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
$46,000
$3,833/mo
Entry Level
$33,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$63,000
experienced
Job Growth
+27%
10-yr outlook
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)
45K
5-Year Growth
+17%
Category
Trades
Hourly Rate
$22.12/hr
Monthly Pay
$3,833
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
$53,000
$4,417/month · $2,038/biweekly · $25.48/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 $33,000, while the top 10% earn $72,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Solar Panel Installers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $54,000 | +$8,000 |
| New York | $53,000 | +$7,000 |
| Florida | $45,000 | $-1,000 |
| Texas | $45,000 | $-1,000 |
| Arizona | $45,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Solar Panel Installers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $54,000 | +$8,000 |
| Los Angeles | $52,000 | +$6,000 |
| Miami | $47,000 | +$1,000 |
| Houston | $46,000 | $0 |
| Phoenix | $45,000 | $-1,000 |
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.
$33,000
0-2 years
$48,000
3-7 years
$63,000
8-14 years
$82,000
15+ years
Related Trades Jobs
Solar Panel Installer Salary FAQ
Methodology & Data Sources — Solar Panel Installer Salary
How we calculate Solar Panel Installer salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $46,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Solar Panel Installer in the Energy sector.
- Entry-level ($33,000) and senior-level ($63,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +27% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 45K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 17% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Energy sector wages.
- Education requirement: High School Diploma + Training, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $46,000.
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 Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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