Before understanding the salary of wind turbine technician in China, let’s take a look at the development of China’s wind power industry.In recent years, my country’s wind power sector has seen rapid growth, with total installed capacity reaching 460 million kilowatts by March 2024, up 21.5% year-on-year. During the first three quarters of 2024, the national wind power grid-connected capacity surged by 39.12 million kilowatts, comprising 36.65 million kilowatts onshore and 2.47 million kilowatts offshore.
The country has connected a cumulative offshore wind power capacity of 39.1 million kilowatts by Q3 2024, ranking first globally. However, meeting the demand for skilled operation and maintenance personnel to support such extensive wind power installations remains a challenge due to the lag in talent training and supply.
Daily work of wind power operation and maintenance engineers
Daily maintenance
The daily maintenance work of wind power operation and maintenance engineers is the key to ensuring the safe and stable operation of wind turbines. Specifically, it includes the following aspects:
- Maintenance, Overhaul, Installation, and Commissioning:
- Responsible for these tasks to ensure wind turbines in wind farms are well-maintained and functioning optimally.
- Conduct regular inspections to detect and resolve issues promptly.
- Swiftly repair any turbine failures to minimize downtime.
- Install and commission new turbines to meet performance standards.
- Reporting and Compliance:
- Submit on-site maintenance and spare parts reports.
- Adhere to work plans to ensure organized task execution.
- Document maintenance processes for future reference.
- Inspection and Technical Support:
- Regularly inspect turbines to identify and address safety risks.
- Utilize professional knowledge during maintenance to ensure system functionality.
- Offer technical support for optimal turbine performance.
- Auxiliary Management:
- Aid on-site supervisors in wind farm operations.
- Manage spare parts and tools effectively to support maintenance activities.
Salary and benefits
Salary of wind turbine technicians
This is a list of high-paying industries in China in 2024：
Since the wind power industry also belongs to the field of new energy, the overall salary is much higher than the average level in China. However, through research, it is found that the salary level of technical personnel in my country’s wind power industry is still lower than that in the United States. As of October 30, 2024, the average hourly wage of wind power technicians in Xinjiang Province is US$10, which is still a big gap compared with the US$25.26 in the United States.
China wind turbine technician salary differences reflect different advancement and income prospects based on skills, location, and experience. Although the job market in China’s new energy industry is sluggish, the high demand for talent indicates good growth opportunities.
Apart from wages, companies in China provide comprehensive benefits, including six insurances, one fund, and million insurance as per national regulations, ensuring employees’ well-being. Employees enjoy 5 days off monthly, 15 days of paid consecutive leave after 2 months of work, and reimbursement of travel expenses during vacations, fostering relaxation and rejuvenation post-work.
Provide employees with telephone subsidies, computer subsidies, high temperature subsidies, etc. to meet their various needs at work. Provide employees with birthday benefits, marriage benefits, etc., so that employees can feel the care and warmth of the company.
Development prospects
Market demand
The demand for wind power operation and maintenance engineers has surged in recent years, indicating promising career prospects. In 2024, there has been a 248% increase in job openings compared to 2023, offering abundant opportunities for aspiring individuals.
Cities nationwide, including Hohhot, Ulanqab, Yancheng, Chifeng, and Beijing, are seeking wind power operation and maintenance engineers. This wide geographical scope provides job seekers with diverse options to select work locations based on their preferences and circumstances.
Career advancement
There are many career advancement directions for wind power operation and maintenance engineers, providing broad development space.
① Technical expert direction: In-depth study of technical knowledge, becoming a professional technician, independently solving complex technical problems, and providing technical support for wind farms.
② Management direction: Develop leadership and management skills, become a leader in equipment management or operation management, and ensure the efficient operation of wind farms.
③ Career transformation direction: Use experience and expertise to become professionals in other positions, such as engineers, project leaders, or turn to new fields such as new energy project development, wind turbine manufacturing, etc.
In the future, with the rapid development of China’s wind power industry, the salaries of Chinese wind power technicians will also usher in more substantial income as their positions are promoted.
