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The differences between installers and solar installers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both an installer and a solar installer. Additionally, an installer has an average salary of $39,799, which is higher than the $37,239 average annual salary of a solar installer.
The top three skills for an installer include customer service, windows and plumbing. The most important skills for a solar installer are renewable energy, ladders, and hand tools.
| Installer | Solar Installer | |
| Yearly salary | $39,799 | $37,239 |
| Hourly rate | $19.13 | $17.90 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 27% |
| Number of jobs | 30,303 | 17,367 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 45% | High School Diploma, 40% |
| Average age | 42 | 29 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
Installers are assigned to assemble equipment or fixtures in the client's work or home area. They should have extensive knowledge of the product they will install to ensure it works as intended. They should also be familiar with handling different tools, especially those that would help them build the product. Installers should be able to walk the client through how to use the product. They should also be able to answer any inquiries that the client may have. Installers should have quick decision-making skills, interpersonal skills, and creativity.
A solar installer is responsible for installing solar panels on building and household locations, ensuring that the methods and tools adhere to safety regulations and practices. Solar installers manage the maintenance and repair of the solar panels, requiring them to perform fieldwork and travel often. They also identify the measurement and compatibility of solar panels to the clients' locations before the installment proper. A solar installer must have excellent knowledge of the solar services to respond to the clients' inquiries and concerns accurately and resolve complaints.
Installers and solar installers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Installer | Solar Installer | |
| Average salary | $39,799 | $37,239 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $50,000 | Between $29,000 And $47,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Springfield, MA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Pella | Black & Veatch |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between an installer and a solar installer in terms of educational background:
| Installer | Solar Installer | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 45% | High School Diploma, 40% |
| Most common major | Business | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between installers' and solar installers' demographics:
| Installer | Solar Installer | |
| Average age | 42 | 29 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4% | Male, 94.5% Female, 5.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.3% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% | Black or African American, 15.8% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 36.3% Asian, 5.8% White, 35.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 8% |