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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, 2020

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 maintenance (greasing, oil changing, and cleaning wind turbine components) using standard and specialized tools and equipment
  • Complete reports and other paperwork as required
  • Use safety equipment and follow safety procedures at all times
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Strength Required Lift over 20 kg

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

Wind turbine technicians climb ladders to heights of 60 to 100 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.

There is risk of injury. Technicians must observe safety precautions at all times. This is especially true when climbing ladders, working at heights, and working on electrical systems.

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

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 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*

2006 NOC: 2243

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

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working to repair and adjust system components such as sensors, transmitters and programmable logic controllers, remove and replace defective parts and to install control and measurement instruments on existing and new plant equipment and processes

INNOVATIVE

Interest in analyzing to inspect and test instruments to diagnose faults using pneumatic, electrical and electronic testing devices and precision measuring instruments

METHODICAL

Interest in speaking to consult with and advise process operators; and in performing scheduled preventive maintenance

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

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

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Wind turbine technicians need:

  • Good hearing and eyesight
  • Manual dexterity
  • Electrical and mechanical aptitudes
  • Communication, computer, and reading skills
  • The ability to work in confined spaces and at heights over 100 metres
  • The ability to pay careful attention to detail
  • The ability and desire to keep up with changes in technology

They should be self-motivated, enjoy solving problems, and working 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 70 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 28, 2021 and Apr 21, 2024.

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: Calibrate components and instruments
Tasks: Repair and adjust system components
Tasks: Remove and replace defective parts
Tasks: Determine testing and maintenance procedures
Health benefits: Health care plan
Health benefits: Dental plan
Tasks: Install new measuring instruments
Construction Specialization: Team player
Tasks: Logical approach for troubleshooting
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • 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 high angle rescue and first aid

Related Education

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

Lethbridge College

To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.

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, 2020
  • Certification Not Regulated

There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2020

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

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.

In the 2243: Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics* occupational group, 81.8% of people work in:

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

Employment Outlook

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, the 2243: Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics* occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.4% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

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

Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.

Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2020

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 2016 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*

2016 NOC: 2243

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

Average Wage
$44.78
Per Hour
Average Salary
$91,727.00
Per Year
Average Hours
39.6
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 2243 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 $19.93 $64.62 $42.93 $41.50
Overall $26.00 $76.95 $44.78 $40.43
Top $29.15 $90.80 $50.28 $46.15

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
Construction
Manufacturing

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
14%
14%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
18%
18%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
4%
4%
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, 2020

Canadian Wind Energy Association (CANWEA) website: canwea.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, 2020. 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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