Wind power technician

What does a wind turbine technician do? – Tasks and work environment

A wind turbine technician primarily works with operation, maintenance, and repair of wind turbines. Tasks include preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and urgent repairs to ensure the plants operate optimally and safely. Technicians often work in teams but can also work independently at high altitudes and in challenging weather conditions. The work environment is varied, including both indoor work in control rooms and outdoor work directly on wind turbines, requiring good physical fitness, height tolerance, and safety awareness.

Salary development over time

The salary for wind turbine technicians has shown a clear and steady increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,500 SEK per month, which increased to 37 900 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary further rose to 39 400 SEK, representing an increase of about 8% over the period. This positive salary trend reflects the growing demand for skilled workers in renewable energy and technical maintenance, while increased requirements for specialist skills and safety training also contribute to higher wages. The market is considered balanced, but technological development and automation may influence salary levels and job roles in the future.

Wind turbine technician salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 39 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 25,600 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 41,000 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage: 237 SEK
• Women: 38 500 SEK/month (98% of men's salary)
• Men: 39 500 SEK/month
• Regional differences: No clear regional salary differences reported

Education and qualifications

To work as a wind turbine technician, a high school education in electrical or technical fields is usually required, often supplemented by post-secondary studies such as YH training for wind turbine technicians or similar. Many employers also value practical experience in maintenance work and certifications in safety and working at heights. Further training and specialized courses can be advantageous to meet industry technical requirements.

• High school: Electrical and energy programs, technical programs (3 years)
• Post-secondary education: YH training for wind turbine technicians (1.5–2 years)
• Certifications: Working at heights, electrical safety, CPR
• Internships: Often integrated into education or through trainee programs
• Prerequisites: Good physical condition, height tolerance, technical interest

Common benefits and compensations

Wind turbine technicians are often offered benefits such as per diem allowances for travel, compensation for unsociable hours, wellness grants, and opportunities for further training and certifications funded by the employer. Pension plans and insurance are typically included in employment terms, and some employers also offer bonuses for achieving service or safety goals.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a wind turbine technician is considered moderate, with a balanced supply and demand. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, demand for wind turbine technicians is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, partly due to technological development and increased automation. Challenges in the profession include rapid technological change, high safety standards, and the ability to work at heights and in varying weather conditions. Workload may also vary seasonally and depending on project scope. For those who are flexible and willing to further educate themselves, there are good opportunities for development within the field.

Tips for those aiming to become wind turbine technicians

To succeed as a wind turbine technician, it is beneficial to have a genuine interest in technology and problem-solving, as the work often involves quickly identifying and fixing faults under time pressure. Good physical condition and height tolerance are crucial, as the work requires moving safely at high altitudes and in different weather. Precision and safety awareness are vital, especially when following instructions and routines to minimize risks. Being service-minded and able to work independently and in teams facilitates collaboration with colleagues and clients. Finally, a willingness to continuously learn and stay updated on technological innovations and industry standards provides the best foundation for growth and satisfaction in the profession.

Key facts about wind turbine technicians

• Education level: High school or post-secondary education in technical/electrical fields
• Work environment: Outdoors, often at high altitudes and in varying weather
• Demand: Moderate, balanced on the labor market
• Number of job openings: 481 within the profession
• Special skills: Safety certifications and work at heights

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, wind turbine technicians can advance to roles such as supervisor, technical specialist, or project manager within operation and maintenance. There are also opportunities to work in training new technicians or to specialize in specific technical areas such as automation or remote monitoring. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, the job market for maintenance mechanics and machine repairers, including wind turbine technicians, is stable with moderate employment opportunities and unchanged demand over five years. However, technological development and increased automation may alter job content and create new skill requirements. For those wishing to further develop, there are also opportunities to transition to related roles within the energy sector, such as operation technician or service engineer.

Frequently asked questions about wind turbine technicians

• What is the average salary of a wind turbine technician?
  - A wind turbine technician has an average salary of 39 400 SEK per month.
• How has the salary development for wind turbine technicians progressed?
  - Salaries have increased from 36,500 SEK in 2022 to 39 400 SEK in 2024, representing a steady increase of approximately 8%.
• What education is required to become a wind turbine technician?
  - High school education in electrical or technical fields, complemented by post-secondary studies such as YH training, is recommended.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
  - Yes, women earn on average 38 500 SEK, which is 98% of men's salaries.
• What are the workplace environment requirements for wind turbine technicians?
  - The work requires good physical condition, height tolerance, and ability to work in various weather conditions with high safety standards.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - The job market is considered balanced with moderate employment opportunities and unchanged demand over the next five years.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a wind turbine technician?
  - The highest salary is 41,000 SEK and the lowest is 25,600 SEK, depending on education, sector, and experience.