Wind Energy Industry Workers

Employers

Approximately 120,000 people are employed in the wind energy industry, according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). Different regions of the United States are windier than others, which is why wind-related projects tend to be most concentrated in the Midwest, Southwest, and Northeast regions of the United States. The top five U.S. states by total installed wind capacity are Texas (30,904 MW), Iowa (10,799 MW), Oklahoma (8,173 MW), Kansas (6,512 MW), and California (5,871 MW). 

There are more than 500 wind-related manufacturing facilities in the United States. Much wind turbine manufacturing is located in the Midwest and Southeast. Large manufacturers include GE Wind Energy, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, and Vestas.

Starting Out

Many wind energy industry workers obtain their first jobs in the field as a result of contacts made through volunteerships, internships, or part-time positions. Others learn about job openings via trade associations, industry publications, career fairs, networking events, or the services of their colleges’ career services offices. Useful information about careers in the renewable-energy industry can be found at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Energy Jobs Web page, http://energy.gov/eere/education/education-homepage.