A 37-year-old mom earns $73,000 in a highly sought-after job without a degree: "I am passionate about my work."

Despite being scared of heights initially, Jessica Jackson now spends most of her workdays 300 feet up in the air as a wind turbine service technician.

In Bee County, Texas, Jackson, a 37-year-old technician at Vestas, a wind turbine manufacturer, earns $73,000 annually.

CNBC Make It reports that climbing the turbine tower is not as scary as it seems. The tallest turbine on the wind farm where she works is 350 feet above the ground, and she can reach the top in under 10 minutes.

"The best views are from up there: You'll see birds flying, eagles, and hawks. Planes will pass by. You'll see as far as you can see. It's breathtaking."

Wind turbine service technicians have one of the highest rates of injury and illness among all occupations, making it one of the most dangerous jobs in the world.

The fastest-growing job in the U.S. is expected to have almost double employment growth over the next decade.

""Although working in this field is challenging, it's fulfilling, according to Jackson. He enjoys his work so much that it doesn't feel like a job," says Jackson."

In Texas, Jackson makes $73,000 annually as a wind turbine service technician.

Getting the job

For 10 years, Jackson was a stay-at-home mom before transitioning into a wind tech career.

In 2019, when her youngest child began attending school full-time, Jackson decided to re-enter the workforce. However, she was concerned that her job prospects and earning potential would be restricted without a bachelor's degree.

She started studying online for her bachelor's degree in environmental science from the University of Arizona in 2017, but didn't complete it until 2022.

"Being a single mom without a college degree and having four children between the ages of 10 and 21 was challenging for Jackson, who found it difficult to secure jobs despite having the necessary experience and skills."

Blattner Energy, a renewable energy contractor in northern Texas, hired Jackson for a job installing tower wiring, based on the recommendation of her ex-husband who was previously working as a wind tech.

To become a wind turbine service technician, you don't need a bachelor's degree, but some jobs may require a 2-year technical program or apprenticeship. Some companies, like Blattner Energy and Vestas, offer on-the-job training for new hires. Vestas' training includes best practices for the turbine's electrical equipment, technical procedures like bolt torque and tensioning, as well as first aid and safety protocols.

The hands-on aspects of servicing the turbines and the quiet peace of working in the wind quickly captured Jackson's heart.

"Seeing the immediate results of your efforts when a turbine was fixed or ran more smoothly made you feel good," she says.

Another advantage that drew her to the job was working in a field that benefits the environment.

"Wind turbines generate clean energy that powers homes, businesses, cell phones, and TVs, making it an amazing solution," says Jackson. "I always tell my kids to pursue their passions while also contributing to society and the environment."

In February 2020, Jackson began working at Vestas after being introduced to the company through that job.

A day on the job

Jackson commences her work at 7 a.m. and concludes it at 5:30 p.m. She is employed five days in a week.

Every day on the job is different but starts with a problem.

"Jackson explains that the work he does on the wind turbines changes daily based on the error codes or issues that arise with them. He states that the turbines are essentially computers that are constantly communicating with us about their status."

Similar to cars, wind turbines contain intricate electronic systems, generators, pumps, and other vital components that are prone to freezing or malfunctioning. Jackson's role is to inspect, maintain, and repair these components to ensure the turbines continue to operate efficiently and generate power. There are 66 turbines on the farm where Jackson works, and she is typically responsible for one turbine per shift. However, on certain days, she may be responsible for several turbines.

The most challenging aspect of her job is the vertical climb. She must ascend a narrow metal ladder within the turbine and squeeze through a hatch at the top to reach the nacelle, which is situated on top of the tower and houses the machine's primary components. The climb is approximately 30 stories tall.

"Jackson, who wears protective equipment on the job, says that cutting corners with safety could be the reason why he doesn't go home that day. He explains that once you're up there, you're in your office and ready to work. Everything else is easier. Although she might have been scared of heights when she first started, after practicing the same climb nearly every day, sometimes multiple times in the same afternoon, Jackson says she started to trust her equipment and "got a lot more comfortable climbing such high heights.""

Probably, I would not be as happy if I were doing something else.

If not sooner, Jackson plans to work as a wind turbine service technician until she retires in her 70s.

Spending time outside on the farm and climbing towers has helped Jackson feel stronger and healthier, despite the physically demanding nature of the job.

She aims to progress from a level-two technician at Vestas to a level-three technician, which pays approximately $80,000 annually, and then advance to a lead technician, which offers a salary of about $100,000 per year.

She states that her job provides financial stability and freedom, allowing her to enroll her children in activities that bring them joy, such as basketball league registration, while also saving money monthly.

As she rises in her career, Jackson hopes to attract more women and non-degree holders to her field.

"She states that she is extremely grateful for her job and loves what she does. If she were doing something else, she likely would not be as happy."

Would you like to share your unconventional career journey with us? Please complete this form to be featured on "On the Job."

Sign up for our new newsletter to become smarter and more successful with your money, work & life.