Solar Installer in Washington: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Energy
Solar installers in Washington earn a statewide median of $61,630, with wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Washington licensing picture, and where to train.
What Solar installers Earn in Washington (May 2025)
- Washington median pay
- $61,630 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $50,440
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $61,630
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $61,640
- Employed in Washington
- Not published (BLS suppressed)
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $51,860 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for solar installers in major Washington markets:
- Seattle–Tacoma
- $61,630
What That Pay Is Worth in Washington
Prices in Washington run about 7% above the national average (cost-of-living index 107.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $61,630 median is worth closer to $57,598 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Washington (2024–2034)
Washington is projected to grow solar installers employment +30.3%, slower than the +42.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 40 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Washington License and Certification Requirements
No dedicated solar license — electrical work requires L&I Electrical Contractor license — regulated by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — electrical work requires licensed contractor.
- Washington does not have a separate solar installer license. The mechanical racking work (mounting panels) does not require a license, but all electrical wiring connections must be performed by or under the supervision of an L&I-licensed electrician or electrical contractor.
- Earn NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) PV Installation Professional certification — the industry standard. It requires documented installation hours and a passing exam score.
- Entry path: join a solar installation company as a laborer or apprentice; many companies provide on-the-job training and sponsor NABCEP prep. IBEW programs are also increasingly incorporating solar.
Training in Washington
Washington's net metering law and strong utility incentives support steady residential and commercial solar growth in the Puget Sound, Spokane, and Tri-Cities markets. Solar Washington (solarwa.org) is the industry association with a contractor directory. Seattle City Light and Puget Sound Energy territories drive most of the residential volume.
Where Solar installers Work in Washington
Real Washington power plants that employ solar installers include:
- Lower Snake River Wind Energy Project — Pomeroy
- Wild Horse — Ellensburg
- Tucannon River Wind Farm — Dayton
- Windy Flats Wind Project — Centerville
- Marengo Wind Plant — Dayton
- White Creek Wind Farm — Roosevelt
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 Washington?
The median wage for solar installers in Washington is $61,630 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $50,440, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $61,640. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Solar Installer in Washington?
No dedicated solar license — electrical work requires L&I Electrical Contractor license, overseen by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — electrical work requires licensed contractor. Washington does not have a separate solar installer license. The mechanical racking work (mounting panels) does not require a license, but all electrical wiring connections must be performed by or under the supervision of an L&I-licensed electrician or electrical contractor.
Is being a Solar Installer a good career in Washington?
Installation is physical and local, though the work can be sensitive to incentives and construction cycles.
Which Washington metros pay solar installers the most?
Among Washington metro areas, Seattle–Tacoma leads at $61,630. 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 Washington?
Washington projects solar installers employment to change +30.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 40 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), Washington statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2231. Licensing summary compiled from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — electrical work requires licensed contractor (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 Washington wages · Washington 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.