Solar panel installer
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. Federal job definition
How people get into it
Some PV installers learn to install panels as part of an apprenticeship.
Electrician and roofing apprentices and journey workers may complete photovoltaic-specific training modules through apprenticeships.
- Typical education to start
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Typical training on the job
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
Registered apprenticeships are run by employers, unions and industry groups. To find openings near you, search the U.S. Department of Labor's apprenticeship finder, or contact your state's apprenticeship office.
What it pays
Yearly pay for all workers in this job nationally, including experienced ones. Apprentices usually start lower and get raises as they advance.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025Median pay by state (32 states)
| State | Median pay | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $51,160 | 1,280 |
| Arkansas | $44,820 | — |
| California | $60,600 | 6,830 |
| Colorado | $49,730 | 620 |
| Connecticut | $55,590 | — |
| Florida | $50,550 | 2,980 |
| Georgia | $47,790 | — |
| Hawaii | $70,370 | 420 |
| Illinois | $59,630 | — |
| Indiana | $46,140 | 490 |
| Iowa | $56,740 | 180 |
| Kansas | $49,990 | — |
| Maine | $61,210 | 60 |
| Maryland | $45,430 | 670 |
| Massachusetts | $59,180 | 620 |
| Michigan | $47,080 | 310 |
| Nevada | $67,810 | 100 |
| New Jersey | $78,950 | 1,880 |
| New Mexico | $48,490 | 340 |
| New York | $56,160 | 1,230 |
| North Carolina | $43,860 | 710 |
| Ohio | $62,400 | 70 |
| Oregon | $66,320 | 360 |
| Pennsylvania | $47,760 | 1,210 |
| South Carolina | $50,490 | — |
| South Dakota | $42,380 | 50 |
| Texas | $48,240 | 5,270 |
| Utah | $49,980 | 770 |
| Vermont | $49,490 | 250 |
| Virginia | $49,190 | — |
| Washington | $61,630 | — |
| Wisconsin | $49,770 | 90 |
Job outlook
- People in this job
- 31,100
- Openings each year
- 4,200projected average, 2025–35, including people retiring or changing jobs
- Change in jobs
- +36.5%expected to grow 36.5%, 2025–35
Where these numbers come from
Pay comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' wage survey (May 2025). Jobs, openings, growth, education and training come from BLS Employment Projections (2025–35). The description of the job is the federal Standard Occupational Classification definition, and the quote is from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. For how many apprentices there are in each state, see the Department of Labor's apprentices by state dashboard. Updated November 5, 2026.