Geothermal Technicians

O*NET 49-9099.01 · SOC 49-9099

Geothermal Technician is a solid career choice. Median pay is $49k a year with +2.6% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 18,300 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+2.6%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$49k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
18k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Monitor geothermal heat pump systems for performance issues
  • →Inspect ground loop piping for leaks or pressure loss
  • →Flush and recharge refrigerant in geothermal heat pumps
  • →Record system temperatures and flow rates in logs
  • →Replace faulty valves or pumps in geothermal installations

Education & How to Get In

🎓
Job Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

Geothermal Technician roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Geothermal Technician? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
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Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
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Creative and professional skill classes
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Professional development with certificates
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Work Environment

Primary Setting

Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites

Work Style

Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Geothermal Technician involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningMonitor geothermal heat pump systems for performance issues
MiddayInspect ground loop piping for leaks or pressure loss
AfternoonFlush and recharge refrigerant in geothermal heat pumps

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Realistic (Doers)6.4
Conventional (Organizers)5.0
Investigative (Thinkers)3.4
Enterprising (Persuaders)1.8
Social (Helpers)1.7
Artistic (Creators)1.0

Who Thrives as Geothermal Technician?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ISTJThe InspectorISTPThe CraftspersonESTJThe ExecutiveINTJThe Strategist

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Geothermal Technician Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

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Job Outlook

Employment of Geothermal Technicians is projected to grow 2.6% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

45/100Elevated disruption risk
  • ·46% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
  • ·38% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
  • ·Industry sector with low automation exposure

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does a Geothermal Technician make?

The median Geothermal Technician earns $49k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Geothermal Technician jobs?

Our model puts Geothermal Technician at 45 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 46% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 38% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.

Is Geothermal Technician a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 2.6% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 18,300 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a Geothermal Technician?

Most Geothermal Technician roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.

How long does it take to become a Geothermal Technician?

Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a Geothermal Technician career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

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