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Emerging Occupations

Wind Turbine Technician

In general, wind turbine technicians inspect, diagnose, adjust, repair, and maintain wind turbine equipment. Equipment can be electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic. They may also help construct wind turbines.

This is an emerging occupation. It may have evolved from an existing occupation or emerged in response to consumer needs or technological advances.

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 2243: Industrial Instrument Technicians and Mechanics*

2006 NOC-S

  • C143: Industrial Instrument Technicians and Mechanics*

2011 NOC

  • 2243: Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics*

2016 NOC

  • 2243: Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics*

2021 NOC

  • 22312: Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics*

2023 OaSIS

  • 22312.00: Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics*

*This NOC group is considered similar to the Wind Turbine Technician occupation. Because this occupation is only similar to the NOC group, related details and labour market information may not be accurate.

Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2025

Wind turbine technicians service and maintain wind turbines. Duties vary from one employer to another. In general, they:

  • Read and interpret electrical and hydraulic drawings and schematics
  • Monitor wind turbine performance and document problems
  • Conduct diagnostics using electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic metering equipment
  • Perform inspections of wind turbine components such as blades or gearboxes, often using specialized tools such as drones, borescopes, oscilloscopes, or multimeters
  • Use standard and specialized tools and equipment to perform maintenance including greasing, oil changing, instrumentation testing and adjustment, electrical troubleshooting, and cleaning of wind turbine components
  • Use a large variety of tools and equipment to perform repairs of faulty, worn out, or broken equipment within the wind turbine or substation, including fibreglass repair, replacement of components, or refurbishment of worn-down mechanical components
  • Complete reports and other paperwork as required
  • Use safety equipment and follow safety procedures
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2025
  • Strength Required Lift over 20 kg

Wind turbine technicians may work regular weekday hours or shifts. Overtime may be required to meet business needs.

Modern wind turbines most often have service lifts installed. However, for safety reasons, wind turbine technicians must be able to climb ladders to heights of 60 to 120 metres several times a day. They work in small spaces and a variety of weather conditions. They may have to climb stairs and lift, push, carry, or pull heavy items. They also need to work with cranes and mechanical hoisting equipment.

Technicians must observe safety precautions. This is especially true when climbing ladders, working at heights, working in hot or cold weather, and working on electrical systems.

Some wind turbine technicians may need to travel. They may be away from home for weeks at a time.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
I
Investigative
This occupation
You
R
Realistic
C
Conventional
This occupation
You

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Your Work Personalities

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics*
2023 OaSIS: 22312.00

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Wind Turbine Technician occupation.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2025

Wind turbine technicians need:

  • Good hearing and eyesight
  • Manual dexterity
  • Electrical and mechanical aptitudes
  • Communication and reading comprehension skills
  • Computer and technology use skills
  • The ability to work in confined spaces and at heights over 120 metres
  • Attention to detail
  • The ability and desire to keep up with changes in technology

They should be self-motivated, enjoy solving problems, and able to work with little direction on small (usually 2-person) teams.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics*

2016 NOC: 2243

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Wind Turbine Technician occupation.

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 107 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between May 17, 2022 and Oct 06, 2025.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Inspect and test operation of instruments and systems
Tasks: Repair and adjust system components
Tasks: Calibrate components and instruments
Tasks: Remove and replace defective parts
Tasks: Determine testing and maintenance procedures
Tasks: Install new measuring instruments
Tasks: Perform scheduled preventive maintenance work
Tasks: Logical approach for troubleshooting
Tasks: Complete test and maintenance reports
Tasks: Coach and instruct apprentices
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2025
  • Minimum Education 1 year post-secondary

Most emerging occupations develop from more than one occupation. People working in this occupation may come from a variety of education and training backgrounds. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should contact associations and employers in this field to investigate education options and employment possibilities.

Specific hiring requirements for wind turbine technicians vary from one employer to another. However, certain basic requirements are common. In general, wind turbine technicians must:

  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent with Math 20 and English 30
  • Be in good physical health (applicants may need to pass medical and vision exams, and pre-employment drug screening)
  • Have at least a year of hydraulic, electrical, or mechanical experience or a college certificate
  • Have computer and software skills for data collecting and reporting
  • Have a valid Canadian passport for training or worksites outside of Canada
  • Have a valid Class 5 driver’s licence
  • Complete appropriate safety training (such as working at heights, confined space certification, basic hoisting and rigging, ladder rescue, advanced first aid, electrical safety, and lock-out tag-out procedures). Many of these courses or requirements may be completed after hiring.
Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Lethbridge Polytechnic

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Wind Turbine Technician occupation.

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2025
  • Certification Provincially regulated

Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.

The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.

Certified Technician

A Certified Technician (C.Tech.) is an applied science, information technology, or engineering technology professional. They perform routine technical procedures with occasional direct supervision. They also may assume limited responsibility for decision-making processes.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and ASET Regulation [pdf], you must register with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to use the protected title Certified Technician (C.Tech.).

You do not have to register if you do not call yourself a Certified Technician.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Certified Technician.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2025

Emerging occupations typically are the result of:

  • An increased human need
  • Technological advances
  • Greater specialization within an occupation

Often there are too few people working in an emerging occupation to gather survey information. Therefore, it can be difficult to define advancement opportunities or employment outlook. Some Albertans already are working in this emerging occupation, but future demand for it is unknown.

Wind turbine technicians may specialize in:

  • Wind turbine maintenance
  • Wind farm construction
  • Wind turbine manufacturing
  • Blade inspection and repair
  • Wind turbine electrical, mechanical, and hydraulics systems
  • Wind turbine lift installation, maintenance, and repair
  • Inspection of mechanical components such as gearbox borescope
  • Electrical specialization such as generator repair or medium voltage expertise
  • Wind turbine training and education, to those interested in the wind industry
Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
2016 NOC: 2243*

81.8% of people in this occupational group work in:

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Wind Turbine Technician occupation.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics*
2021 NOC: 22312
Warm
Job Market
4,300
Employed in AB

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Wind Turbine Technician occupation.

Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment

Explore emerging workplace trends in Alberta that could affect this occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics*
2016 NOC: 2243
2.4%
Annual Growth
(Average)
120
New Positions

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Wind Turbine Technician occupation.

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Jun 05, 2025

Incomes in this occupation vary widely. Factors include the technician’s location in Alberta, experience, education, and turbine specialization. Wind turbine technicians earn $22 to $26 an hour for entry-level positions and $32 to $38 per hour for those with a related journeyperson ticket (2019 estimate).

Often there are too few people working in an emerging occupation to gather survey information. Therefore, no current provincial salary data is available for this occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics*

2021 NOC: 22312

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Wind Turbine Technician occupation.

Average Wage
$40.25
Per Hour
Average Salary
$84,191.00
Per Year
Average Hours
40.5
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
11.9
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 22312 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $20.50 $54.92 $32.23 $25.00
Overall $25.00 $65.45 $40.25 $37.02
Top $27.25 $70.88 $48.76 $46.00

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Utilities
Construction
Manufacturing
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
61%
61%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
41%
41%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
11%
11%
Vacancy Rate
4%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Engineering and Science Technologies
  • Environment, Forestry and Related Studies
  • Trades, Industrial and Related Training
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2025

Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CANREA) website: renewablesassociation.ca

Wind Energy Institute of Canada (WEICan) website: weican.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2025. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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