What is a Geothermal Technician?
Occupation Description Perform technical activities at power plants or individual installations necessary for the generation of power from geothermal energy sources. Monitor and control operating activities at geothermal power generation facilities and perform maintenance and repairs as necessary. Install, test, and maintain residential and commercial geothermal heat pumps.
Life As a Geothermal Technician
- Perform pre- and post-installation pressure, flow, and related tests of vertical and horizontal geothermal loop piping.
- Prepare and maintain logs, reports, or other documentation of work performed.
- Weld piping, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) piping, using techniques such as butt, socket, side-wall, and electro-fusion welding.
- Install and maintain geothermal system instrumentation or controls.
- Design and lay out geothermal heat systems according to property characteristics, heating and cooling requirements, piping and equipment requirements, applicable regulations, or other factors.
- Dig trenches for system piping to appropriate depths and lay piping in trenches.
Featured schools near , edit
What Every Geothermal Technician Should Know
These are the skills Geothermal Technicians say are the most useful in their careers:
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles
- Control Operator
- Plant Control Operator
- Instrumentation, Control, and Electrical Technician (I C & E Technician)
- Maintenance Mechanic
- Operator Technician
Are There Job Opportunities for Geothermal Technicians?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 175,800 jobs in the United States for Geothermal Technician. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 14,500 new jobs for Geothermal Technician by 2026. There will be an estimated 18,700 positions for Geothermal Technician per year.
The states with the most job growth for Geothermal Technician are Utah, Florida, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Maine, or Kansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Geothermal Technicians Make A Lot Of Money?
The average yearly salary of a Geothermal Technician ranges between $24,630 and $65,120.
Geothermal Technicians who work in Alaska, Hawaii, or Washington, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Geothermal Technicians in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $38,210 |
| Alaska | $71,220 |
| Arizona | $42,760 |
| Arkansas | $40,260 |
| California | $46,210 |
| Colorado | $39,970 |
| Connecticut | $44,480 |
| Delaware | $40,340 |
| District of Columbia | $56,140 |
| Florida | $36,390 |
| Georgia | $38,890 |
| Hawaii | $60,340 |
| Idaho | $42,280 |
| Illinois | $48,290 |
| Indiana | $38,850 |
| Iowa | $42,830 |
| Kansas | $41,040 |
| Kentucky | $41,150 |
| Louisiana | $44,290 |
| Maine | $41,870 |
| Maryland | $44,700 |
| Massachusetts | $48,110 |
| Michigan | $45,170 |
| Minnesota | $46,200 |
| Mississippi | $43,430 |
| Missouri | $41,400 |
| Montana | $40,670 |
| Nebraska | $52,020 |
| Nevada | $48,750 |
| New Hampshire | $48,440 |
| New Jersey | $43,060 |
| New Mexico | $40,930 |
| New York | $40,390 |
| North Carolina | $40,360 |
| North Dakota | $50,710 |
| Ohio | $41,650 |
| Oklahoma | $42,840 |
| Oregon | $43,240 |
| Pennsylvania | $45,350 |
| Rhode Island | $47,220 |
| South Carolina | $41,570 |
| South Dakota | $44,980 |
| Tennessee | $37,540 |
| Texas | $41,320 |
| Utah | $40,160 |
| Vermont | $42,030 |
| Virginia | $43,810 |
| Washington | $55,610 |
| West Virginia | $39,660 |
| Wisconsin | $40,660 |
| Wyoming | $46,210 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Geothermal Technicians
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Geothermal Technicians:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Email software
- SAP
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Distributed control system DCS
How to Become a Geothermal Technician
Individuals working as a Geothermal Technician have obtained the following education levels:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Geothermal Technician?
Where Geothermal Technicians Are Employed
The table below shows the approximate number of Geothermal Technicians employed by various industries.
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Alexis P. Docherty, 49th Wing Public Affairs via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.