U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 1

Green Jobs: Wind Energy

Careers in Wind Energy

James Hamilton and Drew Liming

Wind power has been used for centuries, but is 

a relatively new source of electricity generation. Visually identifiable by its characteristic 

turbines, wind power has been used on a utility scale 

for only a few decades. Wind-generating capacity in the 

United States grew 39 percent per year from 2004 to 

2009, and is expected to grow more rapidly as demand 

for renewable energy increases.1 As the wind energy 

industry continues to grow, it will provide many opportunities for workers in search of new careers. These careers 

extend beyond the wind farm: it also takes the efforts of 

workers in factories and offices to build and operate a 

turbine.

The wind energy industry has experienced rapid 

growth in the past decade. According to the American 

Wind Energy Association (AWEA), in 2000, installed 

wind energy capacity in the United States was under 

3,000 megawatts. It is now over 35,000 megawatts, 

enough electricity to power approximately 9.7 million 

homes.2 And this growth is accelerating. In 2009, 10,010 

megawatts of new wind energy capacity was installed, 

more than in any previous year. As wind energy continues to grow in popularity, the development of American 

wind farms is expected to increase. Of course, the pace 

of wind energy development is influenced by current 

economic conditions. 

Despite this growth, wind power is only a tiny 

segment of the national energy market. In 2009, wind 

energy made up 1.8 percent of U.S. power generation, an increase from 1.3 percent in 2008. However, 

James Hamilton and Drew Liming are economists in the Office of 

Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections, BLS. James 

is available at (202) 691-7877 or hamilton.james@bls.gov. Drew is 

available at (202) 691-5262 or liming.drew@bls.gov.

U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR ST

BLATSISTICS

September 2010
Green Jobs: Wind Energy

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2

wind power accounts for about 50 percent of renewable 

energy, which includes wind, solar, hydroelectric, and 

geothermal power, as well as energy from biomass and 

wood or wood-derived products.3 Some States rely significantly more on wind power to fill their energy needs. 

For example, in 2009, 19.7 percent of Iowa's electricity 

was produced by wind power.4 Growth in wind power is 

expected to continue. According to a report by the Department of Energy, it may be feasible for wind power to 

provide 20 percent of U.S. electricity needs by the year 

2030.5

According to AWEA, an estimated 85,000 Americans are currently employed in the wind power industry 

and related fields. Many workers are found on wind 

farms, which are frequently located in the Midwest, 

Southwest, and Northeast regions of the United States. 

Texas, Iowa, and California are the leading States in 

wind power generating capacity, but many other States—

including Illinois, Indiana, Oregon, and Washington—

are in the process of substantially increasing their windgenerating capacity. (See map 1.)
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 3

Green Jobs: Wind Energy

Although some States are better known for wind 

power than others, there are wind energy jobs in almost 

every State in the country. Much wind turbine manufacturing is located in traditional manufacturing areas in the 

Great Lakes and Midwest, as well as in the southeastern 

United States, where there is not sufficient wind for substantial power generation. (See map 2.)

This report provides information on various career 

opportunities in wind power. The first section provides 

an overview of the wind energy industry and the work 

that goes into creating and running a wind farm. The 

remainder of the report details occupations integral to 

the wind energy industry. Each occupational profile includes information on job duties, education and training 

requirements, and wages. 

The primary focus of this report is utility-scale wind 

generation. Wind power generation on a smaller scale, 

known as "small wind," is used by some individual 

residences and business establishments. These smaller 

wind turbines generate electricity that is used to power 

individual buildings or building complexes.
Green Jobs: Wind Energy

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 4

Steel Cast iron Fiberglass Rubber Concrete Aluminum

Raw materials

Component manufacturing

Blades Tower Nacelle Generator

Project development

Scientic studies Land leasing Logistics Construction

Operation and maintenance

Wind turbine service technicians Energy and utility companies

Diagram 1. The wind energy supply chain
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 5

Green Jobs: Wind Energy

Overview of a Wind-Farm 

Project

The process of getting energy from the wind into the 

home or business is complex and involves many players. (See diagram 1.) A modern wind turbine consists 

of an estimated 8,000 parts and can be up to 300 feet 

high.6 Turbines must be designed, built, transported, 

and erected before they can start producing energy. This 

process can be split into three major phases: manufacturing, project development, and operation and maintenance. Each of these phases will be discussed separately, 

but in a successful project, these phases overlap and 

there is substantial communication among players in all 

three phases.

Currently, most of the jobs in wind power are in 

the manufacturing sector, followed by construction, 

and operation and maintenance. However, as new wind 

farms are brought online, existing ones are upgraded, 

and manufacturers are able to take advantage of returns 

to scale, the other sectors also are expected to experience 

rapid growth. Chart 1 shows the distribution of jobs in 

the wind power industry in 2010.

Manufacturing Phase

Wind turbines are large, complex pieces of machinery 

designed and built by companies known as original 

equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Some OEMs are 

large multinational corporations for which wind turbine 

manufacturing is only a small piece of their global business. Other companies do business solely in the wind 

Other jobs1

Operation and

maintenance

Construction

Manufacturing

63 percent

21 percent

11 percent

5 percent

Chart 1. Jobs in wind power, 2009

SOURCE: American Wind Energy Association

1. “Other jobs” includes the following:

some manufacturing, parts-related

services, nancial and consultant services,

developers and development services,

contracting and engineering services,

and transportation and logistics.
Green Jobs: Wind Energy

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 6

power industry. These companies rely on many smaller 

establishments to construct the individual components 

and systems that make up a wind turbine.

Many of the OEMs producing wind turbines are 

based overseas, and many domestically based OEMs 

manufacture major turbine components outside the United States. However, many foreign OEMs are localizing 

production in the United States in order to take advantage of the growing market, reduce transportation costs, 

minimize the risks associated with currency fluctuations, 

ease logistical challenges associated with exporting large 

turbines and components, and avoid import duties.7

OEMs are the major players in the wind industry. 

These companies conduct research and development 

that leads to innovations in wind turbines. New turbines 

need to be rigorously designed by teams of engineers. 

Because of the large size of wind turbines, testing the 

equipment presents many challenges and the design 

phase is extremely important. OEMs must incorporate 

new technologies and constantly innovate to stay competitive. After designing a wind turbine, OEMs have to 

take the turbine schematics off the page and turn them 

into functioning turbines. 

Wind turbines consist of three major components—

the blades, tower, and nacelle—each of which has to be 

designed and produced separately. 

Modern turbine blades are made 

of fiberglass and, in onshore 

models, are frequently more than 

100 feet long. Towers are made up 

of several steel segments placed 

atop one another. The brain of 

the wind turbine is the nacelle, a 

rectangular box resting atop the 

tower and containing the turbine's 

gears, generator, and other mechanical components. The nacelle 

also contains many highly sophisticated electronic components 

that allow the turbine to monitor 

changes in wind speed and direction. These components can direct 

the wind turbine to turn on and off 

or change direction automatically 

in order to safely and efficiently 

harness power from the wind. 

(See diagram 2.)

The business and supply 

models of OEMs vary. The blades, 

tower, and nacelle may be manufactured by the OEM 

itself or contracted out to suppliers to be built to the 

OEM's specifications. Even OEMs that assemble their 

own turbine pieces have to buy some components from 

third-party suppliers. The wind industry supports many 

smaller companies that make specialized parts, such as 

blade epoxies and gears for the OEMs. 

Whether manufactured by the OEM or a supplier, 

the blades, towers, and nacelles are all built separately 

at different factories, many of which are located around 

traditionally industrial areas in the Midwest and around 

the Great Lakes. The growth of the wind industry will 

provide new opportunities for many American workers. 

As turbine manufacturers import fewer components, 

more domestic manufacturing jobs could be created.

Project Development Phase

Wind farm development is a challenging process that 

usually takes several years from inception to construction. The process begins with the selection of an appropriate site. Site selection involves a number of factors, 

including wind speed and variability, availability of land, 

the ability of the ground to support the weight—often in 

excess of 1000 tons—of turbine structures, the feasibility of transporting large turbine components to the site, 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 7

Green Jobs: Wind Energy

and environmental concerns—such as local bird and bat 

populations. Project development also has many legal 

and financial components such as contract development 

and financing. All of this work must be done before the 

first shovel can break ground.

A key element in the project development phase is 

community relations. Wind turbines are large, visually 

imposing structures that can produce significant amounts 

of noise. Projects must gain the support of local communities, and developers must work with the local community to ensure that everyone realizes the benefits of wind 

projects.

Because of the complexity of developing a wind 

farm, many occupations are involved in the process. 

Lawyers and permitting specialists are necessary to deal 

with local, State, and Federal regulations. Land purchasing agents are required in order to purchase or lease the 

land. And engineers and scientists must ensure that the 

site is adequate for a wind farm.

Once a site is determined to be suitable for development, the necessary permits have been obtained, and 

financing has been secured, the turbines are ordered and 

the manufacturing process begins. Because of the size, 

cost, and complexity of turbines and the difficulty in 

selecting a site, turbine manufacturing must run concurrently with site development. Before the turbines can 

arrive, the site must be cleared and roads must be in 

place. The foundations, which consist of concrete and 

steel, also must be complete before the installation of the 

turbines.

Another challenge facing developers is the transportation of the turbine components to the worksite. Many 

wind farms are located in remote locations far from turbine manufacturers. Because of the extremely large size 

of these components, specially designed trucks and railcars are necessary to transport them to worksites. Some 

development companies handle their own transportation 

and logistics issues, whereas others hire trucking companies that specialize in hauling large equipment.

After the land is purchased or leased, the foundations have been built, and the turbine parts have arrived 

onsite, the turbines are ready to be erected. Many development and construction companies use both their own 

specialized construction workers and local contractors. 

Under the supervision of more experienced wind-industry workers, local construction firms help build access 

roads and the foundations, made of reinforced concrete, 

that rest under the turbines. Skilled crane operators stack 

the tower segments atop one another before adding the 

nacelle and blades to the top of the turbine. 

When planning the wind farm, the owner will enter 

into a contract, known as a power purchase agreement, 

with the utility company. Each wind turbine functions 

as its own power plant, and the energy it produces is 

gathered into substations to be converted into usable 

electricity. Electricians are necessary to build the plant's 

electricity distribution system and connect the turbines to 

the power grid.

Operation and Maintenance Phase

Wind turbines can run with little need for human supervision. Energy companies employ monitors, either 

locally or remotely, to observe energy flows and inform 

technicians of any problems. All wind farms employ local workers, but remote monitoring of wind turbines can 

allow for a cost-effective way to ensure that the turbine 

is generating power most efficiently and that local technicians are alerted to any potential problems.

Wind turbine service technicians, also known as 

"wind techs," are responsible for keeping the turbines 

running efficiently. These technicians climb up and 

down the ladders housed within the tower to reach the 

nacelle and blades. On the top of turbines they perform 

preventative maintenance and do routine checks. When a 

problem arises wind techs must be able to diagnose and 

fix it quickly, as any time the turbine spends shut off is 

money lost to the energy company.

It takes a large number of people to build and maintain a turbine, from machinists in distant factories to 

technicians working on wind farms every day. Each of 

these workers along the supply chain contributes to making wind a viable source of energy in the United States.

Occupations in Wind Power

For the purposes of this report, occupations in wind power are separated into three phases: manufacturing, project 

development, and operation and maintenance. However, 

occupations are not always limited to one phase. For 

example, engineers are used in both manufacturing and 

project development, but in this report they are discussed 

in the manufacturing section. Wind turbine service technicians work in all three phases, but are listed here under 

operation and maintenance.

Most of the occupations detailed in this section are 

not specific to the wind power industry. Although many 
Green Jobs: Wind Energy

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 8

of these jobs require special skills unique to wind power, 

in most cases, skills can be acquired in other industries. 

For most positions, the wind companies hire people with 

experience in other industries and give them wind-specific training.

The primary exception to this trend is the wind 

turbine service technician. Currently, a large portion of 

these technicians learn on the job or through apprenticeship programs. However, as more vocational training 

programs are developed and training is standardized, 

technicians will be expected to have formal training and 

a certificate or degree. More information will be provided later in this report.

Occupations Relevant to the 

Manufacturing Phase

Research and development is a key aspect of any industry, but because wind power is a relatively new industry 

in the United States, it is vital for manufacturers to invest 

in new technologies and processes. There are hundreds 

of companies involved in manufacturing turbines and 

turbine components, and because of the competition 

in the industry, each firm must find innovative ways to 

make turbines more powerful, efficient, and reliable—

without significantly increasing costs.

Key careers in wind turbine research and development are those of scientists, engineers, and engineering 

technicians. Scientists involved in R&D include atmospheric scientists and materials scientists, who must 

design components that can efficiently generate the most 

power and withstand environmental stresses. (Science 

occupations will be discussed in the project development 

section of this report.)

The three major pieces of a wind turbine—the 

blades, the tower and the nacelle—are all difficult to produce. Contained within the nacelle are the turbine's drive 

train and generator, and other mechanical and electrical 

components. All of these pieces must be manufactured 

to meet design specifications. Workers in many different 

occupations, including machinists, computer-controlled 

machine tool operators, assemblers, welders, qualitycontrol inspectors, and industrial production managers, 

are involved in manufacturing the turbine components. 

Research and Development Jobs

Engineers in the wind power industry are involved in the 

design and development of wind turbines. In addition, 

they also work in testing, production, and maintenance. 

Engineers may also supervise production in factories, 

test manufactured products to maintain quality, and 

troubleshoot design or component problems. They also 

estimate the time and cost required to complete projects 

and look for ways to make production processes more 

efficient. Supervisory engineers are responsible for 

major components or entire projects and typically lead a 

team of engineers and technicians.

Engineers use computers extensively to produce and 

analyze designs, generate specifications for parts, monitor product quality, and simulate and test how a turbine 

or component operates. Because of the complexity of 

wind turbines, several types of engineers are employed 

by the industry. The following is a partial list of the types 

of engineers employed in the wind power industry: aerospace engineers, civil engineers, computer engineers, 

electrical engineers, environmental engineers, health and 

safety engineers, industrial engineers, materials engineers, and mechanical engineers.

Job duties

Engineers in the wind power industry work in offices, 

laboratories, and industrial plants. Some may spend 

time at working wind farms and those under development. Many are expected to travel frequently to oversee 

manufacturing processes or turbine installation, and 

travel abroad is often required since many of the largest 

turbine manufacturers are based overseas. The nature of 

engineers' work depends largely on their specialties. 

Aerospace engineers design, test, and supervise the 

manufacture of turbine blades and rotors, and conduct 

aerodynamics assessments. They are frequently involved 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 9

Green Jobs: Wind Energy

They also aid in financial planning, cost analysis, and the 

design of production processes and control systems.

Materials engineers develop, process, and test 

materials used to construct wind turbines. Wind turbines 

consist of thousands of parts, and each must be designed 

to exacting specifications because of the stresses involved in generating wind power. Materials engineers 

must work with metals, ceramics, plastics, semiconductors, and composites that meet certain mechanical and 

electrical requirements.

Mechanical engineers work on a variety of machines and other mechanical devices. They research, 

design, develop, and test tools and mechanical devices. 

These engineers work on wind turbine components, wind 

turbine systems, or the machinery that is used to manufacture and test the turbines. Many of these engineers 

also supervise manufacturing processes.

Engineering technicians assist engineers and scientists, especially in research and development and in the 

manufacturing process. Some work in quality control, 

inspections, and data collection. They assist with design 

by use of computer-aided design and drafting equipment, 

collect data, and calculate or record results. Engineering 

technicians are also responsible for operating and maintaining design and test equipment.

Education and training

Engineers typically enter the wind power industry with 

at least a bachelor's degree in an engineering specialty. 

However, a significant number of jobs require more 

education, such as a master's or doctoral degree. In addition, engineers typically are licensed and are expected 

to complete continuing education to keep current with 

rapidly changing technology.

Wind turbine manufacturers prefer to hire engineers 

with 3–5 years of experience in their respective field and 

knowledge of commonly used systems and processes. 

Engineers are then given additional training lasting several weeks or months prior to assignment, and then they 

undergo extensive on-the-job training. 

Entry-level engineers may also be hired as interns or 

junior team members and work under the close supervision of more senior engineers. As they gain experience 

and knowledge, they are assigned more difficult tasks 

and given greater independence. 

Certifications are usually required, depending on the 

systems used by a particular manufacturer. Licensure as 

a professional engineer (PE) is desirable, but is not required for many wind turbine manufacturers. Engineerin site selection, working closely with meteorologists to 

determine the optimal configuration of turbines at a wind 

farm site. 

Civil engineers design and supervise the construction of many parts of wind farms, including roads, support buildings, and other structures such as the tower and 

foundation portions of the wind turbine. Because of the 

scale of wind turbines, these engineers must deal with 

some atypical problems, such as designing roads that can 

withstand very heavy loads as well as trailers that are up 

to 100 feet long. Since many wind farms are located in 

the Midwest and western States, they have to consider 

potential hazards ranging from extreme winds and cold 

temperatures to earthquakes. Civil engineers in wind 

power typically specialize in structural, transportation, 

construction, and geotechnical engineering. 

Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and 

supervise the manufacture of turbines' electrical components, including electric motors, machinery controls, 

lighting and wiring, generators, communications systems, and electricity transmission systems.

Electronics engineers are responsible for systems 

that use electricity to control turbine systems or signal 

processes. Whereas electrical engineers work primarily with power generation and distribution, electronics 

engineers deal with the complex electronic systems used 

to operate the turbine. 

Environmental engineers deal with the potential 

environmental impacts of wind turbines. Although 

wind power is one of the most environmentally friendly 

sources of electricity, there are still some environmental 

concerns that engineers must consider. These include 

noise, visual impact, the impact on local species, interference with radar and telecommunications, and electric 

and magnetic fields caused by electricity-generating 

equipment.

Health and safety engineers identify and measure 

potential hazards of wind turbines, and implement systems that ensure safe manufacture and operation. They 

usually recommend appropriate loss-prevention measures according to the probability of harm or damage.

Industrial engineers determine the most effective 

ways to use the basic factors of production to make components of wind turbines. They are concerned primarily 

with increasing productivity and minimizing costs in the 

manufacture of turbine systems and components. Industrial engineers study product requirements and design 

manufacturing and information systems to meet those 

requirements with the help of mathematical models. 
Green Jobs: Wind Energy

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 10

ing technicians typically have an associate's degree or a 

certificate from a community college or technical school.

Earnings

BLS does not currently publish earnings data specific to 

the wind power industry, but earnings for engineers in 

wind power are comparable to earnings for engineers in 

general. The following tabulation shows annual wages 

for engineers in selected specialties.

Earnings are dependent on a number of factors, such 

as experience, education and training, licensure and 

certifications, the size and type of company, geographic 

location, and the complexity of the work.

Type of engineers Median annual wages

Aerospace engineers $94,780

Civil engineers 76,590

Electrical engineers 83,110

Electronics engineers, except computer 89,310

Environmental engineers 77,040

Health and safety engineers, except 

mining safety engineers and inspectors 74,080

Industrial engineers 75,110

Materials engineers 83,190

Mechanical engineers 77,020

Engineers, all other 89,560

Engineering technicians, except drafters 50,130

General Manufacturing Jobs

Producing turbine components that match design specifications is the responsibility of manufacturing workers. The wind-energy supply chain requires the skills 

of many different production occupations, including 

machinists, computer-controlled machine tool operators, assemblers, welders, quality-control inspectors, and 

industrial production managers. The job duties, skills, 

and training backgrounds of these workers are similar to 

those of manufacturing employees in other industries. 

Wind turbine production workers may be employed 

by either OEMs or third-party suppliers. Many factories manufacturing components for wind turbines are 

located in the Midwest, sometimes in converted auto 

plants. Some new production facilities are being built in 

Colorado and Pennsylvania, States that actively pursue 

the development of wind power. As more wind energy 

manufacturers open factories in the United States, new 

job opportunities will be created.

Job duties

Machinists use many different tools to produce precision metal and plastic pieces in numbers too small to be 

manufactured with automated machinery. They use their 

technical knowledge to review blueprints and ensure that 

pieces are machined to the specifications of OEM engineers. Machinists may also finish parts that were made 

by automated machinery.

Before beginning to cut, machinists must plan how 

to position and feed the materials into the machine. And 

during the machining process, machinists must constantly monitor the feed rate and speed of the machine while 

keeping an eye out for any potential problems. 

Computer-controlled machine tool operators run 

computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines, 

which use the machine tool to form and shape turbine 

components. CNC machines use the same techniques as 

many other mechanical manufacturing machines but are 

controlled by a central computer instead of a human operator or electric switchboard. Some highly trained CNC 

workers also program the machines to cut new pieces 

according to designers' schematics.

CNC operators usually use machines to mass-produce components that require cutting with a high level of 

precision. In the wind-turbine supply chain, they manufacture many of the finely cut pieces, including those 

which are part of the generator or drive train.

Assemblers are responsible for putting the components together into a larger product. Despite increased 

automation, many parts still have to be put together and 

fastened by hand. After determining how parts should 

connect, assemblers use hand or power tools to trim, 

shim, cut, and make other adjustments to align and fit 

components. Once the parts are properly aligned, they 

connect them with bolts and screws or by welding or 

soldering pieces together.

Assemblers are used extensively in the production 

of all turbine components. Manufacturing blades, for 

example, is extremely labor intensive. Making the casings requires assemblers to interlace layers of fabrics and 

resins. Blades are usually made in two separate halves, 

which assemblers join together with an adhesive. After 

the blade has been formed, they sand and cover it with a 

protective coating.

Welders apply heat to metal pieces, melting and 

fusing them to form a permanent bond. The types of 

equipment welders use are dependent on the job they 

are performing and material with which they are working. Some welding is done by manually using a rod and 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 11

Green Jobs: Wind Energy

heat to join metals, whereas other welding is semiautomatic, meaning that a wire-feed welding machine is used 

to bond materials. In the wind industry, welders work 

on many diverse components; for example, they weld 

together cylinders of rolled steel to form turbine tower 

segments. 

Quality-control inspectors are responsible for 

verifying that parts fit, move correctly, and are properly lubricated. Some jobs involve only a quick visual 

inspection; others require a longer, detailed one. Inspectors are also responsible for recording the results of their 

examinations and must regularly submit quality-control 

reports.

Because wind turbine components are so large and 

expensive, it is extremely important that no mistakes be 

made and that design specifications be followed precisely. Inspectors are integral to maintaining the quality 

of the manufacturing process. 

Industrial production managers plan, direct, and 

coordinate the work on the factory floor. They may determine which machines will be used, whether new machines need to be purchased, whether overtime or extra 

shifts are necessary, and how best to improve production 

processes. Industrial production managers also monitor 

the production run to make sure that it stays on schedule.

Industrial production managers are also responsible 

for solving any problems that could jeopardize the quality of their company's components. If the problem relates 

to the quality of work performed in the plant, the manager may implement better training programs or reorganize 

the manufacturing process. If the cause is substandard 

materials or parts from outside suppliers, the industrial 

production manager may work with the supplier to improve quality.

Education and training

The type of training necessary for these production occupations varies. Many workers are trained on the job and 

gain expertise with experience. However, some workers 

in more skilled positions, such as computer-controlled 

machine tool operators, may be required to attend formal 

training programs or apprenticeships. A strong mechanical background is necessary to succeed in all of these 

occupations.

Many industrial production managers have a college 

degree in business administration, management, industrial technology, or industrial engineering. After they 

graduate, they usually spend a few months in corporate 

training, learning company policies and production 

methods for wind turbine components. Others become 

industrial production managers by working their way up 

through the ranks, starting as production workers and 

then advancing to supervisory positions before being 

selected for management.

Because of the relative youth of the wind energy 

industry, it can be difficult to find workers with a 

background in wind power; many turbine component 

manufacturers will hire almost any qualified applicants 

with a related technical background. Experience in the 

manufacture of large machines can be especially helpful. 

Workers from other backgrounds can be taught on the 

job how to apply their manufacturing skills to turbine 

components.

Earnings

As stated earlier, BLS does not have wage data specific 

to the wind energy industry. However, the following 

tabulation shows BLS data for selected production occupations in the engine, turbine, and power transmission 

equipment manufacturing industry group, which includes 

wind turbine component manufacturing. The wages 

listed here should be similar to those earned by workers 

employed in the wind industry. Of course, wages vary by 

employer and location. 

Occupation Median annual wages

Machinists $41,480

Computer-controlled machine tool 

operators, metal and plastic

 34,790

Team assemblers 29,320

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers 35,920

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, 

and weighers

 37,500

Industrial production managers 87,120

Occupations Relevant to Project 

Development

Building a wind farm is a complex process. Site selection alone requires years of research and planning. And 

the proposed site must meet several criteria, such as 

developable land, adequate wind, suitable terrain, and 

public acceptance. In addition, wind turbines must be 

deemed safe for local wildlife, particularly birds, and be 

sited away from populated areas because of noise and 

safety concerns. Scientists, land acquisition specialists, 

asset managers, lawyers, financers, and engineers are 
Green Jobs: Wind Energy

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 12

needed to ensure the site is suitable for wind farm development.

After the site is selected and construction begins, 

workers are needed to install the turbines and support structures. This requires the work of many skilled 

people, including construction workers, crane operators, 

wind turbine service technicians, and truck drivers. 

Land Acquisition, Asset Management, and Logistics

Land acquisition specialists and asset managers are 

responsible for obtaining the land for new wind development, as well as administering the land once it has 

been purchased or leased. They coordinate the efforts of 

permitting specialists, lawyers, engineers, and scientists 

to ensure that the wind farm is built on time and within 

budget. Typically, they are employed by a wind development company or the company that owns and operates 

the wind farm.

After land has been obtained and wind turbines have 

been manufactured, the turbines need to be delivered to 

the wind farm. Because of the extremely large size of 

turbine components, transporting them is no easy feat. 

Most wind farms are in relatively remote areas of the 

country; it takes a great deal of planning to transport the 

turbine parts there in a cost-efficient, timely manner. 

Getting wind turbine components from the factory to 

the construction site requires the hard work of teams of 

logisticians, heavy-load truck drivers, and, occasionally, 

rail and water freight movers. 

In the wind energy industry, some OEMs handle 

their own logistics and transportation. Others contract 

these services out to third-party companies, many of 

which have extensive experience at moving heavy freight 

in other industries.

Job duties

Land acquisition specialists are responsible for designing and implementing land acquisition plans for new 

wind development sites. Land acquisition specialists 

work closely with landowners, local governments, and 

community organizations to gain support for proposed 

wind projects. They also work with lawyers, permitting 

specialists, engineers, and scientists to determine whether sites are suitable for wind farm development and to 

lead the process of purchasing or leasing the land.

Asset managers are responsible for representing 

owner interests, especially by maximizing profits, in 

wind-farm projects. They ensure that the land is used in 

the most efficient way possible and oversee the project's 

finances, budget, and contractual requirements.

Logisticians are responsible for keeping transportation as efficient as possible. Because wind farm projects 

are expensive and run on tight schedules, any time spent 

waiting for delayed turbine components costs money. 

Logisticians have to work extensively with both the manufacturer and construction team to develop an optimized 

schedule for delivering turbine components. 

One difficulty logisticians face is the differing regulations individual States have for trucking heavy freight 

within their borders. Some require State trooper escorts, 

and others do not even allow trucks over a certain tonnage over their State lines. Logisticians must consider 

these varied regulations when planning routes. They 

must also take mechanical considerations, such as a 

truck's turning radius into account when mapping routes.

Education and training

Land acquisition specialists and asset managers are 

expected to have a bachelor's degree or higher in business, real estate, law, engineering, or a related discipline. 

Experience and familiarity with the permitting process 

and an understanding of tax and accounting rules is 

desirable. Companies will typically hire people with 

experience in land acquisition and management and train 

them to their specific needs. Experience in the energy 

industry is helpful.

Most logisticians have a bachelor's degree, usually in 

a field like engineering, business, or economics. Typically they also attend postgraduate programs in logistics 

or supply chain management. Additionally, many logisticians receive on-the-job training to learn about supply 

chain issues unique to the wind energy industry. 

Earnings

There are no earnings data available for land acquisition 

specialists and asset managers. However, similar occupations in commercial real estate and property management 

pay a median salary of $74,010.

Logisticians working in the management, scientific, 

and technical consulting services industry group, which 

includes many firms that work primarily in logistics, had 

a median annual wage of $65,950 in May 2009. This 

wage is not specific to the wind energy industry.

Scientists

Wind energy is one of the most environmentally friendly 

sources of power generation available today. However, 

turbines, like any large construction project, have an im-
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 13

Green Jobs: Wind Energy

pact on the environment. The permitting process requires 

that environmental impact studies be conducted before 

work begins on a wind farm. In addition, scientific 

research is necessary to ensure that a site is suitable for 

erecting turbines and that the turbines are configured to 

maximize electricity in varying wind conditions.

Scientists in the wind industry may be employed by 

a development company or contracted for a specific project. Some contractors work for companies that specialize 

in environmental consulting for wind power projects. 

Scientists travel frequently, spend substantial amounts of 

time at proposed wind-farm sites, and work with local, 

State, and Federal regulators throughout the permitting 

study process.

Wind farm development requires the work of 

scientists in various specialties, including atmospheric 

scientists, biologists, geologists, and environmental scientists. They work along with engineers, technicians, and 

project managers to ensure that the site is suitable for the 

development of a wind farm. 

Job duties

Scientists employed by the wind power industry spend a 

large part of their time in the field. Typically, the scientists are used as experts to ensure that a site is suitable 

for a proposed wind farm. They often start with a site 

visit to gather preliminary data and conduct desktop 

studies by use of computer models and other techniques. 

Field studies are necessary to ensure that the wind turbines will have little impact on the surrounding environment and can safely generate enough electricity to be 

profitable. 

Atmospheric scientists, often referred to as meteorologists, monitor the atmosphere around a potential 

project to ensure that there is adequate wind to produce 

electricity. They also assess whether the wind or other 

weather conditions may be too extreme for viable wind 

development. These scientists take wind measurements 

over a period of months or years and use computer 

models to judge whether the wind is adequate for turbine 

operation. In addition, they help decide the placement 

of turbines at the site to ensure that the greatest possible 

amount of energy is obtained from the wind. Atmospheric scientists in the wind industry are in relatively 

high demand, although they are a small segment of the 

wind-energy workforce. 

Wildlife biologists evaluate the wind farm's effect on 

local animal life. Although wind turbines do not take up 

a lot of space, construction can be disruptive to the natural environment. Operational turbines also are a serious 

threat to local and migrating bird and bat populations. 

Biologists must make sure that the impact on these populations is minimal. They spend a great deal of their time 

outdoors at the site, cataloging the surrounding wildlife 

and making recommendations on how to avoid interfering with local ecosystems. Formal permitting processes 

exist at the Federal and State levels. Wildlife biologists 

supervise the development of reports on environmental 

impact.

Geologists spend a large part of their time in the 

field, identifying and examining the underlying topography of a proposed wind farm. Because of the size and 

weight of modern turbines, geologists must ensure that 

the ground at the site can support such structures. They 

study the ground, make recommendations on where to 

place the turbines, and provide guidance on how to construct the foundations.

Environmental scientists work with wind farm developers to help them comply with environmental regulations and policies and to ensure that sensitive parts of 

the ecosystem are protected. They use their knowledge 

of the natural sciences to minimize hazards to the health 

of the environment and the population. These scientists 

are heavily involved in the study and permitting phases 

of development.
Green Jobs: Wind Energy

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 14

Education and training

Although a master's degree is often preferred, a bachelor's degree, depending on the specialty, typically is 

sufficient for an entry-level position. A Ph.D. is desirable 

for scientists in certain fields who oversee environmental 

impact and site suitability studies and provide expert 

guidance to ensure that wind turbines are constructed for 

optimal efficiency and minimal environmental impact.

Computer skills are essential for the majority of 

these positions because scientists use them for data 

analysis and integration, digital mapping, remote sensing, and construction of computer models. Scientists in 

certain specialties, such as atmospheric scientists, geologists, environmental scientists, are usually certified or 

licensed by a State licensing board.

Earnings

Earnings for scientists depend on a number of factors 

including the following: specialty, education, experience, 

and level of involvement with a project. Scientists may 

be employed by a wind farm developer or a consulting firm, or be contracted for specific projects. Median 

earnings for selected scientists are noted in the following 

tabulation. As with other occupations listed in this report, 

these figures are not specific to the wind power industry.

Occupation Median annual wages

Atmospheric and space scientists $84,710

Zoologist and wildlife biologists 56,500

Geoscientists, except hydrologists and 

geographers

 81,220

Environmental scientists and 

specialists, including health

 61,010

Construction Occupations

Erecting wind turbines requires the efforts of many 

skilled construction workers. The work begins before the 

turbine components arrive on site: construction laborers 

and construction equipment operators are responsible for 

building local access roads and the foundations that support the turbines.

After the turbine components arrive, crane operators 

set the first tower segment vertically onto the ground, 

where other workers secure it to the foundation. The 

remaining tower segments are then stacked atop one 

another and fastened together. When the tower has been 

erected, crane operators carefully lift the nacelle and the 

blades. The nacelle is placed on the top of the tower, and 

the blades are attached to the turbine's hub. 

Job duties

Construction laborers often work on wind farms as 

contractors and are responsible for preparing the site 

and building the surrounding infrastructure. Their work 

includes clearing trees and debris from the wind farm, 

cleaning machines, and helping to break up the ground 

on which the turbine will rest.

Construction workers employed by companies that 

specialize in developing wind farms are sometimes in 

supervisory roles. They might work under the project 

manager to direct local contractors and confirm that all 

on-site work is performed safely and correctly. These 

workers might also be trained as wind turbine service 

technicians.

Construction equipment operators, with the help of 

construction laborers, are responsible for building accessible roads directly to the construction site, helping ensure that the wind turbine components can arrive without 

damage or delay. They use bulldozers, road graders, and 

other equipment to set up the construction site.

Crane operators are necessary in building a wind 

farm because the components are so large. They use 

their cranes to lift the pieces of the turbine off the trucks 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 15

Green Jobs: Wind Energy

as they arrive. Crane operators are integral to the actual 

construction job, as well. For example, they operate 

cranes to stack the tower segments and lift the blades to 

the hub.

Electricians are needed to get the energy from the 

turbine's generator to the power grid on the ground. 

They wire the turbine to connect its electrical system to 

the power grid. When installing wiring, electricians use 

hand tools such as conduit benders, screwdrivers, pliers, 

knives, hacksaws, and wire strippers, as well as power 

tools such as drills and saws.

Education and training

Although some construction laborer jobs have no specific education or training requirements, some construction workers receive more formal training in the form 

of apprenticeships. These programs consist of several 

years of classroom and on-the-job training. High school 

classes in English, mathematics, physics, mechanical 

drawing, blueprint reading, welding, and general shop 

can be helpful to prepare for the apprenticeships. Many 

construction laborers' skills are learned on-the-job and 

by assisting more experienced workers.

Local contractors may or may not have worked with 

wind turbines before. However, construction workers and 

wind turbine service technicians employed by companies 

specializing in wind farm development handle the more 

technical operations and usually have extensive experience in the wind industry. 

Construction equipment operators and crane operators learn their skills through on-the-job training, apprenticeships, or, for some, union instruction. In addition, 

the operators are expected to be certified to operate their 

equipment. Crane operators need to be highly skilled, especially when handling large, expensive cargo like wind 

turbine components. 

Most electricians learn their trade through apprenticeship programs that combine on-the-job training with 

related classroom instruction. Apprenticeship programs 

usually last 4 years, and, in them, electricians learn skills 

such as electrical theory, blueprint reading, electrical 

code requirements, and soldering. Depending on the 

State, electricians might have to pass an examination that 

tests their knowledge of electrical theory, the National 

Electrical Code, and local and State electrical and building codes.

Earnings

BLS does not have wage data specific to construction occupations that involve working on wind farms. However, 

the earnings of workers in these occupations are comparable to those of workers in the construction sector as a 

whole. The earnings in the following tabulation are for 

workers in the construction of power and communication 

lines and related structures, which include wind turbines, 

because some workers, like electricians, can work in 

other industries with different earnings. 

Occupation Median annual wages

Construction laborers $29,110

Operating engineers and other 

construction equipment operators

 39,530

Crane and tower operators 47,170

Electricians 49,800

Project Managers

It takes a large number of people to build a wind farm, 

and managing the project can be a difficult task. Project managers oversee the construction of the wind farm 

from site selection to the final installation of turbines. 

A project manager will oversee a diverse team, including engineers, construction workers, truck drivers, crane 

operators, and wind technicians. Project managers must 

have excellent attention to detail and be good at time and 

resource management. 

Project managers usually have experience in construction and management or in engineering. They must 

be familiar with all aspects of wind farm development: 

from budgeting, site selection, site studies, and permitting processes and safety policies to construction and 

transportation of wind turbines.

Job duties

Project managers are employed by larger construction 

companies, energy companies, or land owners and work 

under contract or as salaried employees. Because of the 

size and complexity of some wind farms, project managers may manage portions of the construction, such as 

site clearing, foundation construction, or tower erection. 

These managers report to a senior project manager or 

site manager.

Project managers split their time between the wind 

farm site and their office, which may be located onsite or 

offsite. Primary office responsibilities include managing 

permitting, contracting, and the budget. At the construction site, the project manager monitors progress and 

performs inspections for quality control. Project managers oversee the contracting process and manage various 
Green Jobs: Wind Energy

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 16

contractors and subcontractors. They are responsible for 

promoting a safe work environment and ensuring strict 

adherence to site safety policies. 

Education and training

Experience in construction, particularly wind farm construction, is vital for project managers. Most managers 

have experience working on several wind farm projects 

before they are selected to manage one. Education is 

becoming important, and most project managers hold a 

bachelor's degree or higher in construction management, 

business management, or engineering. Advanced degrees, such as an MBA, are becoming more common. 

Because experience is so important for these positions, years of experience may substitute for some 

educational requirements. However, this is becoming 

increasingly rare, as projects grow more complex and 

employers place more emphasis on specialized education. New graduates from construction management 

or engineering programs may be hired as assistants to 

project managers to gain experience.

Earnings

Earnings for construction managers of large projects, 

such as wind farms, vary with the size of the project, 

geographic location, and experience. The median annual 

salary for construction managers is $82,330, but site 

managers of wind farm projects typically make over 

$100,000.

Occupations Relevant to Operation and 

Maintenance

The reliability of the turbine system is essential to a 

power project. Because of the complexity and expense 

of the equipment, operation and maintenance services 

are critical to keeping the turbine functioning properly. 

Safety also is a primary concern: the large size and speed 

of turbine blades can present hazards to nearby turbines or people who are in the area. Operating a turbine 

requires someone to schedule site personnel, observe 

turbine operation, and deal with equipment failure. 

Maintaining it requires periodic equipment inspections, 

sensor calibration, cleaning, and unscheduled repairs of 

malfunctioning components. These tasks are performed 

by wind turbine service technicians, who must climb 

the towers and ensure that the wind turbines continue to 

operate reliably.

Wind Turbine Service Technicians

Wind turbines are extremely complex machines, made 

up of many different components. If any part fails, the 

wind turbine has to be shut down until repairs can be 

performed, and this lost operating time costs the owner 

money. To prevent these stoppages, wind turbine service 

technicians, also known as wind techs, are employed to 

inspect turbines and provide regular maintenance. Wind 

techs are capable of diagnosing and fixing any problem 

that could require the turbine to be shut down.

Many different companies employ wind turbine service technicians. The OEMs that design and manufacture 

the turbines offer warranties on their turbines usually 

lasting anywhere from 2 to 5 years.8 They employ wind 

techs to perform maintenance and address problems during the warranty period. There are also many companies 

that specialize in performing turbine maintenance and 

employ wind techs to provide this service to wind farm 

owners.

Most wind farms are located away from populated 

areas, so technicians must be prepared to travel frequently or to live in remote locations for extended periods. 

Wind turbine service technicians may work at several 

different sites and travel among the sites to perform 

maintenance as needed.

Job duties

Wind techs are responsible for both regular maintenance 

and performing complicated repairs of wind turbines. 

The average workday is spent climbing and inspecting 

multiple turbines. Technicians work a schedule that rotates which turbines need to be inspected or maintained. 

Any problems they notice during the examination are 

reported and scheduled for repair. 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 17

Green Jobs: Wind Energy

Wind turbine service technicians do much of their 

daily maintenance work in the nacelle, where the gears 

and sensitive electronics are housed. Nacelles, however, 

are built very compactly, and wind techs must be able 

to work with little operating room. Inside the nacelle, 

turbine technicians regularly clean and lubricate shafts, 

bearings, gears, and other machinery. They also use 

handheld power tools and electrical measuring instruments to troubleshoot any faults in the generator. 

Sometimes wind techs have to work outside, on 

the top of the nacelle. They might, for example, have 

to replace the instruments that measure wind speed and 

direction. When outside, turbine technicians can be hundreds of feet in the air and need to be extremely safety 

conscious. They wear harnesses that are attached to rings 

on the nacelle and move cautiously while working.

When performing repairs, wind techs might need 

a new component to replace the broken one. If so, they 

must drive to the wind farm's parts storage facility and 

pick up a new component or have another worker deliver 

it to the turbine site. The turbine technician sometimes 

has to carry the new piece while climbing up to where it 

is installed.

Wind turbine service technicians are also responsible 

for administration of the site. These technicians may be 

responsible for anywhere from one turbine to hundreds 

of turbines on a large farm. They are responsible for ordering spare parts, and ensuring there is a proper inventory of parts available for needed repairs. 

Education and training

The wind energy industry in the United States is relatively young, so there is no one way to be trained as a wind 

tech. Wind techs need to have mechanical skills and the 

aptitude to understand how a turbine functions, so some 

wind techs come from technician jobs in other industries. 

Experience or training as an electrician also is beneficial.

As formal training programs are developed, employers are placing more emphasis on wind-specific education. Educational institutions—specifically, community 

colleges and technical schools—are beginning to offer 

1-year certificate and 2-year degree programs in wind 

turbine maintenance. In certificate programs, students 

take classes in basic turbine design, diagnostics, control 

and monitoring systems, and basic turbine repair. For a 

2-year associate degree, students complete the aforementioned types of classes in addition to general-education 

courses. Some programs also give students hands-on 

training and practice on school-owned turbines and 

machinery. 

Although there is no standard certification or course 

of study, organizations such as AWEA are developing 

guidelines on the core curriculum and skill sets necessary to work as a wind turbine service technician. AWEA 

plans to create a list of accredited programs that adhere 

to a specified curriculum and adhere to certain standards.

In addition to having technical knowledge, wind 

techs must be physically fit. Climbing up and down the 

ladders inside turbine towers, even with load-bearing 

harnesses, can be extremely strenuous. Wind turbine service technicians will often climb several towers during 

the course of a typical workday, and their bodies, especially their shoulders, must able to withstand this strain. 

Earnings

BLS does not currently have earnings data for wind turbine service technicians. Data should be available in several years. According to industry sources, however, wind 

techs usually have starting salaries between $35,000 

and $40,000. Wages and benefits vary by employer and 

geographic location. 

Industry sources report that there is currently a 

shortage of trained wind techs. Because many different 

companies are competing to hire these workers, the most 

experienced wind techs can command relatively high 

salaries.
Green Jobs: Wind Energy

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 18

Occupations Supporting Wind Power

The growth of the wind power industry in the United 

States presents many opportunities for job creation. Jobs 

in this industry are located in every State in the country 

and cover a wide variety of occupations. This report has 

highlighted occupations in manufacturing, project development, and operation and maintenance, but the wind 

industry employs people in many other occupations as 

well. As with any complex project, support staff is necessary to ensure success.

The wind turbine supply chain consists of many different manufacturers of varying sizes. Although many of 

the companies in the supply chain do not concentrate on 

wind power, wind-power-related jobs in these companies 

do contribute to the industry. The process starts with 

the raw materials that are made into individual turbine 

components. Foundry workers are the first part of the 

wind turbine supply chain, casting metal, plastics, and 

composites out of raw materials. 

Professional and administrative positions are vital 

to supporting wind power. Jobs in these fields include 

secretaries and receptionists, human resources specialists, accountants and auditors, lawyers, and managers 

of many different types. People in these jobs ensure that 

companies involved in the wind energy industry run 

smoothly by taking care of personnel, budget, and legal 

issues.

For facilities to be properly secured and maintained, 

it is necessary to have janitors, maintenance workers, 

and security guards. Janitors and custodians are responsible for the cleaning and upkeep of facilities; security 

guards ensure that the facilities are free of unauthorized 

people and that problems are reported as soon as they occur. Maintenance workers make sure that machinery and 

equipment are kept in safe operating condition and repair 

broken equipment.

Conclusion

Jobs related to wind power are a potential source of new 

employment opportunities. Renewable energy is a key 

piece of the "green economy," and wind power, which 

supplies thousands of jobs in the United States, is the 

fastest growing sector in renewable energy. 

This report examined the three major phases of a 

wind power project: manufacturing, project development, and operation and maintenance. All three are 

expected to experience rapid growth for the foreseeable future, as wind becomes a more common source of 

electricity generation for the Nation. The benefits of this 

expansion will be noticeable in the manufacturing and 

construction sectors, which have been hit particularly 

hard by the recent economic recession. Jobs in the wind 

industry will be available to people with a broad range of 

education and experience levels.

Although BLS data are not yet available, growth in 

the wind energy industry is evidenced by the rapid increase in wind-generating capacity over the past several 

years. The industry's growth should increase demand for 

skilled workers. Companies employ wind energy workers in most States: manufacturing occurs in areas where 

wind power is not feasible, and construction and operations jobs are available in areas where wind is abundant. 

In addition to the occupations covered in this report, the 

future holds opportunities for more types of occupations. 

And, as offshore wind projects are started and people 

begin to take advantage of "small wind" projects, even 

more jobs could be created.

Notes

ACKNOWLEDGMENT: The authors would like to thank Casey Homan 

(BLS), Leslie Joyner (BLS), Ann Norris (BLS), Emily Liddel (BLS), Liz 

Salerno (American Wind Energy Association), Michele Desautels (DOE 

EERE), and Ian Baring-Gould (DOE NREL) for their support of this project 

and for reviewing a draft of this report.

1 U.S. Wind Industry Annual Market Report: Year Ending 2009 (Washington, 

DC, American Wind Energy Association, 2010), on the Internet at http://www.

awea.org/reports/Annual_Market_Report_Press_Release_Teaser.pdf (visited Sept. 2, 2010); see p. 2. 

2 Ibid.

3 “Electric Power Industry 2008: Year in Review," Electric Power Annual 

(U.S. Energy Information Administration, Jan. 21, 2010), on the Internet at 

http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/electricity/epa/epa_sum.html (visited July 

14, 2010).

4 Ryan Wiser and Mark Bolinger, 2009 Wind Technologies Market Report

(Berkeley, CA, U.S. Department of Energy, Lawrence Berkeley National 

Laboratory, August 2010), on the Internet at http://eetd.lbl.gov/ea/emp/reports/lbnl-3716e.pdf (visited Sept. 2, 2010); see p. 10. 

5 20% Wind Energy by 2030: Increasing Wind Energy's Contribution to U.S. 

Electricity Supply (U.S. Department of Energy, July 2008), on the Internet at 

http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy08osti/41869.pdf (visited Sept. 2, 2010). 

6 Gloria Ayee, Marcy Lowe, and Gary Gereffi, "Wind Power: Generating 

Electricity and Employment," chapter 11 of Manufacturing Climate Solutions: 

Carbon-Reducing Technologies and U.S. Jobs, (Durham, NC, Center on 

Globalization, Governance & Competitiveness, Sept. 2009), on the Internet at 

http://www.cggc.duke.edu/environment/climatesolutions/greeneconomy_

Ch11_WindPower.pdf (visited Sept. 2, 2010); see p. 4. 

7 Andrew S. David, Wind Turbines: Industry & Trade Study, (United States 

International Trade Commission, June 2009), on the Internet at http://www.

usitc.gov/publications/332/ITS-2.pdf (visited Sept. 2, 2010); see p. 6.

8 Ayee, Lowe, and Gereffi, "Wind Power: Generating Electricity and Employment"; see p. 20.