Solar Installer in Oregon: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Energy
Oregon employs 360 solar installers, with a statewide median of $66,320 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Oregon licensing picture, and where to train.
What Solar installers Earn in Oregon (May 2025)
- Oregon median pay
- $66,320 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $54,110
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $87,370
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $87,370
- Employed in Oregon
- 360
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $51,860 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for solar installers in major Oregon markets:
- Portland
- $66,320 (210 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Oregon
Prices in Oregon run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $66,320 median is worth closer to $64,139 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Oregon (2024–2034)
Oregon is projected to grow solar installers employment +33.5%, slower than the +42.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 30 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Oregon License and Certification Requirements
No solar-specific license; limited renewable energy technician (PV) license + NABCEP — regulated by the No dedicated Oregon license — PV electrical work falls under BCD electrical licensing.
- Oregon regulates the electrical side of solar — PV work is done by/under licensed electricians (Oregon has a Limited Renewable Energy Technician license for PV).
- Start as an installer/helper with a solar company to learn the trade.
- Earn the NABCEP PV Installation Professional credential to advance.
Training in Oregon
Oregon's solar market is strong and offers a dedicated PV technician license path. Pairing solar with electrical experience opens the best-paid roles.
Where Solar installers Work in Oregon
Real Oregon power plants that employ solar installers include:
- Biglow Canyon Wind Farm — Wasco
- Klondike Windpower III — Wasco
- Horseshoe Bend Wind LLC — Arlington
- South Hurlburt Wind LLC — Arlington
- North Hurlburt Wind LLC — Arlington
- Wheatridge Hybrid — Morrow
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 Oregon?
The median wage for solar installers in Oregon is $66,320 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $54,110, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $87,370. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Solar Installer in Oregon?
No solar-specific license; limited renewable energy technician (PV) license + NABCEP, overseen by the No dedicated Oregon license — PV electrical work falls under BCD electrical licensing. Oregon regulates the electrical side of solar — PV work is done by/under licensed electricians (Oregon has a Limited Renewable Energy Technician license for PV).
Is being a Solar Installer a good career in Oregon?
Installation is physical and local, though the work can be sensitive to incentives and construction cycles.
Which Oregon metros pay solar installers the most?
Among Oregon metro areas, Portland leads at $66,320. 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 Oregon?
Oregon projects solar installers employment to change +33.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 30 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), Oregon statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2231. Licensing summary compiled from the No dedicated Oregon license — PV electrical work falls under BCD electrical licensing (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 Oregon wages · Oregon 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.