STEM Specialization

Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians

Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians graduates earn $85,557 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 49.9%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Wind Turbine Service Technicians is among the highest-growth roles in the field.

About Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians

Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians is a focused area of study within Engineering Tech. Graduates typically earn around $85,557 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 222 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 1,230 students complete this program each year, most earning a associate's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.


Median Earnings · 1yr
$67,764
Median Earnings · 4yr
$85,557
Colleges Offering
222
Graduates / Year
1,230
Avg Net Price / yr
$15,104

How Much Do Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians Graduates Earn?

Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians graduates earn $85,557 four years out, well above average for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $68,524 and $110,911.

$67,764
1 Year After Graduation

Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.

$85,557
4-Year National Median

Well above average for college graduates.

$82,792
4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.


Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians graduates. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.


Why This Program Pays Off Fast

Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $85,557 against an estimated $60,416 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.

Based on outcomes from 19 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 1,230 students who complete Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians programs each year, the majority (42%) earn a associate's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

Associate's 42%
Bachelor's 23%
Certificate 19%

What Can You Do With an Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians Degree?

Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians connects to 3 occupations in the job market. Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay leads at $103,020/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +5.5% Zone 3: Medium preparation
$103,020
$82K $119K 25th–75th pct.
Postsecondary nondegree award 2,000 openings/yr 21K employed nationally
Critical Thinking Repairing Equipment Maintenance Troubleshooting Reading Comprehension
Day-to-day responsibilities

Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.

  • Inspect and test equipment and circuits to identify malfunctions or defects, using wiring diagrams and testing devices such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, or ammeters.
  • Prepare and maintain records detailing tests, repairs, and maintenance.
  • Consult manuals, schematics, wiring diagrams, and engineering personnel to troubleshoot and solve equipment problems and to determine optimum equipment functioning.
↗ +3.2% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$83,910
$66K $109K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 2,500 openings/yr 33K employed nationally
Active Listening Reading Comprehension Critical Thinking Complex Problem Solving Speaking
Day-to-day responsibilities

Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.

  • Prepare sketches of ideas, detailed drawings, illustrations, artwork, or blueprints, using drafting instruments, paints and brushes, or computer-aided design equipment.
  • Modify and refine designs, using working models, to conform with customer specifications, production limitations, or changes in design trends.
  • Evaluate feasibility of design ideas, based on factors such as appearance, safety, function, serviceability, budget, production costs/methods, and market characteristics.
↗ +49.9% Zone 3: Medium preparation
$64,120
$59K $78K 25th–75th pct.
Postsecondary nondegree award 2,300 openings/yr 10K employed nationally
Operations Monitoring Equipment Maintenance Troubleshooting Repairing Critical Thinking
Day-to-day responsibilities

Inspect, diagnose, adjust, or repair wind turbines. Perform maintenance on wind turbine equipment including resolving electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic malfunctions.

  • Troubleshoot or repair mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical malfunctions related to variable pitch systems, variable speed control systems, converter systems, or related components.
  • Perform routine maintenance on wind turbine equipment, underground transmission systems, wind fields substations, or fiber optic sensing and control systems.
  • Diagnose problems involving wind turbine generators or control systems.

Top Colleges for Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

# College Graduates Acceptance Net Price/yr Earnings 10yr
1 Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX · Public 47 72.7% $19,070 $62,454
2 Refrigeration School Inc Phoenix, AZ · For-Profit 46 Open $27,025 $52,953
3 Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, IN · Public 42 Open $7,258 $37,186
4 Maine Maritime Academy Castine, ME · Public 30 54.1% $23,414 $89,964
5 Colby Community College Colby, KS · Public 27 Open $7,886 $41,889
6 Ferris State University Big Rapids, MI · Public 26 91.4% $8,624 $54,735
7 New York Institute of Technology Old Westbury, NY · Nonprofit 23 81% $22,443 $70,080
8 Texas State Technical College Waco, TX · Public 21 Open $13,508 $38,916
9 University of Tulsa Tulsa, OK · Nonprofit 19 61.5% $15,000 $61,408
10 University of San Francisco San Francisco, CA · Nonprofit 18 61.7% $41,431 $89,812
11 Heartland Community College Normal, IL · Public 18 Open $12,013 $40,768
12 Central New Mexico Community College Albuquerque, NM · Public 13 Open $4,621 $36,869
13 Centura College-Norfolk Norfolk, VA · For-Profit 13 Open $31,032 $25,930
14 Lakeshore Technical College Cleveland, WI · Public 12 Open $9,653 $47,113
15 CUNY LaGuardia Community College Long Island City, NY · Public 11 Open $6,120 $41,653
16 Southeast Community College Area Lincoln, NE · Public 11 Open $9,171 $43,405
17 Dakota County Technical College Rosemount, MN · Public 11 Open $13,548 $51,938
18 SUNY Buffalo State University Buffalo, NY · Public 10 73% $11,346 $52,334
19 Northeast Community College Norfolk, NE · Public 10 Open $8,544 $42,634
20 Owens Community College Perrysburg, OH · Public 9 Open $10,369 $37,275

Ranked by Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians Degree: Pros & Cons

Strong earnings and positive career growth make Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians a solid option. The 4 strengths and 0 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.

PROS
  • Strong median salary Graduates earn $85,557 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
  • Fast-growing field Related careers are projected to grow up to +49.9% over the next decade, with Wind Turbine Service Technicians among the fastest-growing roles.
  • High upside potential Top earners (75th percentile) in this program reach $110,911, a strong ceiling for high performers.
  • Flexible credential paths Programs are available from certificate and associate levels through bachelor's and graduate degrees, giving students real options based on timeline and goals.

Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians graduates earn?
Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians graduates earn a national median of $85,557 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $68,524 and $110,911. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians degree?
One year after graduation, Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians degree holders earn a median of $67,764. That climbs to $85,557 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians degree?
Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians degree holders pursue careers including Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay, which pays a median of $103,020/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians program take?
A Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians associate degree typically takes two years full-time at a community college. Many students transfer to a four-year university afterward to complete a bachelor's.
How many colleges offer Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians?
222 colleges and universities in the United States offer Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $85,557 and an average net price of roughly $15,104/yr, a Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians and Engineering Tech?
Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians is a focused concentration within the broader Engineering Tech field. The Engineering Tech major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians graduates?
Employers hiring Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework.
Is graduate school worth it for Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians graduates?
In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000 to $40,000 in long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians graduates?
The job outlook for Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians graduates is strong overall. Related occupations project an average of +19.5% job growth over the next 10 years. Wind Turbine Service Technicians is among the strongest-growth roles at +49.9%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.

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