The Average Salary of a Wind Project Manager
Wind energy project managers evaluate, select and acquire sites for wind projects, and manage the processes for obtaining permits, leases and easements. The project manager oversees the technicians and supervisors who implement the construction, makes sure the project progresses as scheduled, and ensures compliance with contract requirements, budgetary constraints, safety guidelines and legal regulations. The average salary of a wind project manager varies by state.
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Outlook
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In 2009, wind energy was responsible for only 1.8 percent of power generation in the United States, reports the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The industry is experiencing rapid growth, however, and wind is used to generate much higher percentages of energy in some states. The development of wind farms is likely to increase as people continue showing more interest in this type of renewable energy, according to the bureau.
Salary Range
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The average salary for a wind project manager nationwide is about $72,190 to $72,350, according to CBSalary, a salary calculator provided by CareerBuilder.com. The middle 50 percent of wind project managers on the earnings scale make $54,580 to $121,780 per year.
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Comparisons
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Most U.S. wind farms are located in the Midwest, Northeast and Southwest, notes the BLS. U.S. The top states in wind energy generating capacity are Iowa, Texas and California as of 2009, and that year, Iowa produced nearly 20 percent of its electricity with wind power. The average salary of a wind project manager in Iowa as of February 2011 is about $71,541, according to CBSalary. Wind project managers in Minnesota have an average annual salary of about $70,170, in West Virginia $70,370, in Indiana $71,200 and in Oregon $71,330. The average salary in Maine and Colorado is about $72,000 and in Texas $72,760. Average salaries for wind project managers are higher in California at $75,880, in Illinois and New York at about $76,000, and in Washington at $80,590.
Qualifications
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The job search website Indeed.com listed numerous job openings for wind project managers in February 2011. Some employers require a bachelor's degree in civil, electrical or mechanical engineering, or in environmental sciences, and some prefer a master's degree. Candidates typically need several years of relevant experience, such as in environmental review, project permitting and project management, and some employers look for construction experience.
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References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Careers in Wind Energy
- CBSalary: Wind Energy Project Manager Salary - U.S. National Average
- CBSalary: Wind Energy Project Manager Salary in Maine
- CBSalary: Wind Energy Project Manager Salary in Minnesota
- CBSalary: Wind Energy Project Manager Salary in Colorado
- CBSalary: Wind Energy Project Manager Salary in West Virginia
Resources
- CBSalary: Wind Energy Project Manager Salary in New York
- CBSalary: Wind Energy Project Manager Salary in Texas
- CBSalary: Wind Energy Project Manager Salary in Iowa
- CBSalary: Wind Energy Project Manager Salary in California
- CBSalary: Wind Energy Project Manager Salary in Illinois
- CBSalary: Wind Energy Project Manager Salary in Indiana
- CBSalary: Wind Energy Project Manager Salary in Oregon
- CBSalary: Wind Energy Project Manager Salary in Washington
- Indeed.com: Wind Energy Project Manager Jobs
- Photo Credit wind turbine image by yobidaba from Fotolia.com
