Across U.S. metros, building inspectors typically earn $4,030 more a year than wind turbine technicians (6%). In the 8 metros where BLS publishes both, building inspectors earn more in 7 and wind turbine technicians in 1.
| Building Inspector | Wind Turbine Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $67,380 | $63,350 |
| Lowest metro median | $25,530 | $57,890 |
| Highest metro median | $129,750 | $77,950 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +0.0% | +29.5% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 14,800 | 1,500 |
| Self-employed | 3% | 15% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Typical training | Moderate-term on-the-job training | Long-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 58 | 133 |
| Metros with pay data | 338 | 8 |
On safety, wind turbine technicians report more injuries that cause missed work (133 vs. 58 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where building inspectors out-earn wind turbine technicians the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where wind turbine technicians out-earn building inspectors the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, building inspectors earn more in 16 states and wind turbine technicians in 9. The gap favors building inspectors most in Minnesota ($23,670) and wind turbine technicians most in Kansas ($15,090).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Hazardous conditions: occasionally for building inspectors, very often for wind turbine technicians. Cramped spaces and awkward positions: occasionally for building inspectors, very often for wind turbine technicians.
| Building Inspector | Wind Turbine Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Very often | Very often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Often | Occasionally |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Sometimes | Very often |
| Working at heights | Sometimes | Very often |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Occasionally | Often |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Occasionally | Very often |
| Loud noise | Often | Very often |
| Hazardous conditions | Occasionally | Very often |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Occasionally | Often |
| Sitting | Sometimes | Occasionally |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Building Inspector
Inspect structures using engineering skills to determine structural soundness and compliance with specifications, building codes, and other regulations. Inspections may be general in nature or may be limited to a specific area, such as electrical systems or plumbing.
Wind Turbine Technician
Inspect, diagnose, adjust, or repair wind turbines. Perform maintenance on wind turbine equipment including resolving electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic malfunctions.
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