Solar Photovoltaic Installers

SOC: 47-2231 O*NET: 47-2231.00
Median Salary
$51,860
per year
Job Growth
πŸš€ 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?

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.

How much can you earn?

Salary Distribution by Percentile

Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.

10th
$31,116
25th
$41,488
50th (Median)
$51,860
75th
$62,232
90th
$77,790

Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.

Typical Benefits Package

Health & Wellness

  • βœ“Health Insurance
  • βœ“Dental Insurance
  • βœ“Vision Insurance
  • βœ“Mental Health Support
  • βœ“Wellness Programs

Financial Benefits

  • βœ“401(k) Retirement Plan
  • βœ“Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
  • βœ“Profit Sharing
  • βœ“Stock Options
  • βœ“Performance Bonuses

Work-Life Balance

  • βœ“Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
  • βœ“Paid Sick Leave
  • βœ“Flexible Work Arrangements
  • βœ“Remote Work Options
  • βœ“Parental Leave

Professional Development

  • βœ“Tuition Reimbursement
  • βœ“Professional Certifications
  • βœ“Conference Attendance
  • βœ“Training Programs
  • βœ“Mentorship Opportunities

Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.

What's the job outlook?

Job Market Intelligence

Very High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk

Current Employment

National Employment:28,600

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

Key Growth Factors

  • β€’Much faster than average growth expected
  • β€’High current market demand

What skills do you need?

Top 10 Most Important Skills

#1
Installation
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
94%
#3
Monitoring
86%
#4
Operations Monitoring
80%
#5
Active Listening
74%
#6
Quality Control Analysis
66%
#7
Judgment and Decision Making
60%
#8
Complex Problem Solving
54%
#9
Reading Comprehension
46%
#10
Troubleshooting
40%

Skills Overview

Installation
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced4.7
94%
Monitoring
intermediate4.3
86%
Operations Monitoring
intermediate4.0
80%
Active Listening
intermediate3.7
74%
Quality Control Analysis
intermediate3.3
66%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.0
60%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced2.7
54%

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:

Installation

advanced
Importance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0

Critical Thinking

advanced
Importance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0

Monitoring

intermediate
Importance86%
skills
4.3/5.0

Operations Monitoring

intermediate
Importance80%
skills
4.0/5.0

Active Listening

intermediate
Importance74%
skills
3.7/5.0

Quality Control Analysis

intermediate
Importance66%
skills
3.3/5.0

Judgment and Decision Making

intermediate
Importance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0

Complex Problem Solving

advanced
Importance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0

Reading Comprehension

basic
Importance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0

Troubleshooting

basic
Importance40%
skills
2.0/5.0

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:
  • βœ“Monitoring
Learn on the Job:
  • β†’Quality Control Analysis
  • β†’Judgment and Decision Making
  • β†’Complex Problem Solving

Mid Career

Expected:
  • βœ“Operations Monitoring
  • βœ“Monitoring
  • βœ“Installation
  • βœ“Critical Thinking

Senior Level

Mastery Required:
  • β˜…Installation
  • β˜…Critical Thinking
  • β˜…Active Listening

Skill Development Tips

  • β€’Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
  • β€’Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
  • β€’Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
  • β€’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
πŸ”₯

Hot Technologies in Demand

These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field

Salesforce software

πŸ”₯ Hot Tech

Microsoft Outlook

πŸ”₯ Hot Tech

Extensible markup language XML

πŸ”₯ Hot Tech

Microsoft Office software

πŸ”₯ Hot Tech

Microsoft Excel

πŸ”₯ Hot Tech

Microsoft Word

πŸ”₯ Hot Tech

Technology 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

πŸ“š Technology Learning Resources

Recommended Certifications

  • β€’Vendor-specific software certifications
  • β€’Industry-recognized technology credentials
  • β€’Professional development courses

Online Learning Platforms

  • β€’LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
  • β€’Coursera - University-level programs
  • β€’Udemy - Practical skills training

πŸ’‘ Technology Skill Development Tips

  • β€’Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
  • β€’Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
  • β€’Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
  • β€’Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers

What's the work environment like?

🌀️
Location
MOSTLY OUTDOOR
πŸ’ͺ
Physical Demand
VERY HIGH
πŸ‘₯
Team Orientation
CONSTANT TEAM
🀝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT

πŸ’‘Is This Work Environment Right for You?

Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:

  • β€’Are you comfortable working in mostly outdoor environments?
  • β€’Can you meet very high physical demands?
  • β€’Do you enjoy constant team team environments?
  • β€’Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?

What education is required?

Education Required

High school diploma or equivalent

Experience Required

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful

Job Training

Training of a few months to a year