Solar Installer Career Guide in Oregon
Explore solar installer salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Oregon.
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How to Become a Solar Installer in Oregon
Oregon offers dedicated renewable-energy and electrical training through community colleges, registered apprenticeships, and approved training programs. Workers pursuing an Oregon electrical credential must complete the applicable education and supervised experience requirements.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Solar Installer Salary in Oregon
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Oregon median wage for solar installer workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $51,860, the median wage in Oregon is approximately $6,860 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Solar Installers in Oregon
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONSolar Installer Training Requirements in Oregon
Oregon solar installers must follow the training and supervision rules associated with the electrical or renewable-energy work they perform.
- Complete approved training in photovoltaic systems, electrical theory, codes, racking, grounding, testing, and commissioning.
- Register in the applicable apprenticeship or trainee pathway when accumulating experience toward an Oregon credential.
- Document supervised work experience under appropriately licensed personnel.
- Complete OSHA fall-protection, ladder-safety, and electrical-safety training.
- Confirm whether the work requires a general journeyman, residential, or limited renewable-energy credential.
Solar Installer Training Providers in Oregon
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Community College | Eugene | View Program |
| Portland Community College | Portland | View Program |
| Chemeketa Community College | Salem | View Program |
| Oregon Institute of Technology | Klamath Falls | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESSolar Installer Apprenticeship Programs in Oregon
Oregon Registered Apprenticeship
Organization: Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries
Solar Installer Licensing Requirements in Oregon
Oregon regulates photovoltaic installations through electrician, limited renewable-energy technician, and electrical-contractor licensing. The required credential depends on system size, voltage, location, scope of work, and whether the worker performs wiring or limited renewable-energy activities.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSSolar Installer Job Outlook in Oregon
Oregon projects employment for solar photovoltaic installers to increase from approximately 350 workers in 2022 to 470 in 2032, representing 34% growth and about 50 annual openings.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the solar installer salary in Oregon?
The statewide median wage for solar installers in Oregon is approximately $58,720 per year, or $28.23 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Oregon require solar installer licensing?
Yes. Oregon requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt solar installer work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with Oregon Building Codes Division — Electrical Licensing.
How long does it take to become a solar installer in Oregon?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately Up to 1 Year, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are solar installers in demand in Oregon?
Oregon projects solar installer employment to grow by approximately 34% from 2022 to 2032, with about 50 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Oregon Wages for Solar Installer (SOC 47-2231) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Oregon Solar Installer Wages
- Oregon Solar Installer Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Oregon Solar Installer Employment Trends
- Oregon Building Codes Division — Electrical Licensing — Licensing authority. Oregon Building Codes Division — Electrical Licensing