“Jessica Jackson, a wind turbine technician from Texas, earns an impressive annual salary of $73,000 while working at dizzying heights of over 90 meters. Discover how Jackson transitioned from being a stay-at-home mom to thriving in one of the fastest-growing and riskiest jobs in the U.S”
Jessica Jackson, 37, lives a life most would find extraordinary. As a wind turbine technician in Texas, she navigates the skies daily, working at altitudes of up to 300 feet (approximately 91 meters) for an annual salary of $73,000. For those in the field, senior technicians earn around $80,000, while lead technicians make about $100,000 annually.
Jackson’s journey to this career was unconventional. Once a stay-at-home mom, she returned to the workforce following her separation from her husband in 2019, driven by the need to support her children. Initially concerned about her prospects due to her lack of a college degree, Jackson enrolled in an online university program in 2017 to pursue a degree in environmental science.
However, in 2020, while awaiting her degree, Jackson discovered that becoming a wind turbine technician did not require a college diploma. The job simply required completing a technical training program or an apprenticeship, typically lasting two years. She was excited to learn that the company would provide on-the-job training, covering everything from the operation of electronic equipment to safety protocols.
The appeal of the job soon became clear to Jackson. “Climbing to the top of a wind turbine is not as daunting as you might think. The view is spectacular, and you might even spot eagles, hawks, or airplanes,” she shares.
Her workday runs from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday, during which she is responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing turbines to ensure they continue to generate electricity. On her shifts, Jackson typically maintains one turbine, although this number can vary.
The most challenging aspect of her job is the ascent. For turbines over 90 meters tall, Jackson climbs a vertical ladder that is equivalent in height to a 30-story building, nestled within the turbine’s narrow interior. Safety is paramount; she is equipped with gloves, goggles, a helmet, harnesses, and other protective gear. “A lapse in safety could have dire consequences,” Jackson notes with a mix of seriousness and humor.
Initially, Jackson struggled with fear of heights, but she soon adapted and began to view her climbs as a daily mountain climb. Her growing affection for the job leads her to plan on continuing until she is 70.
Despite Jackson’s confidence, the role of a wind turbine technician is among the most hazardous professions globally. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that turbine service technicians have the highest injury and illness rates across all occupations. Nonetheless, it is also one of the fastest-growing careers in the U.S., with job numbers expected to nearly double over the next decade.
Jackson’s story is a testament to how determination and adaptability can lead to success in unconventional and demanding fields.
