Solar Panel Installer Salary in 2026
Solar panel installers assemble, install, and maintain photovoltaic solar systems on rooftops and ground mounts. They connect panels to electrical systems and ensure proper functioning.
Median Salary
$53,140
$4,428/mo
Entry Level
$38,100
starting pay
Senior Level
$72,800
experienced
Job Growth
+27%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Solar Photovoltaic Installers (SOC 47-2231) at a national median of $53,140 per year (mean $57,900), or $25.55 per hour, with 31,350 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Solar Panel Installer Overview
Solar panel installers assemble, install, and maintain photovoltaic solar systems on rooftops and ground mounts. They connect panels to electrical systems and ensure proper functioning.
Education
High School Diploma + Training
Experience
0-2 years
Industry
Energy
Total Jobs (US)
31K
5-Year Growth
+17%
Category
Trades
Hourly Rate
$25.55/hr
Monthly Pay
$4,428
Solar Panel Installer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Solar Panel Installer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Solar Panel Installer Salary
$61,000
$5,083/month · $2,346/biweekly · $29.33/hr
Solar Panel Installer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Solar Panel Installer field.
Entry-level Solar Panel Installers earn around $38,100, while the top 10% earn $83,750 or more.
Top Paying States for Solar Panel Installers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $63,000 | +$9,860 |
| New York | $61,000 | +$7,860 |
| Florida | $52,000 | $-1,140 |
| Texas | $52,000 | $-1,140 |
| Arizona | $52,000 | $-1,140 |
Top Paying Cities for Solar Panel Installers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $63,000 | +$9,860 |
| Los Angeles | $60,000 | +$6,860 |
| Miami | $54,000 | +$860 |
| Houston | $53,000 | $-140 |
| Phoenix | $52,000 | $-1,140 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Solar Panel Installer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Solar Panel Installer from entry level to expert.
$38,100
0-2 years
$55,000
3-7 years
$72,800
8-14 years
$94,700
15+ years
Related Trades Jobs
Solar Panel Installer Salary FAQ
How much does a Solar Panel Installer make in 2026?
The median salary for a Solar Panel Installer in the United States is $53,140 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Solar Photovoltaic Installers (SOC 47-2231); the mean is $57,900. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $38,100, senior professionals around $72,800, and top earners at $94,700 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Solar Panel Installer?
A Solar Panel Installer typically requires a High School Diploma + Training with 0-2 years of experience. Key skills include PV Installation, Electrical Wiring, Roof Mounting. Relevant certifications such as NABCEP Certification or OSHA 10 can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Solar Panel Installers?
The job market for Solar Panel Installers is projected to grow by 27% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 31K Solar Panel Installer positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 17%, reflecting strong demand for this role.
Which states pay Solar Panel Installers the most?
The highest-paying states for Solar Panel Installers include California, Florida, Texas. In California, the median salary is approximately $63,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Solar Panel Installer salary?
To increase your Solar Panel Installer salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like PV Installation and Electrical Wiring. Pursue certifications such as NABCEP Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 0-2 years of experience, you can progress from $38,100 to $72,800 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Solar Panel Installer Salary
How we calculate Solar Panel Installer salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Solar Photovoltaic Installers (SOC 47-2231), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $53,140, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Solar Photovoltaic Installers; BLS mean $57,900; BLS hourly median $25.55.
- Entry-level ($38,100) and senior-level ($72,800) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +27% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 31,350 Solar Photovoltaic Installers jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 17% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Energy sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: High School Diploma + Training, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $53,140; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Solar Panel Installer compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Solar Panel Installer job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Energy
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Solar Panel Installer salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (PV Installation, Electrical Wiring, Roof Mounting), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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