The median pay for Solar Photovoltaic Installers is $53,140 a year ($25.55/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 36.5% through 2035, with about 4,200 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- SOC 47-2231
- Construction and Extraction
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Solar Photovoltaic Installer in four numbers
- Median pay
- $53,140a year, or $25.55/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $42KTop 10% $80K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +36.5%Much faster than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+36.5%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +36.5% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 4,20031,100 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202531.1K
- Projected 203542.4K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 31.1K Projected 2035 42.4K - Typical education
- High schoolneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Less than high school11%
- High school33.7%
- Certificate36.9%
- Associate's3.4%
- Bachelor's13.9%
- Master's1.1%
Highest education held by solar photovoltaic installers Segment Value Less than high school 11% High school 33.7% Certificate 36.9% Associate's 3.4% Bachelor's 13.9% Master's 1.1%
Also advertised as: Journeyman Electrician PV Installer (Journeyman Electrician Photovoltaic Installer), PV Installation Tech (Photovoltaic Installation Technician), PV Installer (Photovoltaic Installer), Solar Designer, Solar Electric Installer, Solar Installer.
Pay
How much do Solar Photovoltaic Installers make?
Every solar photovoltaic installer in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$53,140
Middle half earn $46,700 to $62,870
- 10th
- $41,600
- 25th
- $46,700
- 75th
- $62,870
- 90th
- $79,970
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $41,600 |
| 25th | $46,700 |
| Median | $53,140 |
| 75th | $62,870 |
| 90th | $79,970 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $53,140
- Median hourly wage
- $25.55/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $57,900
- People employed
- 31,350
Versus all US occupations
At $53,140, Solar Photovoltaic Installers earn 4% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $2,160 a year.
Versus construction and extraction occupations
Inside the Construction and Extraction group, where the middle occupation pays $60,020, this is 11% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $79,970 or more while the bottom 10% earn $41,600, a gap of 1.9×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 26% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
New Jersey pays the most at $78,950, and still leads at $72,561 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Solar Photovoltaic Installers the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1New Jersey | $78,950 | $72,561 | 1,880 |
| 2Hawaii | $70,370 | $64,001 | 420 |
| 3Nevada | $67,810 | $67,824 | 100 |
| 4Oregon | $66,320 | $64,163 | 360 |
| 5Ohio | $62,400 | $67,260 | 70 |
| 6Washington | $61,630 | $57,591 | N/A |
| 7Maine | $61,210 | $63,071 | 60 |
| 8California | $60,600 | $54,733 | 6,830 |
| 9Illinois | $59,630 | $59,655 | N/A |
| 10Massachusetts | $59,180 | $55,958 | 620 |
Job outlook
Is Solar Photovoltaic Installer a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Much faster than average. +36.5% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Photovoltaic Installers | +36.5% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Much faster than average
BLS projects employment of Solar Photovoltaic Installers to change 36.5% over 2025–2035, roughly 10.4× the 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 11,300 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 4,200 openings are projected each year, 13.5% of the 31,100 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
The continued expansion and adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems is expected to create jobs for their installation and upkeep. As the cost of PV systems continues to decrease, more households are expected to take advantage of these systems, resulting in greater demand for the workers who install and maintain them.
Getting in
How to become a Solar Photovoltaic Installer
There are multiple paths to becoming a solar photovoltaic (PV) installer, or PV installer. These workers typically need a high school diploma, but some take courses at a technical school or community college; they also receive on-the-job training lasting up to 1 year. Some PV installers learn to install panels as part of an apprenticeship.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
High school diploma or equivalent
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Little or no preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as solar photovoltaic installers.
- Post-Secondary Certificate36.9%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)33.7%
- Bachelor's Degree13.9%
- Less than a High School Diploma11%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree3.4%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 36.9% |
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 33.7% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 13.9% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 11% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 3.4% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Solar Photovoltaic Installer 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.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers, also known as PV installers, assemble, set up, and maintain rooftop or other systems that convert sunlight into energy.
Day-to-day tasks
- Install photovoltaic (PV) systems in accordance with codes and standards, using drawings, schematics, and instructions.
- Identify electrical, environmental, and safety hazards associated with photovoltaic (PV) installations.
- Identify and resolve any deficiencies in photovoltaic (PV) system installation or materials.
- Identify methods for laying out, orienting, and mounting modules or arrays to ensure efficient installation, electrical configuration, or system maintenance.
- Assemble solar modules, panels, or support structures, as specified.
- Install module array interconnect wiring, implementing measures to disable arrays during installation.
- Apply weather sealing to array, building, or support mechanisms.
- Determine materials, equipment, and installation sequences necessary to maximize installation efficiency.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather at least weekly.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeOn their feet more than half the working day.
Bending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the timeRegular bending or twisting.
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayHandling conflict situations at least monthly.
Cost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely seriousMistakes carry very serious consequences.
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where solar photovoltaic installers work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Electrical contractors and other wiring installation contractors39%
- Temporary help services17%
- Utilities13%
- Plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors11%
- Power and communication line and related structures construction10%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Electrical contractors and other wiring installation contractors | 39% |
| Temporary help services | 17% |
| Utilities | 13% |
| Plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors | 11% |
| Power and communication line and related structures construction | 10% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Critical Thinking3.3
- Active Listening3.1
- Monitoring3.1
- Reading Comprehension3.0
- Active Learning3.0
- Speaking2.9
- Mathematics2.6
- Learning Strategies2.6
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 3.3 |
| Active Listening | 3.1 |
| Monitoring | 3.1 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.0 |
| Active Learning | 3.0 |
| Speaking | 2.9 |
| Mathematics | 2.6 |
| Learning Strategies | 2.6 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Installation3.4
- Operations Monitoring3.1
- Quality Control Analysis3.1
- Judgment and Decision Making3.1
- Coordination3.0
- Complex Problem Solving3.0
- Troubleshooting3.0
- Time Management3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Installation | 3.4 |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.1 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.1 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.1 |
| Coordination | 3.0 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.0 |
| Troubleshooting | 3.0 |
| Time Management | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Customer relationship management CRM software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Enterprise application integration software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Calendar and scheduling software
- Project management software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Solar Photovoltaic Installer?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Solar Photovoltaic Installer |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 7 |
| Investigative | 3 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 1 |
| Enterprising | 2 |
| Conventional | 4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Realistic7.0
- Conventional4.1
- Investigative2.6
- Enterprising1.7
- Artistic1.4
- Social1.2
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Solar Photovoltaic Installer
O*NET related occupations
- Construction and Extraction
- Construction and Extraction
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
- Production
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
- Construction and Extraction
More construction and extraction careers
Median annual pay, with solar photovoltaic installers highlighted
- Plumber$63,800
- Electrician$63,190
- Structural Iron and Steel Worker$62,780
- Sheet Metal Worker$61,800
- Carpenter$60,580
- Operating Engineer and Other Construction Equipment Operator$59,850
- Roofer$55,440
- Solar Photovoltaic Installer$53,140
- Oil and Gas Roustabout$46,960
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Plumber | $63,800 |
| Electrician | $63,190 |
| Structural Iron and Steel Worker | $62,780 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $61,800 |
| Carpenter | $60,580 |
| Operating Engineer and Other Construction Equipment Operator | $59,850 |
| Roofer | $55,440 |
| Solar Photovoltaic Installer | $53,140 |
| Oil and Gas Roustabout | $46,960 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Solar Photovoltaic Installer appears on
Questions
Solar Photovoltaic Installer: frequently asked questions
How much do Solar Photovoltaic Installers make?
Solar Photovoltaic Installers earn a median of $53,140 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 4% above the $50,980 US median across all occupations. That works out at $25.55/hr. The middle half earn between $46,700 and $62,870. The top 10% earn $79,970 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Solar Photovoltaic Installer?
No. A bachelor's degree is not the norm: BLS reports a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education for Solar Photovoltaic Installers. BLS also lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 36.9% hold post-secondary certificate.
Is Solar Photovoltaic Installer a growing career?
Yes, strongly. Employment is projected to grow 36.5% over 2025–2035, more than double the 3.5% projected for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 4,200 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Solar Photovoltaic Installer do?
Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers, also known as PV installers, assemble, set up, and maintain rooftop or other systems that convert sunlight into energy. A core O*NET task: install photovoltaic (PV) systems in accordance with codes and standards, using drawings, schematics, and instructions. Employers most often ask for Customer relationship management CRM software, Electronic mail software, Enterprise application integration software.
Which states pay Solar Photovoltaic Installers the most?
The highest state medians for Solar Photovoltaic Installers are New Jersey ($78,950), Hawaii ($70,370), Nevada ($67,810) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Solar Photovoltaic Installer?
O*NET scores Solar Photovoltaic Installers highest on the Realistic and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.