Solar Panel Installer Salary.
Across 81 U.S. cities.
$52,000
national median salary
$46,000 to $63,000. Last updated July 2026.
Highest Paying
$74,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$54,000
San Jose, CA
Lowest Paying
$41,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), state pay-transparency job postings, and community submissions. Most ranges are anchored to BLS OES occupation wage percentiles and placed by seniority level (entry near the 25th, mid at the median, senior at the 75th); a minority of emerging roles retain a modeled estimate where BLS has no matching series. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated July 2026. Baseline derived from BLS SOC 47-2231. Full methodology.
The average Solar Panel Installer salary in the United States is $52,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $46,000 at the 25th percentile to $63,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $74,000, while San Jose offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. NABCEP certification, electrical licensing, and experience with commercial-scale installations drive the biggest pay differences.
Solar Panel Installer salary by city.
Skills that increase Solar Panel Installer pay.
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Solar Panel Installers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $7,280 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$7,280 per year
≈ +$6,760 per year
≈ +$6,240 per year
≈ +$5,720 per year
≈ +$5,720 per year
≈ +$5,200 per year
≈ +$5,200 per year
≈ +$4,680 per year
What you should know.
NABCEP certification, electrical licensing, and experience with commercial-scale installations drive the biggest pay differences. Installers in states with strong solar incentives like California, Texas, and Florida earn more due to higher demand and project volume.
Entry-level Solar Installers earn $38,000 to $43,000. Experienced installers with NABCEP certification reach $46,000 to $54,000. Lead Installers and Site Supervisors command $55,000 to $68,000, while Operations Managers and business owners can earn $75,000 to $100,000.
Overtime pay during peak installation season can add $5,000 to $12,000 annually. Many employers offer tool allowances, safety gear, and per diem pay for travel to remote sites. Health insurance and retirement plans vary by company size.
Total compensation breakdown.
Salary by company size
Remote salary adjustment
Remote Solar Panel Installers typically earn $50,000 (3% less than on-site). This reflects location-adjusted pay policies at companies using geographic salary bands. Some companies pay flat national rates regardless of location.
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Common questions about Solar Panel Installer pay.
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