Solar Thermal Installer Salary Overview
In the United States, solar thermal installers earn an average annual salary of approximately $36,890, although this can vary significantly depending on location, experience, and specific job responsibilities. Solar thermal installers generally help design, install, and maintain solar systems that convert solar energy into thermal energy, primarily for heating water or spaces.
Annual Salary Ranges by Seniority
Solar thermal installer salaries are tiered according to skill level and experience:
| Seniority Level | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Top-Level (90th Percentile) | $29.78 | $61,940 |
| Senior-Level (75th Percentile) | $23.04 | $47,930 |
| Mid-Level (Median, 50th Percentile) | $17.74 | $36,890 |
| Junior-Level (25th Percentile) | $14.00 | $29,120 |
| Entry-Level (10th Percentile) | $11.70 | $24,340 |
With entry-level roles starting around $24,340 per year, salaries can reach upwards of $61,940 annually for experienced professionals in the top 10% of the field.
Salary by State for Solar Thermal Installers
Wages for solar thermal installers vary widely by state due to differences in demand for solar energy solutions, state regulations, and cost of living. Below is a breakdown of average annual salaries by state.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $70,440 |
| Illinois | $65,000 |
| South Dakota | $51,300 |
| Minnesota | $49,760 |
| District of Columbia | $49,690 |
| Connecticut | $46,770 |
| New York | $45,770 |
| Nebraska | $45,720 |
| Washington | $45,630 |
| New Hampshire | $45,220 |
| Hawaii | $44,670 |
| Virginia | $44,240 |
| Massachusetts | $44,010 |
| South Carolina | $44,010 |
| Mississippi | $43,420 |
| Wisconsin | $43,030 |
| California | $42,230 |
| Missouri | $40,130 |
| New Jersey | $39,660 |
| New Mexico | $39,250 |
| Puerto Rico | $38,800 |
| Oregon | $38,240 |
| Louisiana | $37,850 |
| Kansas | $37,160 |
| Idaho | $36,760 |
| Michigan | $36,000 |
| Alabama | $35,940 |
| Nevada | $35,900 |
| Pennsylvania | $35,610 |
| Florida | $35,260 |
| Iowa | $34,830 |
| Maryland | $34,540 |
| Texas | $34,200 |
| Delaware | $34,120 |
| Indiana | $34,090 |
| North Carolina | $33,870 |
| Tennessee | $33,710 |
| Ohio | $33,650 |
| Colorado | $33,640 |
| North Dakota | $32,840 |
| Oklahoma | $32,620 |
| Montana | $32,540 |
| Arizona | $32,200 |
| Kentucky | $31,810 |
| Maine | $29,200 |
| Georgia | $28,370 |
| West Virginia | $28,190 |
Salaries are highest in Alaska ($70,440) and Illinois ($65,000), reflecting the demand and cost of living in those states. States with lower demand and cost of living, like Georgia and West Virginia, see average salaries closer to $28,000.
Salary Comparison with Similar Careers
Solar thermal installers’ salaries are comparable to other trades and technical roles in related fields. Here’s a comparison of median salaries across similar professions:
| Related Career | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Pipelayer | $38,000 |
| Tile and Marble Setter | $37,000 |
| Gem Worker | $38,000 |
| Geothermal Technician | $38,000 |
| Drafter | $39,000 |
| Weatherization Technician | $37,000 |
| Solar Thermal Installer | $36,890 |
| Locksmith | $38,000 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $36,000 |
| Ship Loader | $36,000 |
Solar thermal installers have earnings similar to tile and marble setters and geothermal technicians, but slightly lower than pipelayers and drafters. The variance in salaries reflects the specific skills and industry demand for each of these roles.
Information provided by CareerOnlines, LLC and other sources.
Sections of this page includes information from the O*NET 29.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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