Wind Energy Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Wind Energy Technology equips students with the technical expertise and engineering fundamentals needed to support the design, deployment, and maintenance of wind-powered energy systems. This program emphasizes practical application, preparing graduates to contribute effectively within renewable energy teams focused on sustainable power generation.
- Wind Energy Principles: Explores the science behind wind resource assessment, turbine aerodynamics, and the physical laws governing energy conversion from wind to electricity.
- Energy Storage and Transfer Technologies: Covers advanced systems for storing excess energy and efficiently transmitting power from wind farms to the electrical grid.
- Testing and Inspection Procedures: Trains students in protocols for evaluating turbine performance, safety compliance, and structural integrity using industry-standard tools and methods.
- System Maintenance Procedures: Focuses on preventive and corrective maintenance strategies to ensure optimal operation and longevity of wind energy infrastructure.
- Report Preparation: Develops skills in documenting technical findings, operational data, and compliance records with clarity and precision for engineering and regulatory stakeholders.
Wind Energy Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Wind Energy Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Wind Energy Technology degrees, including Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other and Wind Turbine Service Technicians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 75,630 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other 17-3029 | $77,390 | $47,010 - $114,630 | 64,410 | $37.21 |
| Wind Turbine Service Technicians 49-9081 | $62,580 | $49,110 - $88,090 | 11,220 | $30.09 |
Wind Energy Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $57,780 in South Dakota to $109,120 in District of Columbia—a 89% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Maryland, and Rhode Island. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 75,630 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Wind Energy Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 7 institutions offering Wind Energy Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Wind Energy Technology is found at Colby Community College (21 graduates), Centura College, Norfolk (10 graduates), College of Southern Idaho (CSI) (5 graduates), Northeastern Junior College (NJC) (3 graduates), and Kankakee Community College (KCC) (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 42 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colby Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
21 | Colby, Kansas | Public | colbycc.edu |
| Centura College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
10 | Norfolk, Virginia | Private | centuracollege.edu |
| College of Southern Idaho (CSI) |
Associate's
|
5 | Twin Falls, Idaho | Public | csi.edu |
| Northeastern Junior College (NJC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
3 | Sterling, Colorado | Public | njc.edu |
| Kankakee Community College (KCC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Kankakee, Illinois | Public | kcc.edu |
| Cowley County Community College |
Other Award
|
1 | Arkansas City, Kansas | Public | cowley.edu |
| Lakeshore Technical College (LTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Cleveland, Wisconsin | Public | gotoltc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Wind Energy Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Wind Energy Technology degree?
Salaries for Wind Energy Technology graduates vary by role and location. Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other earn a median of $77,390 annually, while Wind Turbine Service Technicians earn around $62,580. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $109,120 compared to $57,780 in South Dakota. Approximately 75,630 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Wind Energy Technology programs?
Currently 7 accredited institutions offer Wind Energy Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Colby Community College (21 graduates), Centura College, Norfolk (10 graduates), and College of Southern Idaho (CSI) (5 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Wind Energy Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other, Wind Turbine Service Technicians, . Related occupations employ approximately 75,630 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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