The wind trade industry in Troy, AL is gaining momentum, offering exciting prospects for skilled technicians and industrial maintenance professionals. As of 2025, wind turbine technicians earn an average $30 per hour or $61,546 per year in Troy, which is higher than the national average 1. With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 60% national growth in wind turbine technician jobs from 2023 to 2033 2, now is an ideal time to explore this high-growth renewable energy field.
Entering the wind trade in Troy, AL typically begins with specialized training and education, combining hands-on experience with theoretical learning 3. To qualify, job seekers usually need a high school diploma or GED, followed by completion of a one- to two-year wind energy program or certification 4. Programs from institutions like Hudson Valley Community College and Global Wind Organisation (GWO) certifications are especially valuable 12. Learn more about wind turbine jobs in Alabama here
While the wind industry in Alabama isn't as established as solar or biomass sectors, demand is rising with the state’s wind power industry projected to reach a value of $54 million by 2025 5. Whether you're starting out or looking to switch careers, Troy offers a path into one of the fastest-growing trades in the U.S.
Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about entering the wind trade in Troy—licensing, steps to certification, training programs, job outlook, salaries, and how Gild can help you find apprenticeships and entry-level opportunities.
Wind turbine service technicians are at the heart of the wind energy industry. These professionals install, maintain, and repair wind turbines, which involves working with complex mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems — often high above the ground on massive turbine towers. Technicians must also meet strict safety protocols, including GWO-certified training in first aid, working at height, and control of hazardous energies 2.
Common responsibilities include:
The job appeals to those who enjoy hands-on work, have a mechanical mindset, and want a highly competitive salary, with national median wages reaching $62,580 per year 2. Discover detailed job data here.
Unlike traditional trade roles like plumbing, there is no state-specific license required in Alabama for wind turbine technicians. However, certifications are critical to employment and advancement in this field. Employers strongly favor candidates who have completed industry-recognized programs, especially GWO-certified credentials, which enhance both safety and job readiness 12.
Key certifications for wind trade professionals:
For Troy workers, schools like Hudson Valley Community College and online training platforms offer the foundational education needed to begin applied training with national certification providers like the Wind Trade Academy 12.
If you’re ready to begin your journey, Gild offers a database of national wind technician training programs and apprenticeships that can help fast-track your certification 3.
The path to becoming a wind trade professional in Troy is structured, centered around formal training, certifications, and on-the-job experience. Below is a step-by-step guide tailored to the 2025 workforce landscape.
This is the minimum educational requirement for most wind technician programs. Courses in mathematics, electrical systems, and industrial arts will provide a solid foundation 4.
While not mandatory, completing a Wind Energy program dramatically improves job prospects. Programs can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, with shorter courses (6–12 months) offering fast certification and longer programs (1–2 years) leading to associate degrees in industrial maintenance or renewable energy 3.
Schools like Hudson Valley Community College and national certification providers like Wind Trade Academy offer blended and onsite learning options 12.
To be considered for employment in wind, candidates must hold GWO Basic Safety Training or better, along with OSHA 30 and potentially Technical Training credentials 2.
| Certification | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|
| GWO Basic Safety Training | 5 Days | Wind Trade Academy |
| GWO Basic Technical Training | 7–12 Days | Wind Trade Academy |
| Slinger Signaller | 2–5 Days | Technical Training Center |
| OSHA 30-Hour | 4 Days | SafetyCert |
After earning certifications and foundational training, the next phase is seeking hands-on experience. While direct job postings in Troy are limited, wind trade opportunities are growing across Alabama and the Southeastern United States. Apprentices typically start at $20 to $26 per hour, with experienced technicians averaging $55,000 to $61,546 annually in Troy 6.
To locate regional wind technician job listings, visit Gild’s job feed, which aggregates real-time wind trade opportunities in Alabama and nationwide. Explore them here.
Wind turbine technology changes rapidly. Technicians who pursue continuing education, advanced troubleshooting certifications, and leadership training position themselves for supervisor roles, maintenance coordination, or tech leadership.
Alabama Power and other major energy firms often support the professional development of employees, offering in-house training and progression opportunities 2.
Troy residents have several pathways to enter the wind trade through local institutions and national certifications.
For aspiring workers interested in immediate and focused training, Gild partners with providers offering 6-month certifications in wind turbine technology, allowing workers to qualify quickly and get placed in fieldwork roles. Find Gild’s training partners here. For additional resources, check out this guide.
While wind energy is not yet a dominant industry in Alabama, regional wind farm growth and national policy support are driving increased interest in Troy.
| Wind Trade Metrics | Troy, AL – 2025 |
|---|---|
| Average Annual Salary for Wind Turbine Technicians | $61,546 1 |
| Hourly Rate | $30 1 |
| Statewide Wind Industry Value | $54 million projected by 2025 5 |
| U.S. Wind Technician Growth | Projected 60% (2023–2033) 2 |
| Local Job Availability | Limited direct postings, however nearby regions like Columbus, GA, currently listing 13–50 wind tech jobs 4 |
| Training Program Length | 6 months – 2 years 34 |
As the shift to clean and renewable energy accelerates, Troy has the potential to become a regional hub in the wind industry. Though current roles are fewer, this is an emerging sector, and early adopters can grow with the field alongside companies like Alabama Power and partner wind farm developers.
Wind trade technicians in Troy earn $61,546 per year, with entry-level apprenticeships paying between $20 and $26 per hour 6.
This is significantly above the national average for wind technicians which hovers between $29,000 and $59,000 annually 2. More experienced technicians, especially those possessing stacked certifications in industrial maintenance or electrical repair, can exceed $65,000 through overtime and contract wind farm work 4.
The projected 60% job growth rate nationally and Alabama’s wind sector expansion means that Troy-based wind professionals today can position themselves for leadership roles, mentoring, plant maintenance, or specialty operations.
While the wind trade in Troy presents significant upside, there are important challenges to consider:
Not a Major Wind Energy Hub: Unlike Texas and the Great Plains, Alabama is still in its early stages of wind farm development, meaning fewer job opportunities directly in Troy 5.
Certification Barriers: Although GWO and OSHA 30 are not state-mandated, they are industry standard requirements, and because Troy doesn't have many in-person programs, travel or remote training may be needed 2.
Competition with Other Industries: Troy has robust employment in sectors like aerospace and manufacturing, where companies like Lockheed Martin, Whirlpool, and Colonial Baking offer stable alternatives to wind trade training 462.
Training Investment: Wind programs can range from $3,000 to $20,000, depending on the length and certification path, creating a financial barrier for some individuals 3.
Whether you're entering your first job or exploring a career change into renewable energy, starting early in the wind trade industry in Troy, AL could lead to long-term success. The field offers high salaries, fast career growth, and strong safety and maintenance value.
If you’re ready to take the next step:
Join a growing workforce shaping the energy sector of the 21st century — start your wind trade career in Troy, AL today.
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