HVAC Technician vs Wind Turbine Technician: Salary, Training & Career Comparison
Trying to decide between a career as an hvac technician or a wind turbine technician? Here's a side-by-side look at the numbers that matter most: pay, job outlook, training requirements, and more.
| Category | ❄️ HVAC Technician | 🌬️ Wind Turbine Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Median Hourly | $25/hr | $29/hr |
| Median Annual | $52,000/yr | $60,300/yr |
| Job Growth (10-yr) | 6.0% | 45.0% |
| Total Jobs | 394,100 | 11,800 |
| Training Time | 4-5 years | 2-year technical program + OJT |
| Top-Paying State | New York ($67,100/yr) | New York ($78,500/yr) |
| Union Rate | $32/hr (SMART) | $34/hr (IBEW/USW) |
Salary Comparison
Wind Turbine Technicians earn about $2,400/yr more on average
Which Career Is Right for You?
Both hvac technicians and wind turbine technicians are solid career paths with good earning potential and strong job security. The best choice depends on your interests, physical abilities, and lifestyle preferences.
❄️ Choose HVAC Technician if...
HVAC techs install and service heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Demand spikes in summer and winter, and skilled techs can earn solid overtime pay.
HVAC Technician salary data →🌬️ Choose Wind Turbine Technician if...
Wind turbine technicians install, inspect, and repair wind turbines. The trade is one of the fastest-growing in the country, and techs who are comfortable working at extreme heights earn competitive pay with solid career prospects.
Wind Turbine Technician salary data →Training difference: Wind tech training is shorter (2 yrs vs 4-5 yrs for HVAC)
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Wind Turbine Technicians earn a slightly higher national median of $60,300/yr compared to $52,000/yr for hvac technicians.
Wind Turbine Technician jobs are projected to grow at 45.0% over the next decade, compared to 6.0% for hvac technicians.
Wind tech training is shorter (2 yrs vs 4-5 yrs for HVAC). Both paths require dedication and hands-on training, but the length and structure differ.
While some skills transfer between trades, switching typically requires additional training and licensing. That said, the foundational skills -- problem solving, working with tools, reading blueprints -- are valuable in any trade. Some workers complete training in multiple trades over their career.