12 of the Best Types of Solar Installer Jobs in 2026

Discover some great types of Solar Installer jobs that are hiring now.

High Paying Solar Installer Jobs

• Entry Level Solar Installer

  Salary range: $41,500 - $55,000

  As an entry-level solar installer, you install solar panel equipment or photovoltaic (PV) systems. Your responsibilities are to adhere to building codes during installation, configure PV systems based on customer needs, and assemble solar panel support structures. You place photovoltaic systems on a roof, allowing a structure to convert sunlight into energy using semiconducting materials. Working in this entry-level position requires you to perform basic tasks like installing support structures or placing panels for a more experienced installer. Your duties are to aid them in each project, working with various carpentry tools to create sound structures.

• Independent Contractor Solar Installer

  Salary range: $41,500 - $55,000

  You find Independent Contractors in many different industries, so the path to becoming one varies significantly. In general, you must have several years of experience in the field and have a track record of success in your industry. You also must pursue the kind of work that can be done on a consultant or contract basis. You may possess particular skills or expertise that a company needs temporarily, such as an IT Consultant, or provide a service that is required intermittently, like a Freelance Writer. Many Independent Contractors transition to becoming self-employed to have a more flexible schedule and the ability to choose their clients.

• Per Diem Solar Installer

  Salary range: $41,500 - $55,000

  Per diem jobs are short-term positions which are paid by the day. The most common per diem job opportunities are in the medical field, including positions in nursing, hospice, pediatrics, and midwifery. Phlebotomists, operating (OR) assistants, and pharmacists may also work on a per diem basis. Per diem employees are often contracted to work as admissions coordinators, recreation coordinators, and assistants.

• Union Solar Installer

  Salary range: $41,500 - $55,000

  For those who work for unions, some of the specific jobs include researchers, organizers, administrators, lawyers, communications workers, and clerical staff. Your duties include entering workplaces to speak with workers and provide them encouragement and support if they are interested in joining a specific union, or to negotiate with employers for better working conditions, pay, or benefits for union members. There are numerous types of unions, including health care, public sector, construction, writing, and service workers unions, and they represent a variety of professions, such as nurses, journalists, manufacturers, construction workers, municipal workers, and hotel workers, to name only a few.

• Temporary Solar Installer

  Salary range: $41,500 - $55,000

  A Temporary job is an employment arrangement in which both parties, the employee and employer, agree in advance that the position will be filled for a set period. Temporary jobs often are based on employers’ seasonal or specific project needs. Occasionally, Temporary employees will be offered ongoing, full-time positions if their performance is excellent and a position is available. However, you should not assume this will be the case.

• Junior Solar Installer

  Salary range: $41,500 - $55,000

  Junior Solar Installer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Junior Solar Installer jobs pay between $41,500 (25th percentile) and $55,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Junior Solar Installer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Freelance Solar Installer

  Salary range: $41,500 - $55,000

  Freelancers are self-employed. As a freelancer, you provide work to clients and invoice them for it. The type of clients you have depends on what kind of services you offer. Your clients can be individuals or companies. A full-time freelancer often has assignments from multiple clients at once. Some common services that people provide as freelancers are: writing, editing, graphic design, web design, marketing, programming, accounting, and bookkeeping. Freelancing is ideal for those who prefer to be their own boss and are willing to market themselves to meet their income goals.

• Trainee Solar Installer

  Salary range: $41,500 - $55,000

  The requirements to get a trainee job vary by industry. In some, such as architecture or accounting, you must graduate from an accredited college program before you can begin work. Other industries, such as retail, manufacturing, or telemarketing, may require only a high school diploma or a GED certificate to begin a training program. No matter what profession you are interested in, you should have strong verbal and written communication and an interest in continuing the career.

• Internship Solar Installer

  Salary range: $41,500 - $55,000

  An Internship is a position within your desired field that pays little or no money but offers you the opportunity to gain real-world experience. This may set you apart for your future job search. Generally, Internships are almost expected by employers on an entry-level candidate’s resume. You are much more of an asset to an employer if you have some work experience.

• Full Time Solar Installer

  Salary range: $41,500 - $55,000

  Full-time employment hours are generally determined by the employer. There is no single universal definition; however, various laws and policies govern different types of eligibility and statuses. For example, the Fair Labor Standards Act does not define full-time employment but does require overtime pay after 40 hours of work in a workweek for non-exempt employees. The Affordable Care Act, in determining Applicable Large Employers, defines full-time employees as those working an average of at least 30 hours per week, or 130 hours a month. The H-1B Visa Program defines full-time as 40 hours per week, normally, and in no event would less than 35 hours per week be considered to be full-time employment. In practice, full-time employment is typically between 32 and 40 hours per week.

• Temp Solar Installer

  Salary range: $41,500 - $55,000

  Temp Solar Installer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Temp Solar Installer jobs pay between $41,500 (25th percentile) and $55,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Temp Solar Installer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Apprentice Solar Installer

  Salary range: $33,000 - $43,500

  Apprentice Solar Installer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Apprentice Solar Installer jobs pay between $33,000 (25th percentile) and $43,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Apprentice Solar Installer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.