Back to the national Solar Installer profile

Solar Installer in Maryland: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Energy

Maryland employs 670 solar installers, with a statewide median of $45,430 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Maryland licensing picture, and where to train.

What Solar installers Earn in Maryland (May 2025)

Maryland median pay: $45,430 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $44,190
Experienced (75th percentile): $58,860
Top earners (90th percentile): $61,410
Employed in Maryland: 670
U.S. median (for comparison): $51,860 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for solar installers in major Maryland markets:

Baltimore: $45,220 (490 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Maryland

Prices in Maryland run about 5% above the national average (cost-of-living index 105.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $45,430 median is worth closer to $43,267 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Maryland (2024–2034)

Maryland is projected to grow solar installers employment +39.7%, slower than the +42.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 90 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Maryland License and Certification Requirements

No dedicated solar installer license — electrical connections require a licensed Maryland Journeyman or Master Electrician — regulated by the Maryland State Board of Electricians (DLLR) — electrical work requires licensed electrician.

Maryland has no separate solar installer license. All electrical connections for solar PV installations must be made by or under a licensed Maryland Journeyman or Master Electrician.
Earn NABCEP PV Installation Professional certification — the industry gold standard for solar installation.
Maryland's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) make Maryland one of the strongest solar markets in the Mid-Atlantic. Residential solar is active across the DC Maryland suburbs; commercial and government solar is active statewide.

Official requirements: Maryland State Board of Electricians (DLLR) — electrical work requires licensed electrician →

Training in Maryland

Maryland's SREC market and RPS targets make it one of the more incentive-rich solar states in the Mid-Atlantic. The DC Maryland suburbs — with high household incomes and high electricity rates (Pepco, BGE) — create strong residential solar economics. Prince George's County's Solar Access Program and Montgomery County solar initiatives have expanded the government solar market. Major installers include SunPower/Complete Solaria, Sunrun, and regional Maryland installers.

Where Solar installers Work in Maryland

Real Maryland power plants that employ solar installers include:

Cpv Backbone Solar — Swanton
Great Bay Solar 1 — Princess Anne
Bluegrass Solar — Church Hill
Criterion — Oakland
Jones Farm Solar — Millington
Dans Mountain — Frostburg

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who want fast entry into energy work and can handle roofs and outdoor labor.

Think twice if: You need high starting pay, indoor work, or stable hours from day one.

Why it's resilient: Installation is physical and local, though the work can be sensitive to incentives and construction cycles.

First Steps

Find local installers hiring helpers and compare NABCEP-aligned training options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do solar installers make in Maryland?

The median wage for solar installers in Maryland is $45,430 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $44,190, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $61,410. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Solar Installer in Maryland?

No dedicated solar installer license — electrical connections require a licensed Maryland Journeyman or Master Electrician, overseen by the Maryland State Board of Electricians (DLLR) — electrical work requires licensed electrician. Maryland has no separate solar installer license. All electrical connections for solar PV installations must be made by or under a licensed Maryland Journeyman or Master Electrician.

Is being a Solar Installer a good career in Maryland?

Installation is physical and local, though the work can be sensitive to incentives and construction cycles.

Which Maryland metros pay solar installers the most?

Among Maryland metro areas, Baltimore leads at $45,220. Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Is Solar Installer a growing career in Maryland?

Maryland projects solar installers employment to change +39.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 90 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Maryland statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2231. Licensing summary compiled from the Maryland State Board of Electricians (DLLR) — electrical work requires licensed electrician (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Maryland wages · Maryland licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.