Trades & Labor
Solar Installer Salary
Solar installers assemble, install, and maintain solar panel systems on rooftops and other structures for renewable energy generation.
Median Salary
$47,670
Mean Salary
$50,200
Total Employed
35,700
Job Growth
+22%
Solar Installer Salary by Experience Level
Entry-level solar installers earn around $34,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $49,000. Senior-level solar installers can earn $68,000 or more.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,000 Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,000 Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,000 Salary Percentile Breakdown
The salary range for solar installers varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $32,000, while the top 10% earn $72,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $32,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,000 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $47,670 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $72,000 |
Solar Installer Salary by State
Solar Installer salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $84,853, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $39,566.
| State | Median | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Hawaii | $84,853 | Details → |
| #2 California | $68,168 | Details → |
| #3 Massachusetts | $64,355 | Details → |
| #4 Alaska | $63,878 | Details → |
| #5 New York | $58,157 | Details → |
| #6 Washington | $56,727 | Details → |
| #7 New Jersey | $54,820 | Details → |
| #8 Oregon | $53,867 | Details → |
| #9 Connecticut | $53,390 | Details → |
| #10 Maryland | $52,437 | Details → |
| #11 Colorado | $51,007 | Details → |
| #12 New Hampshire | $50,054 | Details → |
| #13 Rhode Island | $50,054 | Details → |
| #14 Virginia | $49,577 | Details → |
| #15 Delaware | $48,147 | Details → |
| #16 Vermont | $48,147 | Details → |
| #17 Nevada | $47,670 | Details → |
| #18 Florida | $46,717 | Details → |
| #19 Maine | $46,717 | Details → |
| #20 Arizona | $46,240 | Details → |
| #21 Minnesota | $46,240 | Details → |
| #22 Montana | $46,240 | Details → |
| #23 Utah | $46,240 | Details → |
| #24 Louisiana | $45,763 | Details → |
| #25 Pennsylvania | $45,763 | Details → |
| #26 Texas | $45,763 | Details → |
| #27 Wyoming | $45,763 | Details → |
| #28 Illinois | $45,287 | Details → |
| #29 North Dakota | $45,287 | Details → |
| #30 Idaho | $44,810 | Details → |
| #31 Georgia | $44,333 | Details → |
| #32 New Mexico | $44,333 | Details → |
| #33 Indiana | $43,856 | Details → |
| #34 North Carolina | $43,856 | Details → |
| #35 Wisconsin | $43,856 | Details → |
| #36 Michigan | $42,903 | Details → |
| #37 Nebraska | $42,903 | Details → |
| #38 Ohio | $42,903 | Details → |
| #39 Iowa | $42,426 | Details → |
| #40 Oklahoma | $42,426 | Details → |
| #41 South Carolina | $42,426 | Details → |
| #42 Tennessee | $42,426 | Details → |
| #43 Missouri | $41,950 | Details → |
| #44 South Dakota | $41,950 | Details → |
| #45 Alabama | $41,473 | Details → |
| #46 Kansas | $41,473 | Details → |
| #47 Kentucky | $41,473 | Details → |
| #48 West Virginia | $40,996 | Details → |
| #49 Arkansas | $40,043 | Details → |
| #50 Mississippi | $39,566 | Details → |
Key Responsibilities
- ● Install solar panels on rooftops
- ● Connect panels to electrical systems
- ● Perform site assessments
- ● Maintain and repair solar systems
- ● Ensure code compliance
Top Skills
Solar PV Systems Electrical Roofing Safety Blueprint Reading NEC Code
Education Required
High school diploma
Job Outlook
Much faster than average — projected 22% growth over the next decade
Find Solar Installer Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Installer Salaries
How much does a Solar Installer make per year? ▼
The median solar installer salary in the United States is $47,670 per year. Entry-level positions start around $34,000, while senior-level professionals earn up to $68,000 annually. The mean (average) salary is $50,200.
How much does a Solar Installer make per hour? ▼
Based on the national median salary of $47,670 per year, a solar installer earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by experience, location, and employer.
What is the highest paying state for solar installers? ▼
Hawaii is the highest paying state for solar installers, with a median salary of $84,853. Other top-paying states include California ($68,168) and Massachusetts ($64,355).
What education do you need to become a solar installer? ▼
Most solar installer positions require a high school diploma. Key skills include Solar PV Systems, Electrical, Roofing, Safety. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience can also strengthen your qualifications.
What is the job outlook for solar installers? ▼
Employment for solar installers is projected to grow 22% over the next decade, which is much faster than average. There are currently 35,700 solar installers employed in the United States.
How much does an entry-level solar installer make? ▼
An entry-level solar installer with 0-2 years of experience earns around $34,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to approximately $49,000. The bottom 10% of earners make $32,000, while the top 10% earn $72,000.