Tallahassee, FL is positioning itself as an emerging player in renewable energy, with exciting opportunities for those interested in wind trade careers. The city's Clean Energy Plan aims for net 100% renewable energy by 2050 1—learn more here—creating a pathway for growth in wind trades. As a wind turbine technician, you could enter one of the fastest-growing occupations nationwide, with a projected 60% growth rate from 2023-2033 2; explore job data via ZipRecruiter. In Tallahassee specifically, you could expect salaries ranging from $39,330 to $63,820 annually, with an average of $50,170/year 1; compare trade salaries here. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start your wind trade career, including required training, certifications, and how to find training and job opportunities in Tallahassee today that will set you up for success by 2025.
As a wind trade technician, particularly a wind turbine service technician, you'll play a crucial role in keeping wind energy systems operating efficiently. Your work will involve:
While Tallahassee doesn't yet have large-scale wind farms, the work of wind technicians remains critical across Florida and the country, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a remarkable 60% growth in wind turbine technician positions nationally from 2023-20332. Even though Tallahassee's job market focuses more traditionally on service sectors, nearby Pensacola hosts a major GE Vernova plant manufacturing wind turbines3—find related jobs on Gild—creating potential downstream opportunities for those trained in wind trades.
While Florida doesn't specifically license wind trade professionals, employers require specific certifications to ensure safety and competency. The most critical include:
Additionally, most employers seek candidates with at least a high school diploma or GED, with many preferring a postsecondary technical certificate in wind energy, electrical systems, or mechanical trades 3. For more details, check O*NET Online.
To enter the profession, you'll need both formal training and hands-on experience. In Florida, you have several options:
Enroll in technical certificate or associate degree programs in wind turbine technology at institutions like:
Complete specialized training programs that typically last 6-12 months and focus on:
Consider apprenticeship opportunities, which combine classroom instruction with real-world experience on wind turbine equipment.
Though the Tallahassee market is developing, these programs will prepare you for work with regional wind farms or with companies like Siemens Gamesa, Global Wind Service4, and others expanding in the Southeast. Start your search for apprenticeships on Gild.
To establish your career in wind trades, follow this step-by-step path:
Earn a High School Diploma or GED: Start with this minimum requirement and focus on math, science, and technical courses.
Complete a Wind Technician Program: Many career and technical schools and community colleges in Florida offer specialized programs—apply via Gild.
Obtain Safety Certifications: Complete OSHA 10 or 30-hour training as well as GWO certifications 3.
Find Entry-Level Opportunities: Look for roles such as:
Build Field Experience: Start with support roles and gain experience in turbine maintenance, field service, or logistics to qualify for full technician roles.
Expand Your Credentials: As your career develops, seek additional certifications in advanced troubleshooting, supervisory skills, or project management.
For example, job listings show wind power companies in Tallahassee hiring for positions like Traveling Troubleshooting Technician, Installation Technician, and Project Manager, with hourly rates from $17 to $64/hour depending on experience 4. Apply directly through ZipRecruiter.
Even though most of Florida isn't a top wind energy state compared to Midwest counterparts like Texas and Iowa, opportunities continue to emerge 5. Tallahassee's wind technicians can expect:
While Florida salaries are roughly 17% below the U.S. average, many view the field as a pathway into the growing renewable energy sector, which is expected to expand significantly by 2025 1.
Tallahassee's aspirational 100% renewable energy by 2050 clean energy plan places the city at the forefront of sustainable development, creating opportunities for wind trades as energy portfolios expand 1—read the full plan here. While Florida state law currently limits direct local control over energy development, the city continues to invest in renewable infrastructure and supports workforce development 6.
Additionally, state-level incentives like renewable energy tax credits and rebates help make projects economically viable, indirectly supporting growth in the sector 7. These policies complement national trends showing strong demand for wind technicians across the U.S. 2.
Starting a career in wind trade careers in Tallahassee, FL offers exciting opportunities as the renewable energy sector expands. With wind turbine technician roles projected to grow by 60% nationally2 and Tallahassee committed to 100% renewable energy by 20501, now is the time to begin training for these in-demand positions. Whether you're finishing high school or transitioning from another field, completing a technical program, obtaining safety certifications, and gaining hands-on experience through entry-level roles are the keys to your success.
Ready to start your wind trade career in Tallahassee? Use Gild to find wind turbine technician apprenticeship and entry-level opportunities in Florida today. Explore programs at Florida State College at Jacksonville, Miami Dade College, or check listings at Global Wind Service and Siemens Gamesa, which continue to expand across the region 4. The future of renewable energy in Tallahassee is growing—and skilled wind trade professionals will be essential. Don't wait. Start building your future today.
| Wind Trade Role | Average Salary in Tallahassee | Certification Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Wind Turbine Technician | $39,330 - $63,820/year 1—more info here | OSHA, GWO, First Aid/CPR 3 |
| Electrical Technician (Renewables) | $18 - $31/hour 5 | Electrical Apprenticeship, OSHA—find training on Gild |
| Manufacturing Technician | $17 - $25/hour 4 | Safety Certifications |
https://www.duke-energy.com/our-company/careers ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7
https://www.axios.com/2024/08/30/us-jobs-fastest-growing-wind-energy ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
https://www.floridatrend.com/article/42298/northwest-floridas-economic-forecast-for-2025 ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
https://www.indeed.com/q-wind-energy-l-florida-jobs.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Global-Wind-Service/-in-Tallahassee,FL ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
https://www.indeed.com/q-solar-power-l-tallahassee,-fl-jobs.html ↩
