A 37-year-old mom earns $73,000 in an 'overlooked' job that can pay $100,000 without a degree.

Jessica Jackson has always dreamed of working outdoors, and now she spends most of her days 300 feet in the air, atop wind turbines.

In Bee County, Texas, Jackson, 37, works as a wind turbine service technician at Vestas, a wind turbine manufacturer, and earns an annual salary of $73,000.

She must possess technical knowledge in hydraulics, electrical systems, and mechanical repairs, as well as the endurance to lift 50 pounds of equipment up narrow ladders in various weather conditions.

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."

The job of wind turbine technician is not for the faint-hearted as it comes with one of the highest rates of work-related injuries, as per the U.S. Department of Labor.

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

According to Jackson, although working in this field is challenging, it's worth it due to the rewards.

Although there is a high demand for wind turbine service technicians, the profession is often overlooked and undervalued, providing untapped potential for job-seekers looking for adventure and a competitive salary.

A job that can pay six figures, no college degree required

According to Vanessa Benedetti, Vestas' senior director of training operations and workforce development, it is common for employers not to demand a bachelor's degree for technician-level positions.

She emphasizes that what's crucial is having a willingness to learn, a love for tinkering, and the ability to get your hands dirty.

Some wind turbine service technician jobs may require a 2-year technical program or apprenticeship, while others, such as Blattner Energy and Vestas, offer on-the-job training for new hires.

Vestas' training encompasses guidelines for the turbine's electrical apparatus, technical procedures such as bolt tightening and tensioning, as well as first aid and safety protocols.

As a stay-at-home mom for a decade, Jackson, with four children, eventually pursued a career as a wind technician.

In 2019, when she and her husband separated, Jackson was concerned that her job prospects would be limited without a bachelor's degree.

Jackson landed a job at Blattner Energy, a renewable energy contractor in northern Texas, thanks to her ex-husband's recommendation. She began working at Vestas in February 2020.

In 2022, Jackson completed her bachelor's degree in environmental science from the University of Arizona while working part-time as a wind tech online.

Her ultimate aspiration is to attain the position of lead technician at Vestas, which offers an annual salary of approximately $100,000.

While the median annual salary for wind turbine service technicians is $61,770, many earn more than $90,000 a year, as stated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

"According to Jackson, the field is unique in that it allows individuals to feel like they are in control of their own progress and earnings."

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.

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 involves nearly 30 stories.

"Safety is paramount, and I won't compromise it," says Jackson, who wears protective gear such as gloves, glasses, a helmet, and harness on the job. "Once you're up there, you're in your office and ready to work. Everything else is easier."

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

'It's a career with longevity'

Over the past decade, the hiring of technicians in the U.S. has fluctuated depending on factors such as demand, production tax credits, and supply chain issues.

Global offshore wind investment reached a record $76.7 billion in 2023, hitting an all-time high, according to BloombergNEF's Renewable Energy Investment Tracker.

Benedetti remarks that Vestas offers a career with longevity and opportunities for growth, allowing technicians to remain in their community and feel settled.

Over the next decade, the Labor Department predicts that approximately 2,100 technicians will be hired annually, due to the growth of new projects and the maintenance of existing turbines.

If not sooner, Jackson plans to work as a technician until she retires at the age of 70.

Jackson aims to inspire women and non-college graduates to pursue careers in wind technology as she ascends the professional ranks.

"Go for it," she advises. "Although I never imagined myself in this field, I'm grateful for my job and love what I do. You'll never know unless you try."

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