How to Become a Solar Installation Technician in Washington (2026)
Solar installation technicians in Washington earn a median $61,630 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). No statewide license is required; most solar installation technicians train through a certificate program and earn an industry certification before employers will hire them.
Compare Solar Installation Technician Schools in Washington
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Truckee Meadows Community College | 63.0 | $3,352 in-state / $12,018 out-of-state | $55,261 | 32% | Yes* | 522 mi |
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
Nationally, solar installation technician employment is projected to grow 42.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 4,100 openings per year 1. This page covers how to become a Solar Installation Technician in Washington, including certification options, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Washington): $61,630 per year 2
Quick Answers About How to Become a Solar Installation Technician in Washington
How to become a Solar Installation Technician in Washington? Washington 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 into the solar installation technician field take 1 to 5 years, depending on whether you complete a trade school program, a registered apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Washington? 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 Washington? The median annual wage for solar installation technicians in Washington is $61,630 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $50,440 and experienced professionals can earn $61,640 or more 2.
How to Become a Solar Installation Technician in Washington
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Washington training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an approved trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in Washington that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor; confirm the exact total currently required with the licensing board.
- Earn an industry certification. While Washington does not require a statewide license, earn NABCEP PV Associate Certification to meet employer expectations and improve hiring prospects.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Solar Installation Technician Certification Options in Washington
Washington 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 Washington for details on certification preparation courses.
Solar Installation Technician Apprenticeship Information in Washington
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Washington’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Washington State of Labor and Industry - Apprenticeship 4.
Contact Information:
- Office: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
- Address: 7273 Linderson Way SW, Tumwater, WA 98501-5414
- Phone: (360) 902-5320
- Email: [email protected]
Solar Installation Technician Wages by Metro Area in Washington
Solar Photovoltaic Installers Wages by Metro Area in Washington
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), solar photovoltaic installers wages in Washington 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 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | N/A | $61,630 | $58,790 | $50,440 | $61,640 |
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 .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for solar installation technicians in Washington? Nationally, solar installation technician employment is projected to grow 42.1% from 2024 to 2034 1.
What training programs are available in Washington? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Washington. You can also contact the Washington State of Labor and Industry - Apprenticeship for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do solar installation technicians earn in Washington compared to the national average? The median annual wage for solar installation technicians in Washington is $61,630, which is $9,770 above the national median of $51,860 according to BLS data 2.
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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 - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
NABCEP - Board of Certified Energy Practitioners: https://www.nabcep.org/ ↩︎
Washington State of Labor and Industry - Apprenticeship: https://secure.lni.wa.gov/arts-public/#/ ↩︎
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) |