Across U.S. metros, elevator installers typically earn $44,900 more a year than wind turbine technicians (71%). In the 4 metros where BLS publishes both, elevator installers earn more in 4 and wind turbine technicians in 0.
| Elevator Installer | Wind Turbine Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $108,250 | $63,350 |
| Lowest metro median | $38,330 | $57,890 |
| Highest metro median | $173,920 | $77,950 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +5.7% | +29.5% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 1,900 | 1,500 |
| Self-employed | — | 15% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Typical training | Apprenticeship | Long-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 101 | 133 |
| Metros with pay data | 53 | 8 |
On safety, wind turbine technicians report more injuries that cause missed work (133 vs. 101 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 elevator installers out-earn wind turbine technicians the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, elevator installers earn more in 20 states and wind turbine technicians in 0. The gap favors elevator installers most in Maine ($84,470) and elevator installers most in Kansas ($6,520).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Indoors with heating and air conditioning: very often for elevator installers, occasionally for wind turbine technicians. Outdoors, in all kinds of weather: sometimes for elevator installers, very often for wind turbine technicians.
| Elevator Installer | Wind Turbine Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Sometimes | Very often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Very often | Occasionally |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Often | Very often |
| Working at heights | Very often | Very often |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Occasionally | Often |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Very often | Very often |
| Loud noise | Very often | Very often |
| Hazardous conditions | Very often | Very often |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Often | Often |
| Sitting | Occasionally | Occasionally |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Elevator Installer
Assemble, install, repair, or maintain electric or hydraulic freight or passenger elevators, escalators, or dumbwaiters.
Wind Turbine Technician
Inspect, diagnose, adjust, or repair wind turbines. Perform maintenance on wind turbine equipment including resolving electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic malfunctions.
Compare one trade across two cities →
More comparisons
More trade comparisons
Still deciding? Rank every trade by what matters to you with which trade fits me.