⭐ Bright Outlook

Wind Energy Engineers

O*NET 17-2199.10 · SOC 17-2199

Wind Energy Engineer is a solid career choice. Median pay is $123k a year with +3.7% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 8,800 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.

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

Projected Growth
+3.7%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$123k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
9k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 4
Considerable preparation needed (bachelor's degree)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Analyze wind resource data to select optimal turbine placement.
  • →Design wind turbine blade profiles to maximize energy capture.
  • →Evaluate structural loads on wind turbine towers and foundations.
  • →Monitor turbine performance data to identify maintenance needs.
  • →Model wake effects between turbines in large wind farm arrays.

Education & How to Get In

🎯
Job Zone 4
Considerable preparation needed (bachelor's degree)

A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Wind Energy Engineer roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.

Get Started Learning

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

Coursera
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Udemy
Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
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Creative and professional skill classes
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LinkedIn Learning
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 Wind Energy Engineer involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningAnalyze wind resource data to select optimal turbine placement.
MiddayDesign wind turbine blade profiles to maximize energy capture.
AfternoonEvaluate structural loads on wind turbine towers and foundations.

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Realistic (Doers)5.9
Investigative (Thinkers)4.5
Conventional (Organizers)4.1
Enterprising (Persuaders)3.1
Artistic (Creators)2.2
Social (Helpers)1.4

Who Thrives as Wind Energy Engineer?

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.

ISTPThe CraftspersonISTJThe InspectorINTJThe StrategistENTJThe Commander

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

See Open Wind Energy Engineer Roles

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

Indeed ↗LinkedIn Jobs ↗ZipRecruiter ↗

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Job Outlook

Employment of Wind Energy Engineers is projected to grow 3.7% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.

Will AI Replace This Job?

36/100Moderate, likely AI-complementary
  • ·26% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
  • ·34% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress

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 Wind Energy Engineer make?

The median Wind Energy Engineer earns $123k 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 Wind Energy Engineer jobs?

Our model puts Wind Energy Engineer at 36 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 26% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace; 34% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.

Is Wind Energy Engineer a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 3.7% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 8,800 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a Wind Energy Engineer?

A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Wind Energy Engineer roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.

How long does it take to become a Wind Energy Engineer?

Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a Wind Energy Engineer 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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