Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians
Install or repair solar energy systems designed to collect, store, and circulate solar-heated water for residential, commercial or industrial use.
Also called: Heat Exchanger, Installer, Solar Boilers Technician, Solar Energy Technician, Solar Hot Water Installer (SHW Installer), Solar Installation Technician
Median pay
$63,800
Pay for the broader BLS group “Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters”
Pay range (10th–90th)
$44,150 – $108,420
People employed
465,840
Whole BLS group
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 with hours that change?
- 2.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 3.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 4.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 5.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 6.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 7.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Long hours on your feet
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters”.
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians salary in every state →
What solar thermal installers and technicians do
- 01Test operation or functionality of mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and control systems.
- 02Apply weather seal, such as pipe flashings and sealants, to roof penetrations and structural devices.
- 03Install solar collector mounting devices on tile, asphalt, shingle, or built-up gravel roofs, using appropriate materials and penetration methods.
- 04Install copper or plastic plumbing using pipes, fittings, pipe cutters, acetylene torches, solder, wire brushes, sand cloths, flux, plastic pipe cleaners, or plastic glue.
- 05Identify plumbing, electrical, environmental, or safety hazards associated with solar thermal installations.
- 06Demonstrate start-up, shut-down, maintenance, diagnostic, and safety procedures to thermal system owners.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Building and Construction
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
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 thermal installers and technicians
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers81% · —
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers75% · —
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door75% · —
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles72% · —
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers72% · —
Change into solar thermal installers and technicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers78% · $61,010
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers75% · $60,070
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles72% · $48,420
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers72% · $63,520
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers71% · $52,600
Majors that lead here
- Pipefitting/Pipefitter and Sprinkler Fitter
- Plumbing Technology/Plumber
- Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services, Other
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.