How to Become A Solar Installation Technician in Oregon
Oregon employs approximately 360 solar installation technicians according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $66,320 1. 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 Oregon, including certification options, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Solar Installation Technician in Oregon
How do I become a solar installation technician in Oregon? Oregon requires credentials such as Apprentice Plumber (Speciality), Solar Heating and Cooling System Installer, Apprentice Electrician, Limited Renewable Energy Technician. The licensing authority is the Bureau of Labor and Industries 3. You also need to complete an approved training program or apprenticeship.
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 Oregon? Yes. Oregon has licensing or registration requirements for solar installation technicians. The Bureau of Labor and Industries oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do solar installation technicians earn in Oregon? The median annual wage for solar installation technicians in Oregon is $66,320 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $54,110 and experienced professionals can earn $87,370 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Licensing authority: Bureau of Labor and Industries
- Median wage (Oregon): $66,320 per year 1
Solar Installation Technician License Requirements in Oregon
The Bureau of Labor and Industries oversees solar installation technician licensing in Oregon 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Apprentice Plumber (Speciality), Solar Heating and Cooling System Installer | Apprentice plumber and limited specialty plumber licenses are issued to individuals who are enrolled in registered apprenticeship or training programs approved by the Oregon State Apprenticeship and T… |
| Apprentice Electrician, Limited Renewable Energy Technician | Apprentice electrician licenses are issued to individuals who are enrolled in registered apprenticeship or training programs approved by the Oregon State Apprenticeship and Training Council and the Or… |
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Solar Installation Technician Apprenticeship Information in Oregon
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Oregon’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Oregon Apprenticeship and Training Division 5.
Contact Information:
- Office: Apprenticeship and Training Division, Oregon State Bureau of Labor and Industries
- Address: 1800 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR 97201
- Phone: (971) 245-3844
- Email: [email protected]
Solar Installation Technician Wages by Metro Area in Oregon
Solar Photovoltaic Installers Wages by Metro Area in Oregon
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), solar photovoltaic installers wages in Oregon vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro | 210 | $66,320 | $72,710 | $56,470 | $87,370 |
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 Oregon
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest solar installation technician employment within Oregon according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro | 210 | $66,320 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for solar installation technicians in Oregon? Oregon currently employs approximately 360 solar installation technicians 1. Nationally, solar installation technician employment is projected to grow 42.1% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a solar installation technician in Oregon with an out-of-state license? Contact the Bureau of Labor and Industries for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Oregon? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Oregon. You can also contact the Oregon Apprenticeship and Training Division for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do solar installation technicians earn in Oregon compared to the national average? The median annual wage for solar installation technicians in Oregon is $66,320, which is $14,460 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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor and Industries - Licensing Information: http://www.oregonobo.org/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
Oregon Apprenticeship and Training Division: https://www.oregon.gov/boli/apprenticeship/pages/apprenticeship-opportunities.aspx ↩︎
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) |