in New Jersey, including certification options, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Solar Installation Technician in New Jersey
How do I become a solar installation technician in New Jersey? New Jersey does not require a state license for solar installation technicians, but employers typically expect industry certifications such as NABCEP PV Associate Certification and OSHA 10/30 Safety Certification. Complete a training program to prepare.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in New Jersey? No state license is required, but certifications such as NABCEP PV Associate Certification and OSHA 10/30 Safety Certification are expected by most employers.
What do solar installation technicians earn in New Jersey? The median annual wage for solar installation technicians in New Jersey is $78,950 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $47,600 and experienced professionals can earn $102,050 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (New Jersey): $78,950 per year 1
Solar Installation Technician Certification Options in New Jersey
New Jersey does not require a state license to work as a solar installation technician. However, industry certifications can strengthen your resume and may be required by employers.
Common certifications for solar installation technicians include:
- NABCEP PV Associate Certification
- OSHA 10/30 Safety Certification
For more information, visit the NABCEP - Board of Certified Energy Practitioners 3. Contact training programs in New Jersey for details on certification preparation courses.
Solar Installation Technician Apprenticeship Information in New Jersey
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. New Jersey’s apprenticeship program is administered by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development - Registered Apprenticeship 4.
Contact Information:
- Office: Cape May County Technical Schools
- Address: 188 Crest Haven Road, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
- Phone: (609) 380-0200
- Email: [email protected]
Solar Installation Technician Wages by Metro Area in New Jersey
Solar Photovoltaic Installers Wages by Metro Area in New Jersey
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), solar photovoltaic installers wages in New Jersey vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | 2,190 | $70,130 | $74,770 | $47,600 | $102,050 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | 580 | $58,350 | $61,940 | $50,350 | $88,610 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton | 70 | $60,230 | $64,790 | $48,260 | $104,280 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Solar installation technicians in New Jersey
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest solar installation technician employment within New Jersey according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City-Hammonton | 70 | $60,230 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for solar installation technicians in New Jersey? New Jersey currently employs approximately 1,880 solar installation technicians 1. Nationally, solar installation technician employment is projected to grow 42.1% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in New Jersey? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in New Jersey. You can also contact the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development - Registered Apprenticeship for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do solar installation technicians earn in New Jersey compared to the national average? The median annual wage for solar installation technicians in New Jersey is $78,950, which is $27,090 above the national median of $51,860 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
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/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
NABCEP - Board of Certified Energy Practitioners: https://www.nabcep.org/ ↩︎
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development - Registered Apprenticeship: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |