Updated May 2026 · BLS OEWS 2024
How to Become a Solar PV Installer (2024)
Electrical · 2-year apprenticeship · SOC 47-2231
Solar PV Installers earn a national median of $53,971 per 2024 BLS data, with the 90th percentile reaching $98,740 in San Francisco. The standard path is a 2-year registered apprenticeship — paid from day one, no four-year degree required.
What Does a Solar PV Installer Do?
Solar PV installers assemble, install, and maintain solar panel systems on rooftops and ground-mounted arrays for residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Install solar panels and mounting hardware on roofs
- Connect panels to inverters and electrical systems
- Test system performance and troubleshoot issues
- Perform routine maintenance and cleaning
- Read electrical schematics and site plans
The Path: How to Become a Solar PV Installer
- 1
Finish high school or earn a GED
Most apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED. Strong math (especially algebra and geometry) and reading skills matter for trade exams and blueprint work. - 2
Find a registered apprenticeship
Search apprenticeship.gov for registered programs in your area. Programs are sponsored by unions, contractor associations, or individual employers. Application windows are usually annual. - 3
Complete the 2-year apprenticeship
Apprentices spend roughly 4000+ hours on the job paired with a journeyman, plus 144 classroom hours per year. Pay starts around $53,510 and steps up each year — see the timeline below. - 4
Pass the journeyman exam
Most states require a written + practical exam to earn the journeyman license. The exam covers code knowledge, safety, and practical work scenarios. Pass rates vary 50-80% on the first attempt. - 5
Earn certifications and (optionally) the master license
Layer on specialty certifications (NABCEP PV Installation Professional) to access higher-paying work. Most states offer a master license after 2-4 additional years of journeyman experience — required for independent contracting in many states. - 6
Climb to the top decile
Top earners ($98,740 in San Francisco) typically reach the 90th percentile through specialization, foreman/supervisor roles, union membership, or running a small contracting business.
Solar PV Installer Apprentice Pay Timeline
Hourly wage progression based on industry-standard apprenticeship pay schedules. Actual rates vary by local union or contractor agreement.
| Year | Stage | Hourly | Annual (2,080 hr) | % of Journeyman |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Apprentice | $50/hr | $104,000 | 192% |
| Year 2 | Pre-journeyman | $75/hr | $156,000 | 288% |
| Journeyman | Licensed | $26/hr | $53,971 | 100% |
| Master / Top 10% | Specialist / Foreman | $47/hr | $98,740 | 183% |
Required Certifications & Licenses
- ✓NABCEP PV Installation Professional
- ✓OSHA 10/30-Hour
- ✓State electrical license (some states)
- ✓Fall protection certification
Skills You'll Need to Build
Work Environment
Solar installers work outdoors on rooftops and ground arrays. Physical work including lifting panels (40-50 lbs each), roof work, and exposure to sun and weather.
Job Outlook
One of the fastest-growing trades. Employment projected to grow 22% from 2022-2032, driven by falling solar costs, tax incentives, and state renewable energy mandates.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Solar PV Installer Pay by City
The highest-paying metros for solar pv installers, with cost-of-living-adjusted pay so you can compare real take-home.
| City | Median | Top 10% | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $70,390 | $98,740 | B |
| Las Vegas, NV | $66,070 | $78,510 | A |
| New York, NY | $61,140 | $96,300 | B |
| Portland, OR | $59,830 | $75,250 | B |
| Los Angeles, CA | $59,660 | $83,200 | B |
| Kansas City, MO | $57,200 | $69,990 | A |
| Philadelphia, PA | $54,380 | $88,760 | B |
| Denver, CO | $51,860 | $70,980 | B |
| Phoenix, AZ | $51,540 | $64,650 | B |
| Miami, FL | $48,930 | $62,540 | B |
Frequently Asked Questions
Most solar pv installers complete a 2-year registered apprenticeship — typically 4000+ hours of paid on-the-job training plus 144 classroom hours per year. After completing the apprenticeship and passing the journeyman exam, you can work independently. Master-level certification (where applicable) usually takes another 2-4 years of journeyman experience.
No. Solar PV Installers do not require a four-year college degree. The standard credential is a journeyman license earned through a paid apprenticeship registered with the U.S. Department of Labor at https://www.apprenticeship.gov/. Some workers complete a 1- or 2-year certificate at a community or trade college before applying — but the journeyman license is what employers actually require.
Solar PV Installer apprentices typically start at $53,510 per year (10th percentile) and progress upward each year of the apprenticeship. By year 2, pay usually reaches the 50th percentile around $53,971. All training is paid — apprentices are W-2 employees of contractors or unions, not students paying tuition.
Common solar pv installer certifications include: NABCEP PV Installation Professional; OSHA 10/30-Hour; State electrical license (some states); Fall protection certification. Most states also require a journeyman license; some have a separate master license for independent work.
Solar PV Installers earn a national median of $53,971 (Trade Pay Score grade B), wages have grown 22% over the past 5 years, and the BLS counts roughly 10,350 solar pv installer jobs nationwide. The work is physically demanding and the apprenticeship is real, but the trade clears the bar for living-wage, debt-free career entry.
The U.S. Department of Labor maintains a searchable database of registered apprenticeship programs at https://www.apprenticeship.gov/. Local building trades councils, IBEW/UA/IUPAT/IBB union halls, and trade school career offices also place candidates directly. Most apprenticeships have one open application window per year — check listings early.
Wage figures from BLS OEWS 2024. Apprentice pay schedules from industry-standard registered programs. Career outlook from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 2032 projections.