by our College Data Analytics TeamA degree in Wind Energy Technology covers A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Basic Engineering Principles And Technical Skills In Support Of Engineers And Other Professionals Engaged In Developing Wind-Powered Energy Systems. Includes Instruction In Wind Energy Principles, Energy Storage And Transfer Technologies, Testing And Inspection Procedures, System Maintenance Procedures, And Report Preparation. Examples: [Wind Turbine Technology/technician]. Read on to learn the essential details every wind energy technology student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering wind energy technology programs.
In the U.S., wind energy technology is a popular field of study, with 42 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Wind Energy Technology Schools ranking analyzes these 7 schools to determine the best overall colleges for wind energy technology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of wind energy technology programs later in this article.
Studies in Wind Energy Technology develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations wind energy technology graduates commonly enter.
Skills emphasized by a wind energy technology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a wind energy technology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several wind energy technology degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 34 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 5 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 3 |
People currently working in careers related to wind energy technology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 39.5% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 21.1% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 18.4% |
| Some college courses | 13.1% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 5.3% |
| Master’s degree | 1.4% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.3% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in wind energy technology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Majoring in wind energy technology can lead to numerous career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to wind energy technology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to wind energy technology.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Wind Turbine Service Technicians | 488,197 | 14.9% |
| Photonics Technicians | 306,018 | 1.6% |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | 295,668 | 3.0% |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | 169,705 | 2.0% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of wind energy technology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $64,973 |
| 4 years | $59,663 |
| 5 years | $66,892 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for wind energy technology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers wind energy technology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $121,642 |
| Photonics Technicians | $106,964 |
| Wind Turbine Service Technicians | $74,051 |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | $57,631 |
With 7 different wind energy technology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased wind energy technology school rankings to help you.
Students interested in wind energy technology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Energy Systems Technology/Technician | 815 |
| Solar Energy Technology/Technician | 341 |
| Power Plant Technology/Technician | 84 |
| Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians, Other | 3 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
