How to Become a Wind Turbine Technician in California (2026)
California employs about 400 wind turbine technicians earning a median $77,910 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Most wind turbine technicians train through an approved program before entering the field in California.
Compare Wind Turbine Technician Schools in California
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | College of Southern Idaho | 68.2 | Contact school for pricing | $46,129 | 34% | Yes* | 563 mi |
| 2 | Truckee Meadows Community College | 63.0 | Contact school for pricing | $55,261 | 30% | Yes* | 286 mi |
| 3 | Central New Mexico Community College | 51.8 | Contact school for pricing | $48,652 | 30% | Yes* | 728 mi |
| 4 | Central Arizona College | 51.4 | Contact school for pricing | $48,765 | 25% | Yes* | 481 mi |
| 5 | Arizona Western College | 51.2 | Contact school for pricing | $48,286 | 22% | Yes* | 344 mi |
| 6 | New Mexico State University-Dona Ana | 48.7 | Contact school for pricing | $54,874 | 17% | Yes* | 764 mi |
| 7 | Santa Fe Community College | 46.6 | Contact school for pricing | $53,855 | Not reported | Yes* | 760 mi |
| 8 | Victor Valley College | 44.6 | Contact school for pricing | $44,779 | 45% | — | 144 mi |
| 9 | Coconino Community College | 44.5 | Contact school for pricing | $47,262 | Not reported | Yes* | 444 mi |
| 10 | Navajo Technical University | 43.0 | Contact school for pricing | Not reported | 16% | Yes* | 639 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.
California employs approximately 400 wind turbine technicians according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $77,910 1. Nationally, wind turbine technician employment is projected to grow 49.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 2,300 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Wind Turbine Technician in California, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school or community college
- Typical timeline: varies by program; confirm with the school
- Median wage (California): $77,910 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Wind Turbine Technician in California
How to become a Wind Turbine Technician in California? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for wind turbine technicians in California.
How long does it take? wind turbine technician training length in California varies by program. Confirm current requirements with the school and the state board before you enroll.
What do wind turbine technicians earn in California? The median annual wage for wind turbine technicians in California is $77,910 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $59,980 and experienced professionals can earn $114,270 or more 1.
How to Become a Wind Turbine Technician in California
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most California training programs require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete an approved training program. Enroll in an approved wind turbine technician program in California that combines classroom instruction with supervised practice.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor; confirm the exact total currently required with the licensing board.
- Meet state and employer requirements. Confirm any registration, certification, or employer requirements that apply to wind turbine technicians in California before you start working.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Wind Turbine Technician Wages by Metro Area in California
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for wind turbine technicians in California? California currently employs approximately 400 wind turbine technicians 1. Nationally, wind turbine technician employment is projected to grow 49.9% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in California? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in California.
How much do wind turbine technicians earn in California compared to the national average? The median annual wage for wind turbine technicians in California is $77,910, which is $15,330 above the national median of $62,580 according to BLS data 1.
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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 - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
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) |