Wind turbine service technicians
SOC Code: 49-9081
Wind turbine service technicians carries a 18% AI exposure score (Low automation risk), with a median annual wage of $62,580 and +49.9% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 13,600 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Wind turbine service technicians (SOC 49-9081) carries an AI exposure score of 18%, placing it in the Low automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 13,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +49.9% change through 2034 — a strong growth outlook that compensates meaningfully for automation risk. Median annual compensation stands at $62,580, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Postsecondary nondegree award, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Wind turbine service technicians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Troubleshoot or repair mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical malfunctions related to variable pitch systems, variable speed control systems, converter systems, or related components.
- 2. Perform routine maintenance on wind turbine equipment, underground transmission systems, wind fields substations, or fiber optic sensing and control systems.
- 3. Diagnose problems involving wind turbine generators or control systems.
- 4. Test electrical components of wind systems with devices, such as voltage testers, multimeters, oscilloscopes, infrared testers, or fiber optic equipment.
- 5. Start or restart wind turbine generator systems to ensure proper operations.
- 6. Climb wind turbine towers to inspect, maintain, or repair equipment.
- 7. Maintain tool and spare parts inventories required for repair, installation, or replacement services.
- 8. Test structures, controls, or mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical systems, according to test plans or in coordination with engineers.
- 9. Train end-users, distributors, installers, or other technicians in wind commissioning, testing, or other technical procedures.
- 10. Collect turbine data for testing or research and analysis.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Equipment Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
- Quality Control Analysis
- Active Listening
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
- Building and Construction
- Mathematics
- Physics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Wind turbine service technicians?
Wind turbine service technicians has an AI exposure score of 18%, indicating a low level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Wind turbine service technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Wind turbine service technicians is projected to grow by 49.9% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 13,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Wind turbine service technicians?
Key skills for Wind turbine service technicians include Operations Monitoring, Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and others. Typical entry-level education is Postsecondary nondegree award.
How much do Wind turbine service technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Wind turbine service technicians is $62,580, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Wind turbine service technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Wind turbine service technicians is Postsecondary nondegree award. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Long-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Wind turbine service technicians?
Wind turbine service technicians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Low automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).