Solar Installer in Wisconsin: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Energy
Wisconsin employs 90 solar installers, with a statewide median of $49,770 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Wisconsin licensing picture, and where to train.
What Solar installers Earn in Wisconsin (May 2025)
- Wisconsin median pay
- $49,770 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $44,910
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $65,340
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $85,650
- Employed in Wisconsin
- 90
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $51,860 (May 2024)
What That Pay Is Worth in Wisconsin
Prices in Wisconsin run about 6% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $49,770 median stretches to roughly $52,891 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Wisconsin (2024–2034)
Wisconsin is projected to grow solar installers employment +30.2%, 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.
Wisconsin License and Certification Requirements
No solar-specific license; NABCEP certification is the credential — regulated by the No dedicated Wisconsin license — PV electrical work falls under electrical licensing.
- Wisconsin has no standalone solar license; the electrical portion of PV work is done by/under licensed electricians.
- Start as an installer/helper with a solar company to learn the trade.
- Earn the NABCEP PV Installation Professional credential to advance.
Training in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's solar market is growing. Pairing solar with electrical experience opens the best-paid roles.
Where Solar installers Work in Wisconsin
Real Wisconsin power plants that employ solar installers include:
- Darien Solar — Darien
- Grant County — Town of Potosi
- Paris Solar — Union Grove
- Glacier Hills — Cambria
- Badger Hollow II — Cobb
- Badger Hollow I — Montfort
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 Wisconsin?
The median wage for solar installers in Wisconsin is $49,770 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $44,910, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $85,650. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Solar Installer in Wisconsin?
No solar-specific license; NABCEP certification is the credential, overseen by the No dedicated Wisconsin license — PV electrical work falls under electrical licensing. Wisconsin has no standalone solar license; the electrical portion of PV work is done by/under licensed electricians.
Is being a Solar Installer a good career in Wisconsin?
Installation is physical and local, though the work can be sensitive to incentives and construction cycles.
Is Solar Installer a growing career in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin projects solar installers employment to change +30.2% 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), Wisconsin statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2231. Licensing summary compiled from the No dedicated Wisconsin license — PV electrical work falls under 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 Wisconsin wages · Wisconsin 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.