What Is The Salary Of Wind Turbine Technician In India?
A wind turbine technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing wind turbines. They play an essential role in the growing wind energy sector. Their main responsibilities include inspecting components for wear and tear, performing routine maintenance, troubleshooting issues, and completing repairs on wind turbines and related equipment. Wind turbine technicians may work onshore or offshore, and often travel between wind farm sites to service multiple turbines in a given region. While working with a team, technicians need to be comfortable working at heights and in confined spaces to inspect components of turbines located high up on towers. The job requires strong technical aptitude, problem-solving skills, physical stamina, and attention to safety protocols.
Wind Energy Growth in India
Wind energy has seen rapid growth in India over the past decade. According to the Global Wind Energy Council, India added 2.4 GW of new wind power capacity in 2022, taking the total installed capacity to 41 GW. India is the fourth largest wind energy market globally after China, the US and Germany.1
The Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association (IWTMA) estimates that wind power capacity grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13% from 2013 to 2018. In terms of cumulative installed capacity, wind power accounts for nearly 10% of India’s overall installed power capacity.2
Some key wind energy growth statistics for India include:3
- 69.92 billion kWh estimated electricity generation from wind energy in 2024
- Projected 7% CAGR for wind energy generation from 2024-2028
- 41.93 GW of onshore wind energy installed capacity as of 2022, up from 25 GW in 2015
The growth of wind energy in India is driven by favorable government policies, improving infrastructure, and falling costs of wind power generation. Key states for wind energy include Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Rajasthan.
Wind Turbine Technician Role
A wind turbine technician’s main responsibilities include:
- Installing new wind turbine equipment and assembling the towers, nacelles, blades, and other components (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/wind-turbine-technicians.htm)
- Inspecting the exterior and physical integrity of wind towers and turbines (https://www.energy.gov/eere/wind/career-map-wind-technician)
- Climbing towers to inspect, troubleshoot, and repair turbine equipment (https://skillpointe.com/careers/energy/wind-turbine-technician)
- Performing routine maintenance on wind turbines
- Diagnosing and fixing mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical issues
- Replacing worn or malfunctioning components
- Carrying out advanced troubleshooting and repairs
- Maintaining maintenance logs and documentation
- Ensuring turbines are compliant with grid codes and regulations
Wind turbine technicians need to be able to work at heights and in confined spaces. The role requires mechanical aptitude, technical skills, and physical strength and stamina.
Skills and Qualifications
To become a wind turbine technician in India, candidates need specific qualifications and skills. Most wind turbine technician jobs require a diploma or certificate in wind turbine technology, mechanical or electrical engineering. Some of the common education and training programs are:
- Diploma in Wind Power Plant Engineering/Technology – 2 years
- Advanced Diploma in Renewable Energy – 1 year
- Certificate course in Wind Turbine Maintenance – 6 months to 1 year
These programs equip students with skills like:
- Operating, inspecting and maintaining wind turbines
- Understanding electrical, mechanical and hydraulic systems
- Analyzing technical issues and troubleshooting problems
- Ensuring safe working practices
- Interpreting technical drawings and documents
Some key skills required to succeed as a wind turbine technician are:
- Mechanical aptitude and ability to use hand/power tools
- Physical fitness to handle repair jobs
- Willingness to work at heights
- Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Good teamwork and communication skills
Certifications such as GWO (Global Wind Organisation) basic safety training are also highly desirable.
Average Salary
The average salary for a wind turbine technician in India is around ₹2-5 lakhs per year, or ₹20,000-40,000 per month. According to Glassdoor, the national average salary is ₹10 lakhs per year [1]. Indeed reports an average of ₹2.46 lakhs per year or ₹20,542 per month [2]. AmbitionBox pegs the average at ₹3.4 lakhs annually [3].
The average can vary quite a bit depending on experience, location, company size, additional skills and certifications. Entry level salaries tend to start around ₹1.5-2 lakhs, while senior technicians can make ₹5 lakhs or more.
Salary Range
The salary range for wind turbine technicians in India can vary quite significantly depending on experience level. According to Glassdoor, the average base pay for an entry-level wind turbine technician with less than 1 year of experience starts around Rs 1.8 – 2.5 lakhs per year[1].
With 2-4 years of experience, wind turbine technicians in India can expect to earn an average salary in the range of Rs 2.5 – 4 lakhs per year. The middle 80% falls between Rs 2.2 – 3.5 lakhs.
For experienced wind turbine technicians with 5 or more years of experience, the salary range increases to Rs 3.5 – 6 lakhs, with top earners making over Rs 8 lakhs per year[2]. Location, company, and expertise all impact salary at the experienced level.
According to Indeed, the average salary for a wind turbine technician in India is Rs 2.2 lakhs per year as of December 2023[3]. However, experienced technicians at leading companies can make substantially more.
Factors Affecting Salary
There are several key factors that impact the salary levels of wind turbine technicians in India:
Experience – More experienced technicians generally earn higher salaries. Entry-level positions may start around ₹300,000 per year, while technicians with 5-10 years of experience can make ₹500,000-800,000. Senior technicians with 10+ years of expertise may earn over ₹1,000,000 annually.
Location – Wind turbine tech salaries also vary by region. Opportunities are concentrated in states with high wind energy production like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. Techs working in major metro areas earn 10-15% more on average than those in rural locations.
Skills – Technicians with specialized skills and training in electrical, mechanical and hydraulic systems, as well as computer diagnostics, typically command higher pay. Certifications demonstrate expertise and boost earning potential. Knowledge of specific turbine models and manufacturers is also valued.
Job Outlook and Growth
The wind turbine industry is experiencing rapid growth in India due to the country’s push for renewable energy. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, India plans to have 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022, with wind power expected to contribute 60 GW. This growth is creating a high demand for skilled wind turbine technicians.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for wind turbine service technicians to grow 45% between 2022 and 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by greater investment in wind power, aging turbines that will require more maintenance, and technicians retiring from the occupation.
According to the GWEC, the number of wind energy jobs in India could grow from an estimated 53,000 FTEs in 2021 to 90,000+ FTEs in 2026 if India meets its current wind installation targets. This represents a 70% increase in wind energy jobs within 5 years.
With rapid growth expected in the coming years, the job outlook for wind turbine technicians in India remains very strong. There will be ample job opportunities for qualified candidates with training and certification in wind turbine service and maintenance.
Benefits and Perks
In addition to salary, wind turbine technicians often enjoy various benefits and perks that make the career even more rewarding. Some common benefits beyond salary include:
- Health insurance – Most wind turbine companies provide health insurance plans that cover medical, dental, and vision expenses for technicians and their families.
- Retirement plans – 401(k) matching and pension plans help technicians save for retirement. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 40% of wind turbine service technicians had access to a defined contribution plan in 2020.
- Paid time off – Technicians usually receive paid vacation days, sick leave, and holidays. More experienced technicians may get more time off.
- Ongoing training – Companies invest in ongoing technician training to keep their skills current. This training is typically paid for by the employer.
- Travel opportunities – Traveling to wind farms across the country is a major perk. Companies cover travel, lodging, and meal expenses.
These excellent benefits demonstrate that wind turbine technician roles offer more than just competitive salaries. The combination of pay, benefits, and travel make it an appealing career path.
Conclusion
Wind turbine technicians play a critical role in India’s growing wind energy industry. Their job is to install, maintain, and repair wind turbines across the country. It’s a fast-growing field that requires specialized technical skills and training. The average salary for wind turbine technicians in India is estimated to be around ₹5-7 lakhs per year. However, salaries can vary quite a bit based on location, experience level, employer, and other factors. The industry outlook remains strong as India continues to invest heavily in renewable energy. Wind turbine technician is an attractive career path for those interested in working with cutting-edge technology and contributing to the sustainability mission. With the right qualifications, there should continue to be ample job opportunities and competitive salaries in this field.
