Solar Photovoltaic Installers
O*NET 47-2231.00 · SOC 47-2231
Solar Photovoltaic Installer is a strong career choice. Median pay is $53k a year with +36.5% projected growth through 2035 (much faster than average) and about 4,200 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Install solar panels on rooftops and structures
- →Connect panels to electrical systems
- →Configure inverters and monitoring equipment
- →Ensure compliance with electrical codes
- →Perform system testing
Education & How to Get In
Solar Photovoltaic Installer 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
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
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 Solar Photovoltaic Installer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Solar Photovoltaic Installer?
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.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Solar Photovoltaic Installer Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Solar Photovoltaic Installers is projected to grow 36.5% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·38% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·46% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
- ·Strong projected growth suggests AI-complementary demand
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 Solar Photovoltaic Installer make?
The median Solar Photovoltaic Installer earns $53k 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 Solar Photovoltaic Installer jobs?
Our model puts Solar Photovoltaic Installer at 33 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 38% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 46% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Solar Photovoltaic Installer a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 36.5% between 2025 and 2035, which is much faster than average. That works out to roughly 4,200 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Solar Photovoltaic Installer?
Most Solar Photovoltaic Installer 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 Solar Photovoltaic Installer?
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 Solar Photovoltaic Installer 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.
Take the assessment →Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes