Austin TX Wind Energy Careers Set to Thrive by 2025

Austin TX Wind Energy Careers Set to Thrive by 2025
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Wind trade careers in Austin, TX are experiencing strong growth as Texas maintains its position as the #1 state in wind energy generation and employment 1. With wind power accounting for over 28% of Texas's electricity mix 23, and the wind energy sector nationally projected to see 60% job growth from 2023-2033 1, Austin sits within one of the most promising markets for wind trade professionals. While specific job projections for Austin through 2025 aren't directly available, the national trend combined with Texas's leadership in wind energy suggests continued opportunities in the field, including positions via Gild and resources from WINDExchange.

Role Austin, TX (2025) Texas Average (2025) National Average (approx.)
Wind Energy Engineer $83,631 $82,141 $82,000–$88,000
Wind Turbine Technician (hourly) $32.32 ~$25–$30 ~$25–$30
General Wind Energy (hourly) $22.88 (avg), up to $38 n/a n/a
Senior Renewable Energy Roles $139,605 (avg) n/a $110,000–$140,000 (varies)

Understand the Wind Trade Industry

Wind Energy Professionals Planning

The wind trade industry encompasses a wide range of jobs related to designing, installing, maintaining, and operating wind energy systems. As Texas leads the nation with nearly 27,400 wind energy jobs overall 1, Austin benefits from being a major city in this dominant wind energy market. Key roles include:

  • Wind turbine technicians who install, maintain, and repair turbines
  • Wind energy engineers who design turbine components and systems
  • Wind resource analysts who study wind patterns to optimize wind farm locations
  • Civil engineers specialized in building wind energy infrastructure
  • Operations and maintenance personnel to ensure efficient functioning of wind farms, with more details available through Power Alliance.

These professionals work together to ensure that wind energy projects operate effectively and contribute to Texas's leading position in wind energy generation 3, supported by data from Choose Energy.

Do You Need a License or Certification for Wind Trade Careers in Austin, TX?

Texas does not require state licensure for wind turbine mechanics specifically 3, but most positions require industry-specific certifications to ensure safety and technical competence. Key certifications include:

  • Global Wind Organisation (GWO) certifications for blade repair and maintenance
  • Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) certifications
  • North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certifications, which can be explored via Top Trade Schools

For specialized engineering or technical roles like civil engineers, candidates typically need formal education such as a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a technical degree with hands-on experience 3. Wind trade professionals in Texas also benefit from safety training and apprenticeship programs that ensure compliance with federal and industry safety standards, accessible through Gild.

Wind Trade Apprenticeship Programs and Training Opportunities

Wind Turbine Technician Working on Site

While Austin does not have dedicated wind turbine technician programs at major local colleges, aspiring wind trade workers have several viable options:

  1. Texas State Technical College (TSTC) offers a renowned Wind Energy Technology program at locations including Sweetwater and Harlingen. This two-year associate degree program combines classroom instruction with comprehensive hands-on experience, details at TSTC.
  2. Safety Technology USA provides online and onsite industry certifications, including GWO (Global Wind Organisation) courses which are crucial for wind technician careers.
  3. The WINDExchange federal program offers U.S. wind energy education and training resources, including maps of available community college and university programs in Texas, accessible via WINDExchange.

Use Gild to connect with apprenticeship opportunities in wind technician programs and entry-level wind trade positions in Austin and across Texas.

How to Enter a Wind Trade Career in Austin, TX

Getting started in a wind trade career in Austin involves a structured process:

1. Acquire Technical Skills and Safety Knowledge

Begin by developing mechanical knowledge and understanding of electrical systems. Physical stamina and troubleshooting skills are essential for field technicians who work at heights and in challenging conditions, with training options listed on Power Alliance.

2. Obtain Required Certifications

Pursue the necessary certifications for your desired position. For wind turbine technicians, GWO-certified training is highly valuable, and more information is available at AuroraER.

3. Apply for Apprenticeships and Entry-Level Positions

Look for positions such as wind turbine technician positions, composite technician roles, operations associates, or project coordinators in the Austin area. Multiple opportunities exist in both technical and project management areas, found through Gild.

Use Gild to find current wind trade opportunities in Austin and throughout Texas.

4. Build Experience and Advancement Opportunities

As you gain field experience, opportunities may arise for specialization in blade repair, engineering support roles, or leadership positions in wind farm operations, with economic insights from Comptroller of Texas.

5. Pursue Additional Education if Desired

For those interested in engineering or advanced technical roles, consider pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree in an allied field to complement hands-on experience.

Wind Trade Career Prospects and Economic Impact in Texas

The wind trade industry has had a significant economic impact in Texas, with total investment reaching $42 billion by 2017, supporting manufacturing and generating substantial tax revenue. Texas leads the nation in wind energy generation, producing 25.8% of the U.S.'s wind power in February 2025, far surpassing other states, as detailed in Axios.

These figures suggest strong future demand for wind trade professionals in the Austin region and across Texas. While wind projects face some new permitting requirements and reliability standards that could slow growth, the existing infrastructure and workforce development efforts continue to support a robust job market, with more data at Choose Energy.

Your Next Steps

Wind Turbine Technician at Work

Austin offers a promising environment for wind trade careers, with competitive salaries, growing opportunities, and strong industry growth prospects. As of recent data, Austin already has multiple wind energy job listings, including positions like wind turbine technicians and renewable energy engineers. With wind turbine technician salaries averaging $32.32 per hour in Austin, and wind energy engineers earning an average of $83,631 annually, the financial incentives are strong.

Use Gild to explore current wind trade apprenticeship and career opportunities in Austin and surrounding areas, providing a direct path to connect with training and employment options in this expanding sector, including links to WINDExchange and Power Alliance.

Sources

Footnotes

  1. https://www.axios.com/2024/08/30/us-jobs-fastest-growing-wind-energy 2 3

  2. https://comptroller.texas.gov/economy/economic-data/energy/2023/wind-snap.php

  3. https://www.poweruptexas.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Powering-Texas-R15.pdf 2 3 4

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