Ocala, Florida is emerging as a hub for solar trade careers, with sales and customer engagement roles leading growth through 2025 1. The industry is booming, with Florida experiencing 15% solar job growth in 2023 alone, adding 1,841 new jobs to the statewide sector. In Ocala, opportunities span from Solar Sales Representatives to emerging Associate Project Manager roles, all aimed at meeting rising energy demands 23. For those ready to join, Ocala's solar market offers average solar technician salaries of $40,646/year and installer rates averaging $18.31/hour 4. With new solar farms set to add 20 MW of capacity by 2025 56, now is an ideal moment to pursue this fast-growing field. Ready to take the next step? Explore the steps below or jump straight into finding apprenticeship opportunities on Gild.
Solar trade careers in Ocala fall largely into two categories: sales/customer engagement and technical installation. Each type plays a vital role in expanding the city’s renewable energy capacity.
Sales and Customer Engagement Roles:
Installation and Project Management Roles:
The demand for these roles is increasing due to Ocala Electric Utility’s (OEU) participation in large-scale solar projects, including new solar farms adding 20 MW of clean energy by 2025 56. For detailed job listings, check Glassdoor for Ocala solar jobs. This expansion directly supports career development and job creation in both customer-facing and technical professions.
Yes—certain roles in Ocala’s solar industry require specific licenses, particularly for installation and project oversight. To obtain a Certified Solar Contractor License, follow these steps from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Visit Florida DBPR for official application details.
Meet Age and Experience Requirements: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have four years of field experience, including one year in a supervisory role. Up to three years of college coursework in a related field can count toward the experience requirement 7.
Pass Required Exams:
Apply Through DBPR: Once requirements are met, apply officially through the Florida DBPR to receive your contractor’s license 4.
For installation teams, additional training and certifications—such as NABCEP PV Installation Professional—can improve employability and professional advancement 5. These certifications are not required but highly valued by employers, especially as the industry matures and competition increases.
Ocala and nearby educational institutions provide specialized training programs tailored to the demands of the 2025 solar job market. Two primary pathways stand out, offering a blend of classroom education and hands-on training.
This program offers a structured apprenticeship track, combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Participants graduate as state-certified Florida solar contractors.
CF delivers entry-level solar energy training designed to build foundational skills in solar electricity, energy storage, and integration with EV charging stations. Learn more at College of Central Florida.
These state-funded CTE electives will provide early access to solar, plumbing, and electrical system training, allowing students to build solar-ready skills from high school and enter the workforce quickly upon graduation 6.
Becoming a full-fledged solar professional takes commitment, but the career potential is well worth the investment. Here are the steps to follow:
Each of these steps builds the necessary foundation to qualify for well-paying jobs in solar installation or project leadership in Ocala. For details on open apprenticeship and education opportunities, explore programs available on Gild and check Indeed for solar jobs in Ocala.
Ocala’s solar workforce is growing quickly, supported by Florida’s statewide leadership in renewable energy. Here's how salaries compare to industry standards:
| Role | Ocala Average Salary | Jacksonville Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Technician | $40,646/year | $68,000/year |
| Solar Installer | $38,000/year | $41,925/year |
While some roles in neighboring cities like Jacksonville command higher salaries, Ocala offers a lower cost of living and growing job demand, particularly in customer service and field installation areas 6. As municipal solar projects expand and more households install solar, there will be a growing need for installers, project managers, and system maintenance technicians, many with growth potential into supervisory positions.
Benefits offered in the sector are generally strong and similar to other skilled trades. Workers typically receive:
These benefits can vary by employer but are increasingly being used to attract and retain qualified solar trade professionals across Florida. For more insights, read about Florida solar incentives.
Government-led programs are critical for fostering workforce development in Ocala’s solar industry. These incentives also directly benefit homeowners and businesses purchasing solar systems, creating more demand for skilled labor.
Together, these incentives create a sustainable framework for career development. As more Floridians adopt solar solutions, workers in Ocala will find growing opportunities across installation, project management, and renewable energy consulting. Learn more about solar job trends at Gild's blog.
Like any growing field, the solar trade in Ocala faces several challenges that potential workers should consider before entering the industry.
Florida has strict licensing requirements for solar contractors, requiring both experience and specific certifications 47. While these protections ensure high-quality service, they can make entry into the field more time-consuming.
The rising popularity of solar careers has led to increased competition, particularly for entry-level roles like Solar Installer and Sales Associate. Earning advanced credentials such as NABCEP can help set applicants apart in competitive job markets 5.
Although experienced workers earn good living wages, entry-level solar jobs can start at the lower end of the scale (some as low as $12/hour) 8. However, as workers gain experience and skills, pay can rise sharply—particularly with leadership or technical expertise.
Larger metro areas like Jacksonville and Tampa tend to offer higher average wages and more job openings. For Ocala-based workers, it’s important to network within local solar companies and seek out opportunities with expanding firms or municipal projects to remain competitive 6.
Ready to take your next step into the solar trade workforce? Whether you’re considering an apprenticeship or seeking entry-level employment, finding the right opportunities is essential.
Start by exploring available apprenticeships and solar trade positions directly on Gild, which aggregates real-time job postings from trusted partners in the industry. From there, connect with solar-specific certification programs and local employers hiring in Ocala today, or visit ZipRecruiter for Florida solar jobs.
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Solar-Labor/--in-Florida ↩
https://www.myfloridalicense.com/intentions2.asp?chBoard=true&SID=&boardid=06&professionid=0611 ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7
Florida Solar Contractor Licensing: Complete Guide | Lumber ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7
https://www.greenlancer.com/post/solar-licensing ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
