Solar Installer Career Guide in Vermont
Explore solar installer salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Vermont.
Career Guide Navigation
How to Become a Solar Installer in Vermont
Training routes include renewable-energy coursework, electrical career programs, employer-sponsored registered apprenticeships, and paid training with solar employers. Confirm whether a program teaches PV installation specifically or the broader electrical trade.
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 Vermont
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Vermont 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 Vermont is approximately $2,370 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Solar Installers in Vermont
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 Vermont
Vermont solar installers can enter through renewable-energy education, electrical training, or supervised employment. Licensing depends on the installation task and applicable statutory exemptions.
- Learn PV mounting, electrical fundamentals, fall protection, and site safety.
- For an electrical career pathway, complete paid on-the-job training and related instruction through a registered apprenticeship.
- Check whether the proposed work falls within Vermont’s exemption for modules and racking up to field-fabricated wiring.
- For non-exempt electrical work, verify the appropriate Electrical Specialist or electrician credential with the Division of Fire Safety.
Solar Installer Training Providers in Vermont
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont State University — Renewable Energy Program | Randolph Center | View Program |
| Stafford Technical Center — Electrical and Plumbing | Rutland | View Program |
| Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center — Electrical Technology | Middlebury | View Program |
| Green Mountain Technology and Career Center — Electrical Technology | Hyde Park | 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 Vermont
Electrical Apprenticeship — related electrical pathway
Organization: IBEW Local 300 / Vermont Electrical JATC
Registered Electrical Apprenticeship — related electrical pathway
Organization: Vermont State University / Vermont Department of Labor
Solar and Battery Install Technician Paid Training
Organization: Green Mountain Solar
Solar Installer Licensing Requirements in Vermont
Vermont offers an Electrical Specialist classification for solar panel installers, but licensing depends on the work and location. State law exempts installation of solar modules and racking on complex structures up to the connection to field-fabricated wiring. Electrical work outside an exemption requires the appropriate electrician license or lawful supervision.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSSolar Installer Job Outlook in Vermont
Employment of solar photovoltaic installers in Vermont is projected to grow 21% from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 10 job openings per year.
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 Vermont?
The statewide median wage for solar installers in Vermont is approximately $49,490 per year, or $23.79 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Vermont require solar installer licensing?
Licensing requirements for solar installer workers in Vermont vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with Vermont Division of Fire Safety — Electrical Licensing before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become a solar installer in Vermont?
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 Vermont?
Vermont projects solar installer employment to grow by approximately 21% from 2024 to 2034, with about 10 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
- Vermont Wages for Solar Installer (SOC 47-2231) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Vermont Solar Installer Wages
- Vermont Solar Installer Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Vermont Solar Installer Employment Trends
- Vermont Division of Fire Safety — Electrical Licensing — Licensing authority. Vermont Division of Fire Safety — Electrical Licensing