Entering the solar trade in Hermiston, OR, often begins with a Registered Apprenticeship Program, which combines on-the-job training with technical instruction, allowing individuals to gain practical experience while earning. These apprenticeships typically last two to three years, with a minimum of 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 144 hours of technical instruction per year. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the solar industry employed 279,447 workers nationwide as of December 2023, with a 5.9% increase from 2022. In Hermiston, OR, the average wage for solar professionals is approximately $714 per week, with experienced workers often earning over $100,000 annually. Programs and platforms such as NABCEP certification and local trade schools provide pathways for aspiring solar professionals to enter this rapidly growing field, which is projected to see continued expansion due to increasing global investments in renewable energy.
