Skilled Trades
Solar Energy Installation Managers
Direct work crews installing residential or commercial solar photovoltaic or thermal systems.
Median salary (BLS)
$79,920
10th–90th percentile (BLS)
$53k – $128k
Job outlook
+5% (faster than average)
AI exposure
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports one wage for this occupational group, which covers 2 related roles — so read the median as an approximate group figure, and the range as the truer picture for this specific title. BLS source.
Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $70,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Plan a path to Solar Energy Installation Managers
Education
Typical entry: No degree (trade/license)
Plan my path to this →How to qualify
EstimateLicense requiredCost to qualify
$100–$2,600
Time to qualify
3.1 yr
Renewal
$50/yr
- 1
Registered apprenticeship (paid)
ExperienceEarn-while-you-learn training — apprentices are paid during the program; fees are tools/books, not tuition.
$0–$2,000 · 36 months · varies by state source
- 2
Journeyman exam & state/local license
LicenseMost states and municipalities test and license journeyman-level trades workers.
$100–$600 · 1 months · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source
Estimated typical U.S. route for "Solar Energy Installation Managers" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.
Typical progression
Junior Solar Energy Installation Managers
Entry / Junior
$53,280
~2 yrs to advance
Solar Energy Installation Managers
Established
$79,920
~3 yrs to advance
Senior Solar Energy Installation Managers
Senior
$104,090
Key skills
A typical day
- •Plan and coordinate installations of photovoltaic (PV) solar and solar thermal systems to ensure conformance to codes.
- •Supervise solar installers, technicians, and subcontractors for solar installation projects to ensure compliance with safety standards.
- •Estimate materials, equipment, and personnel needed for residential or commercial solar installation projects.
- •Prepare solar installation project proposals, quotes, budgets, or schedules.
- •Provide technical assistance to installers, technicians, or other solar professionals in areas such as solar electric systems, solar thermal systems, electrical systems, or mechanical systems.
Fields of study
Any field
Top colleges for Skilled Trades
Explore all- Purdue University50% admit · $78,000 grad pay
- Ohio State University53% admit · $68,000 grad pay
- Pennsylvania State University55% admit · $70,000 grad pay
Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.