Best institutions to study Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians
Compare 118 U.S. colleges offering Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 38 states.
Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians programs report a median of $67,764 one year after graduation (College Scorecard, 2024), and map to CIP 15.17 and the Wind Turbine Service Technicians occupation (BLS SOC).
About Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians programs
The Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians program focuses on equipping students with the skills needed to work in the rapidly evolving energy sector. This program is ideal for individuals interested in the design, development, testing, and maintenance of energy systems, including renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. Students will gain hands-on experience with various technologies and systems, preparing them for a range of roles in the energy industry. This program is suitable for those who enjoy problem-solving and are passionate about sustainable energy solutions.
Core coursework in this program covers critical skills such as troubleshooting mechanical and electrical systems, performing routine maintenance, and testing electrical components. Students will also learn essential knowledge in mechanical systems, electronics, and safety protocols, ensuring a well-rounded education in energy technologies.
Top 6 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).
| # | Institution | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Completions | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Excelsior University Albany, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $110,398 | 24 | — | — | $33,328 |
| 2 | Southeast Community College Area Lincoln, NE Public · Associate degree | $104,847 | 15 | 38% | — | $11,000 |
| 3 | Ferris State University Big Rapids, MI Public · Bachelor's degree | $67,764 | 38 | 47% | — | $20,308 |
| 4 | Refrigeration School Inc Phoenix, AZ Private for-profit · Associate degree | $51,772 | 34 | 76% | $26,791 | $19,919 |
| 5 | Illinois State University Normal, IL Public · Bachelor's degree | $46,992 | 9 | 65% | — | $17,750 |
| 6 | Ashland Community and Technical College Ashland, KY Public · Certificate degree | $27,379 | 34 | 51% | — | — |
Offered across 38 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 9 | $110,398 | Excelsior University |
| Nebraska | 3 | $104,847 | Southeast Community College Area |
| Michigan | 6 | $67,764 | Ferris State University |
| Arizonalimited | 1 | $51,772 | Refrigeration School Inc |
| Illinois | 9 | $46,992 | Illinois State University |
| Kentucky | 3 | $27,379 | Ashland Community and Technical College |
| California | 13 | — | — |
| Coloradolimited | 2 | — | — |
| Connecticutlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Delawarelimited | 1 | — | — |
| Florida | 7 | — | — |
| Georgia | 8 | — | — |
| Idaho | 3 | — | — |
| Indianalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Iowalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Kansas | 4 | — | — |
| Louisianalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Mainelimited | 1 | — | — |
| Massachusettslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Minnesota | 3 | — | — |
| Missourilimited | 2 | — | — |
| Montanalimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Jersey | 3 | — | — |
| New Mexico | 3 | — | — |
| North Carolinalimited | 2 | — | — |
| North Dakotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Ohio | 3 | — | — |
| Oklahomalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Pennsylvania | 3 | — | — |
| South Carolinalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Tennesseelimited | 1 | — | — |
| Texas | 5 | — | — |
| Utahlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Vermontlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Washington | 4 | — | — |
| Wisconsin | 3 | — | — |
| Puerto Ricolimited | 2 | — | — |
| Virginialimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 49-9081, Wind Turbine Service Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians program can expect a promising job outlook, with a projected growth rate of 49.9% and approximately 2,300 annual openings in the field. The median wage for these technicians is around $62,580, and typical education required is a postsecondary nondegree award.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 15.17.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 15.17 (Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians) maps to 6 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 17-3029 | Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other |
| 27-1021 | Commercial and Industrial Designers |
| 47-2231 | Solar Photovoltaic Installers |
| 49-2095 | Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay |
| 49-9081 | Wind Turbine Service Techniciansprimary |
| 51-8013 | Power Plant Operators |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Troubleshoot or repair mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical malfunctions related to variable pitch systems, variable speed control systems, converter systems, or related components.
- Perform routine maintenance on wind turbine equipment, underground transmission systems, wind fields substations, or fiber optic sensing and control systems.
- Diagnose problems involving wind turbine generators or control systems.
- Test electrical components of wind systems with devices, such as voltage testers, multimeters, oscilloscopes, infrared testers, or fiber optic equipment.
- Start or restart wind turbine generator systems to ensure proper operations.
- Climb wind turbine towers to inspect, maintain, or repair equipment.
Concentrations within Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- Energy Systems Technology/TechnicianCIP 15.1701
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing energy-efficient systems or monitor
- Power Plant Technology/TechnicianCIP 15.1702
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers engaged in the operation and maintenance of electricity generating power plants
- Solar Energy Technology/TechnicianCIP 15.1703
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing solar-powered energy systems
- Wind Energy Technology/TechnicianCIP 15.1704
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing wind-powered energy systems
- Hydroelectric Energy Technology/TechnicianCIP 15.1705
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing hydroelectric energy systems
- Geothermal Energy Technology/TechnicianCIP 15.1706
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing geothermal energy systems
- Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians, OtherCIP 15.1799
Any instructional program in energy systems technologies not listed above.
Common questions
What types of specializations are available in this program?+
Specializations include Energy Systems Technology, Power Plant Technology, Solar Energy Technology, Wind Energy Technology, Hydroelectric Energy Technology, Geothermal Energy Technology, and more.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, monitoring, active listening, and troubleshooting mechanical and electrical systems.
What careers can I pursue after completing this program?+
You can pursue careers as an energy systems technician, wind turbine technician, or in other roles within the renewable energy sector.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is much faster than average, with a growth rate of 49.9% and about 2,300 annual job openings.
How much do Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians graduates earn?+
Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians graduates report median earnings of $67,764 one year after graduation, per College Scorecard (2024); the Wind Turbine Service Technicians occupation pays about $68,980 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians?+
Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians maps to CIP 15.17 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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