Solar Installer in New York: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Energy
New York employs 1,230 solar installers, with a statewide median of $56,160 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New York licensing picture, and where to train.
What Solar installers Earn in New York (May 2025)
- New York median pay
- $56,160 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $46,630
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $58,700
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $74,770
- Employed in New York
- 1,230
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $51,860 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for solar installers in major New York markets:
- New York City metro
- $70,130 (2,190 employed)
- Albany
- $49,470 (100 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in New York
Prices in New York run about 8% above the national average (cost-of-living index 107.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $56,160 median is worth closer to $52,048 once higher local prices are factored in.
New York License and Certification Requirements
None for installer crews; electrical connections fall under local electrician licensing — regulated by the No state installer license — local electrical licensing applies to connections.
- No New York installer license — crews work under contractors, with electrical connections handled per local electrician licensing rules.
- NYSERDA's NY-Sun program drives steady incentive-backed demand; its training partnerships offer subsidized courses.
- NABCEP certification (voluntary) plus electrical-side skills are the pay escalators; the local-electrician path is the long-term play.
Training in New York
New York's climate law commits to massive solar deployment, and community solar is bigger here than almost anywhere. Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and the Capital Region are the busiest residential markets.
Where Solar installers Work in New York
Real New York power plants that employ solar installers include:
- Maple Ridge Wind Farm — Lowville
- Marble River Wind Farm — Churubusco
- Morris Ridge Solar — Mount Morris
- Baron Winds Farm — Cohocton
- South Fork Wind — East Hampton
- Wethersfield — Gainsville
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 New York?
The median wage for solar installers in New York is $56,160 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $46,630, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $74,770. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Solar Installer in New York?
None for installer crews; electrical connections fall under local electrician licensing, overseen by the No state installer license — local electrical licensing applies to connections. No New York installer license — crews work under contractors, with electrical connections handled per local electrician licensing rules.
Is being a Solar Installer a good career in New York?
Installation is physical and local, though the work can be sensitive to incentives and construction cycles.
Which New York metros pay solar installers the most?
Among New York metro areas, New York City metro leads at $70,130, followed by Albany ($49,470). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), New York statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2231. Licensing summary compiled from the No state installer license — local electrical licensing applies to connections (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 New York wages · New York licensing/certification source
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.