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Skilled Trades

Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Assemble, install, or maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs or other structures in compliance with site assessment and schematics. May include measuring, cutting, assembling, and bolting structural framing and solar modules. May perform minor electrical work such as current checks.

Median salary (BLS)

$53,140

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$42k – $80k

Job outlook

+42% (much faster than average)

AI exposure

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Education

Typical entry: No degree required

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How to qualify

EstimateLicense required

Cost to qualify

$100–$2,600

Time to qualify

3.1 yr

Renewal

$50/yr

  1. 1

    Registered apprenticeship (paid)

    Experience

    Earn-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. 2

    Journeyman exam & state/local license

    License

    Most 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 Photovoltaic Installers" — 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

  1. Junior Solar Photovoltaic Installers

    Entry / Junior

    $41,600

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Solar Photovoltaic Installers

    Established

    $53,140

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Solar Photovoltaic Installers

    Senior

    $66,555

Key skills

A typical day

  • •Install photovoltaic (PV) systems in accordance with codes and standards, using drawings, schematics, and instructions.
  • •Check electrical installation for proper wiring, polarity, grounding, or integrity of terminations.
  • •Identify electrical, environmental, and safety hazards associated with photovoltaic (PV) installations.
  • •Identify installation locations with proper orientation, area, solar access, or structural integrity for photovoltaic (PV) arrays.
  • •Assemble solar modules, panels, or support structures, as specified.

Fields of study

Any field

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