Assemble, install, or maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs or other structures in compliance with site assessment and schematics. May include measuring, cutting, assembling, and bolting structural framing and solar modules. May perform minor electrical work such as current checks.
Solar Photovoltaic Installers
SOC: 47-2231 O*NET: 47-2231.00
Median Salary
$51,860
per year
Job Growth
🚀 42.1%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
4.1
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Assemble, install, or maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs or other structures in compliance with site assessment and schematics. May include measuring, cutting, assembling, and bolting structural framing and solar modules. May perform minor electrical work such as current checks.
What does a Solar Photovoltaic Installers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$39,070
10th percentile
Early Career
$46,040
25th percentile
Median
$51,860
50th percentile
Experienced
$63,020
75th percentile
Top Earners
$80,150
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$39,070
25th
$46,040
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$51,860
Mean: $57,380
75th
$63,020
90th
$80,150
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $41,080 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $46,040 and $63,020
- •Salary spread is 32.7% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 28,280 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Very High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:28,600
Top Industries
Construction62.7%
Specialty Trade Contractors53.1%
Building Equipment Contractors52.1%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+42.1%
Annual Openings:4,100
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)28,600
Current
2034 (Projected)40,600
+42.1%
+12,000
Employment Change
+42.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Much faster than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Solar Photovoltaic Installers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 27 locations
California
8,970 jobs$60,7902.71x
Texas
5,370 jobs$45,8702.11x
Florida
1,940 jobs$46,1301.08x
Arizona
1,360 jobs$50,3102.33x
New Jersey
1,280 jobs$64,6701.64x
Virginia
1,110 jobs$48,2801.49x
North Carolina
730 jobs$47,2200.81x
Indiana
660 jobs$38,6601.14x
Colorado
650 jobs$51,7401.23x
Pennsylvania
650 jobs$49,0000.59x
Utah
540 jobs$47,9601.74x
Maryland
490 jobs$58,4200.97x
Hawaii
370 jobs$62,7403.21x
South Carolina
270 jobs$49,3000.66x
Oregon
240 jobs$58,7200.67x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Much faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Building and Construction
100%
#2
Installation
100%
#3
Near Vision
100%
#4
Engineering and Technology
94%
#5
Critical Thinking
94%
#6
Problem Sensitivity
92%
#7
Monitoring
86%
#8
Mechanical
86%
#9
Visualization
82%
#10
Operations Monitoring
80%
Skills Overview
Building and Construction
advanced5.0
100%
Installation
advanced5.0
100%
Near Vision
advanced5.0
100%
Engineering and Technology
advanced4.7
94%
Critical Thinking
advanced4.7
94%
Problem Sensitivity
advanced4.6
92%
Monitoring
intermediate4.3
86%
Mechanical
intermediate4.3
86%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Building and Construction
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Installation
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Near Vision
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Engineering and Technology
advancedImportance94%
knowledge
4.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Problem Sensitivity
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Mechanical
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Visualization
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Design
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers82%
5 shared skills
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians67%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Inspectors67%
5 shared skills
Power Plant Operators67%
5 shared skills
Chemical Plant and System Operators67%
5 shared skills
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Building and Construction
- ✓Engineering and Technology
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓Design
Learn on the Job:
- →Quality Control Analysis
- →Customer and Personal Service
- →Mathematics
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Building and Construction
- ✓Engineering and Technology
- ✓Mechanical
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Building and Construction
- ★Engineering and Technology
- ★Mechanical
- ★Design
- ★Installation
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Solar Photovoltaic Installers
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Salesforce software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechExtensible markup language XML
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Salesforce software
Microsoft Outlook
Extensible markup language XML
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🌤️
Location
MOSTLY OUTDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
CONSTANT TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly outdoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy constant team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (14)Training & Development (1)Operations & Execution (2)Planning & Development (3)Analysis & Evaluation (1)
1
Assemble solar modules, panels, or support structures, as specified.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Install active solar systems, including solar collectors, concentrators, pumps, or fans.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Install photovoltaic (PV) systems in accordance with codes and standards, using drawings, schematics, and instructions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development94% perform96%
4
Perform routine photovoltaic (PV) system maintenance on modules, arrays, batteries, power conditioning equipment, safety systems, structural systems, weather sealing, or balance of systems equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution91% perform94%
5
Activate photovoltaic (PV) systems to verify system functionality and conformity to performance expectations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution88% perform92%
6
Apply weather sealing to array, building, or support mechanisms.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Check electrical installation for proper wiring, polarity, grounding, or integrity of terminations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Determine appropriate sizes, ratings, and locations for all system overcurrent devices, disconnect devices, grounding equipment, and surge suppression equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Determine connection interfaces for additional subpanels or for connecting photovoltaic (PV) systems with utility services or other power generation sources.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Determine photovoltaic (PV) system designs or configurations based on factors such as customer needs, expectations, and site conditions.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Solar Photovoltaic Installers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Solar Photovoltaic Installers professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value achievement
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Solar Photovoltaic Installers
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.70
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.53
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.43
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.38
Self-Control
Very ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level4.37
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.21
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.7
Dependability
4.5
Integrity
4.4
Cooperation
4.4
Self-Control
4.4
Analytical Thinking
4.2
Stress Tolerance
4.2
Leadership
4.2
Concern for Others
4.2
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.1
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Solar Photovoltaic Installers.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Solar Photovoltaic Installers
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
1.6k program completions/year
Apex Technical School
Long Island City, NY
788 program completions/year
American River College
Sacramento, CA
774 program completions/year
J F Ingram State Technical College
Deatsville, AL
645 program completions/year
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX
631 program completions/year
Owensboro Community and Technical College
Owensboro, KY
612 program completions/year
Lake Land College
Mattoon, IL
596 program completions/year
Lincoln Technical Institute-Union
Union, NJ
573 program completions/year
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Lexington, KY
559 program completions/year
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
Elizabethtown, KY
556 program completions/year
City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley College
Chicago, IL
535 program completions/year
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
Bowling Green, KY
494 program completions/year
From the Blog
Skilled Trades Outlook
Solar, Wind, and the Clean Energy Trades: Careers in Renewable Energy
A data-driven guide to careers in clean energy trades — solar PV installer, wind turbine technician, and related roles — covering BLS growth projections, wages, training requirements, and which states are hiring most.
Trade Programs
Solar Panel Installer Career Opportunities: What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond
Solar PV installer is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the U.S., with 42% projected job growth through 2034. Explore salary data, certification paths, and how to break into this high-demand trade.