High-Paying Wind Trade Jobs in Birmingham AL by 2025

High-Paying Wind Trade Jobs in Birmingham AL by 2025
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Birmingham's Growing Wind Trade Industry: Key Facts at a Glance

Wind Trade Training at a Wind Farm

Wind trade careers in Birmingham, AL, are gaining momentum as the clean energy sector expands. Here are some quick facts:

  • Projected Growth: Alabama's clean energy sector could create 1,035 jobs by 2025 1, signaling opportunities for growth in Birmingham.
  • Salary Range: Wind Turbine Technicians earn about $80,454 annually 2, while Service Technicians average $66,395 per year 31, with wages ranging from $17 to $31 per hour 43.
  • Entry Requirements: Most roles require a high school diploma plus technical training and certifications, with typical weekly earnings starting at $457.36 5.

This guide will walk you through the wind trade career pathway in Birmingham, including the types of jobs available, how to get started, salary expectations, and future outlook.

Understanding Wind Trade Careers in Birmingham

Wind Turbine Technician at Work

The wind trade sector in Birmingham focuses on maintenance, technical support, and field service roles related to renewable energy systems—although local wind farm operations are limited compared to states like Texas or Iowa. Nonetheless, wind-relevant jobs include:

  • Wind Turbine Technician: This entry-level to mid-level position involves maintaining and repairing wind turbines. Technicians must be comfortable working at height and in outdoor conditions.
  • Service Technician: Supports operations at wind farms or in manufacturing settings, often performing maintenance or troubleshooting for renewable energy equipment.
  • Field Service Technician: A versatile role across industries, including renewable energy, involving on-site equipment servicing.
  • Heavy Equipment Operator: Required for construction or upkeep of energy infrastructure, though not limited to wind.
  • Asset or Implementation Project Manager: Higher-level positions managing wind project development.

Birmingham may not have a thriving wind farm ecosystem, but related technical roles offer promising entry points and advancement within the broader renewable energy industry.

Earning Potential in Wind Trade Careers

Projected Growth of Wind Energy Market

Wind trade professionals in Birmingham can expect competitive wages, with opportunities for higher compensation in skill-based or managerial roles.

Position Hourly Wage Range Average Annual Salary
Wind Turbine Technician $23.63 - $34.42 $80,454
Wind Turbine Service Technician $17.00 - $31.00 (+) $66,395 - $66,435
Heavy Equipment Operator $17.00 - $31.00 $35K - $65K (approximate)
Field Service Technician $19.00 - $28.00 $40K - $60K (approximate)
Asset Implementation Project Manager $38.46 - $72.12 $80K - $150K

These figures reflect competitive pay in the sector, particularly for skilled or experienced professionals such as project managers. While Birmingham salaries trail larger wind energy hubs, they provide strong earning potential relative to regional cost of living.

Education and Training Requirements

Entering the wind trade industry typically requires hands-on technical training and certifications:

Basic Education

  • High School Diploma: The minimum entry requirement for wind technicians 2
  • Recommended Electives: Courses in mathematics, physics, or shop classes enhance readiness

Technical and Vocational Training

  • Timeline: 6–12 month certification programs or associate's degrees taking about 2 years 5
  • Institutions:
    • Gadsden State Community College
    • Southern Union State Community College
    • Online platforms like Dreambound, offering wind energy technology tracks 5

Key Skills & Certifications

  • Mechanical and Electrical Competency
  • Safety Training (OSHA certifications) 5
  • Physical Fitness: Ability to work at height and in varied climates

These requirements provide a roadmap to qualify for most entry-level wind technician roles and train for advancement.

How to Enter the Wind Trade Industry: Step-by-Step Pathway

  1. Meet Basic Requirements: Possess a high school diploma or GED with strong mechanical aptitude or hands-on experience preferred.
  2. Pursue Technical Training: Enroll in a certificate or associate’s program related to wind systems or electrical/mechanical maintenance. Look at the options at institutions like Southern Union State Community College to begin preparing for the field.
  3. Secure OSHA Certification: Many employers require specific safety training credentials.
  4. Create a Technical Resume: Highlight skills such as industrial equipment operation or general maintenance background even if unrelated. Add volunteer or unpaid experience with mechanical systems.
  5. Search for Apprenticeships or Entry-Level Roles:
  6. Apply for Onsite Technician Roles or Support Positions: Many wind employers in the state (though not exclusively in Birmingham) offer roles in wind-relevant industries. These positions can provide practical experience and training.
  7. Clariy Your Level and Trajectory: Determine long-term goals in field service, turbine maintenance, or project coordination based on where you earn experience.
  8. Goal: Apply for Wind Industry Certification (e.g., GWO, OSHA, specialized turbine training) to stand out as a professional in the field.
  9. Utilize Career Advancement Resources: HudsonAlpha, local startups, and Birmingham’s energy scene offer networking and evolving project opportunities for professionals with an interest in green energy.
  10. Stay Updated with Tech & Industry Trends: Grow awareness of new wind tech skills, maintenance developments, and Alabama policy shifts that may expand local opportunities through evolving incentives or tax credits 3.

This process aligns closely with national apprenticeship and career foundations, with localized support platforms encouraging entry and growth in Birmingham.

Birmingham's Wind Trade Outlook Through 2025

Birmingham’s wind energy sector is still maturing, but Alabama’s broader clean energy industry is projected to grow significantly by 2025 1. Currently, major job platforms show active hiring in roles such as technicians and laborers—an encouraging sign of local employer interest.

Nationally, the wind technician occupation is projected to grow 60% between 2023–2033 4. While direct job numbers specific to Birmingham are limited, Alabama’s clean energy expansion suggests positive momentum for local individuals entering this space.

Growth drivers include:

  • Clean energy investment: State clean energy job trends and policies
  • Industry job multipliers: Approximately 36% in construction, 25% in professional services, and 21% in manufacturing 5
  • Economic indicators: Alabama’s rising tech GDP and infrastructure investments

While opportunities are fewer and salaries slightly lower compared to strong regional hubs such as Houston, Texas, or Des Moines, Iowa, Birmingham plays an important role as a key regional wind industry center within Alabama.

Finding Wind Trade Opportunities in Birmingham

Begin your journey by exploring the Gild platform, which curates current apprenticeship listings focused on energy and wind opportunities across Alabama:

Additional platforms offering wind trade listings include:

Get started today by visiting these sites and sorting by relevance or posting date to find in-demand roles. For technical training opportunities, look at Dreambound’s directory, which compares programs across multiple institutions.

Next Steps: Begin Your Wind Trade Career in Birmingham

Whether you're considering a new role or working to expand skills in the clean energy workforce, Birmingham holds potential for professionals ready to grow in renewable energy. Despite the region’s current lack of wind-specific infrastructure, wind-adjacent jobs offer a valuable entry-level foundation with long-term viability.

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Sources

Footnotes

  1. https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Wind-Turbine-Technician/-in-Birmingham,AL 2 3

  2. https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Wind-Energy/-in-Birmingham,AL 2

  3. https://www.indeed.com/q-wind-industry-l-birmingham,-al-jobs.html 2 3

  4. https://www.indeed.com/q-wind-turbine-l-birmingham,-al-jobs.html 2

  5. Wind Jobs and Data in Birmingham, Alabama | Gild 2 3 4 5

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