Solar Photovoltaic Installer Salary
Solar Photovoltaic Installers earn a median $53,140 a year nationally. Construction and Extraction Occupations
What solar photovoltaic installers do
Assemble, install, or maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs or other structures in compliance with site assessment and schematics. May include measuring, cutting, assembling, and bolting structural framing and solar modules. May perform minor electrical work such as current checks.
- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- +36.5% (much faster than average)
- Openings per year
- 4,200
Employment of solar photovoltaic installers is projected to grow 36.5% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 4,200 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Solar Photovoltaic Installer take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$4,197
- Social Security (6.2%)$3,295
- Medicare (1.45%)$771
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$44,878
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $41,600 | $20.00 | $35,606 |
| 25th percentile | $46,700 | $22.45 | $39,703 |
| Median (50th) | $53,140 | $25.55 | $44,878 |
| 75th percentile | $62,870 | $30.23 | $52,696 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $79,970 | $38.45 | $65,089 |
Solar Photovoltaic Installer salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $78,950 | +22.1% | $61,532 | $47,600 – $102,050 | 1,880 |
| Hawaii | $70,370 | +12.2% | $54,517 | $47,480 – $105,200 | 420 |
| Nevada | $67,810 | +2.6% | $56,534 | $51,170 – $89,200 | 100 |
| Oregon | $66,320 | +12.9% | $50,495 | $54,110 – $87,370 | 360 |
| Ohio | $62,400 | +16.3% | $51,385 | $48,270 – $70,150 | 70 |
| Washington | $61,630 | — | $51,700 | $50,440 – $61,640 | — |
| Maine | $61,210 | — | $48,412 | $51,970 – $86,730 | 60 |
| California | $60,600 | −0.3% | $48,399 | $47,070 – $83,770 | 6,830 |
| Illinois | $59,630 | +32.8% | $47,286 | $35,360 – $103,460 | — |
| Massachusetts | $59,180 | +7.6% | $46,992 | $46,150 – $76,280 | 620 |
| Iowa | $56,740 | — | $46,266 | $41,430 – $72,450 | 180 |
| New York | $56,160 | +5.8% | $44,869 | $46,630 – $74,770 | 1,230 |
| Connecticut | $55,590 | — | $45,270 | $45,240 – $70,820 | — |
| Arizona | $51,160 | +1.7% | $42,217 | $38,770 – $78,780 | 1,280 |
| Florida | $50,550 | +9.6% | $42,797 | $44,450 – $76,550 | 2,980 |
| South Carolina | $50,490 | +2.4% | $40,876 | $40,540 – $78,170 | — |
| Kansas | $49,990 | −12.6% | $40,357 | $41,920 – $61,630 | — |
| Utah | $49,980 | +4.2% | $41,056 | $44,550 – $76,740 | 770 |
| Wisconsin | $49,770 | +2.7% | $40,761 | $44,910 – $85,650 | 90 |
| Colorado | $49,730 | −3.9% | $40,658 | $45,930 – $76,170 | 620 |
| Vermont | $49,490 | −22.9% | $40,721 | $44,600 – $72,030 | 250 |
| Virginia | $49,190 | +1.9% | $39,690 | $47,100 – $59,110 | — |
| New Mexico | $48,490 | +4.8% | $40,024 | $40,020 – $75,370 | 340 |
| Texas | $48,240 | +5.2% | $40,941 | $37,660 – $73,690 | 5,270 |
| Georgia | $47,790 | — | $38,722 | $45,080 – $57,900 | — |
| Pennsylvania | $47,760 | −2.5% | $39,089 | $40,940 – $61,250 | 1,210 |
| Michigan | $47,080 | −14.2% | $38,259 | $38,340 – $60,270 | 310 |
| Indiana | $46,140 | +19.3% | $37,922 | $38,250 – $71,020 | 490 |
| Maryland | $45,430 | −22.2% | $36,889 | $44,190 – $61,410 | 670 |
| Arkansas | $44,820 | −8.4% | $36,658 | $44,800 – $62,870 | — |
| North Carolina | $43,860 | −7.1% | $36,180 | $37,440 – $60,170 | 710 |
| South Dakota | $42,380 | — | $36,232 | $37,560 – $73,590 | 50 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators | $53,340 | High school diploma or equivalent | -0.9% |
| Paperhanger | $52,140 | No formal educational credential | +4.3% |
| Roofer | $55,440 | No formal educational credential | +5.3% |
| Tile and Stone Setter | $55,690 | No formal educational credential | +9.8% |
| Floor Sander and Finisher | $50,440 | No formal educational credential | +1.4% |
| Carpet Installer | $50,340 | No formal educational credential | -16.4% |
| Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles | $56,460 | No formal educational credential | +9.0% |
| Painters, Construction and Maintenance | $49,400 | No formal educational credential | +3.0% |
| Cement Mason and Concrete Finisher | $57,020 | No formal educational credential | +1.6% |
| Glazier | $57,080 | High school diploma or equivalent | +1.9% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a solar photovoltaic installer make?
The national median salary for solar photovoltaic installers is $53,140 a year ($25.55 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $41,600 and the top 10% earn over $79,970. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays solar photovoltaic installers the most?
New Jersey has the highest median pay at $78,950.
How many solar photovoltaic installers are there in the U.S.?
About 31,350 people work as solar photovoltaic installers nationwide.