Solar Photovoltaic Installers
Assemble, install, or maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs or other structures in compliance with site assessment and schematics. May include measuring, cutting, assembling, and bolting structural framing and solar modules. May perform minor electrical work such as current checks.
Also called: Electro-Mechanical Solar Technician (Electro-Mechanical Solar Tech), Installation Technician (Installation Tech), Installer, Journeyman Electrician PV Installer (Journeyman Electrician Photovoltaic Installer), PV Fabrication and Testing Technician (Photovoltaic Fabrication and Testing Technician), PV Fabrication Technician (Photovoltaic Fabrication Technician)
Median pay
$53,140
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$41,600 – $79,970
People employed
31,350
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 2.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 3.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 4.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 5.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Long hours on your feet
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
Solar Photovoltaic Installers pay by state
Annual median pay by state (32 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What solar photovoltaic installers do
- 01Install photovoltaic (PV) systems in accordance with codes and standards, using drawings, schematics, and instructions.
- 02Check electrical installation for proper wiring, polarity, grounding, or integrity of terminations.
- 03Identify electrical, environmental, and safety hazards associated with photovoltaic (PV) installations.
- 04Identify installation locations with proper orientation, area, solar access, or structural integrity for photovoltaic (PV) arrays.
- 05Assemble solar modules, panels, or support structures, as specified.
- 06Apply weather sealing to array, building, or support mechanisms.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Building and Construction
- Engineering and Technology
- Mechanical
- Design
- Administration and Management
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from solar photovoltaic installers
- Geothermal Technicians80% · group pay
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers80% · +79%
- Mechanical Door Repairers78% · +5%
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers77% · +15%
- Millwrights76% · +24%
Change into solar photovoltaic installers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Helpers--Electricians81% · $42,670
- Mechanical Door Repairers78% · $55,720
- Geothermal Technicians77% · $49,230
- Helpers--Carpenters75% · $43,780
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers74% · $61,010
Majors that lead here
- Solar Energy Technology/Technician
- Roofer
- Solar Energy System Installation and Repair Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.