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EnergyTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.Green JobOccupation aligned to O*NET green economy classifications.Climate CriticalOne of the 20 occupation classifications Colorado identified as essential to meeting the state's climate goals and needing focused workforce investment.

Solar Thermal Installer/ Technician

Install or repair solar energy systems designed to collect, store, and circulate solar-heated water for residential, commercial or industrial use.

Annual openings

1,079

Median wage

$63,240

Typical education

Associate's degree

Growth 2026–2032

+7%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Associate's degree

Credential requirement

NABCEP credentials are voluntary. Employers may set additional requirements.

Credential detail

The NABCEP Solar Heating Installer (SHI) is a voluntary board certification for solar heating professionals. Employers may value or request it. It does not replace any applicable state licensing requirements.

Work experience

This is an entry-level role so no experience is required.

Training

Some employers value Solar Energy International training.

Employer competency information

  • Lifelong Learning - Renewables is a growing industry. Careers can go many different directions if employees want to learn more.
  • Working with Tools and Technology — The ability to use tools to construct things in a safe manner, mechanical/electrical aptitude, the ability to solve problems, the use of computers, and the ability to read schematics are valuable.
  • Communication and Teamwork — You will be working as part of a team, so good communication and teamwork skills and a positive attitude are important.
  • Working outdoors — Installation work is generally outdoors and involves physical activity, so an interest in working outside is a plus for many of the jobs.
Salary/Demand information crosses multiple jobs in multiple industries.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsMay vary
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Trades
  • Plumbing
  • Renewable Energy

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Test operation or functionality of mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and control systems.
  2. Install copper or plastic plumbing using pipes, fittings, pipe cutters, acetylene torches, solder, wire brushes, sand cloths, flux, plastic pipe cleaners, or plastic glue.
  3. Install flat-plat, evacuated glass, or concentrating solar collectors on mounting devices, using brackets or struts.
  4. Install solar thermal system controllers and sensors.
  5. Design active direct or indirect, passive direct or indirect, or pool solar systems.
  6. Install heat exchangers and heat exchanger fluids according to installation manuals and schematics.
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