Solar Installer Career Guide in Washington
Explore solar installer salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Washington.
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How to Become a Solar Installer in Washington
Washington provides solar, clean-energy, and electrical training through technical colleges, apprenticeships, and approved electrical training providers. Trainees must document supervised work hours when pursuing state electrical certification.
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 Washington
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Washington 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 Washington is approximately $9,770 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Solar Installers in Washington
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 Washington
Washington solar installers performing electrical work must comply with the state’s electrical trainee, certification, supervision, and contractor requirements.
- Complete approved training in PV systems, electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, racking, grounding, and commissioning.
- Register as an electrical trainee when performing work that counts toward an electrician certificate.
- Accumulate and document supervised work hours under the applicable Washington electrical specialty or journey-level pathway.
- Complete OSHA fall-protection and rooftop-safety training.
- Work for a properly licensed electrical contractor when performing regulated PV electrical installation.
Solar Installer Training Providers in Washington
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Shoreline Community College | Shoreline | View Program |
| Bellingham Technical College | Bellingham | View Program |
| South Seattle College | Seattle | View Program |
| Spokane Community College | Spokane | 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 Washington
Washington Registered Apprenticeship
Organization: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
Solar Installer Licensing Requirements in Washington
Washington regulates photovoltaic electrical work through its electrical licensing and certification system. Workers performing electrical installation generally must be certified electricians or registered electrical trainees working under the required supervision. Companies must hold the appropriate electrical contractor license.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSSolar Installer Job Outlook in Washington
Washington projects solar photovoltaic installer employment to grow from approximately 280 workers in 2022 to 400 in 2032, representing 43% growth and about 60 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 Washington?
The statewide median wage for solar installers in Washington is approximately $61,630 per year, or $29.63 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Washington require solar installer licensing?
Yes. Washington 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 Washington State Department of Labor & Industries — Electrical Program.
How long does it take to become a solar installer in Washington?
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 Washington?
Washington projects solar installer employment to grow by approximately 43% from 2022 to 2032, with about 60 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
- Washington Wages for Solar Installer (SOC 47-2231) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Washington Solar Installer Wages
- Washington Solar Installer Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Washington Solar Installer Employment Trends
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries — Electrical Program — Licensing authority. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries — Electrical Program