Entering the solar trade in Syracuse, NY, often begins with a Registered Apprenticeship Program, which combines on-the-job training with technical instruction, allowing individuals to gain practical experience while learning. These apprenticeships typically last two years, requiring a minimum of 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 144 hours of technical instruction annually. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the solar industry employed 279,447 workers nationwide as of December 2023, with Syracuse seeing a steady increase in solar employment. Solar apprentices in Syracuse can earn an average weekly wage of $1,138.83, with experienced professionals often earning over $46,000 annually. Training programs, community colleges, and organizations like NABCEP provide pathways to enter this growing field, offering strong earning potential and contributing to the clean energy economy.
