Average listed salary for Lead Solar Installer positions across the United States, computed from 50 active solar job listings. States with fewer than 3 listings are grouped into their US Census region below instead of being excluded.
$67,652
National avg.
50
Active listings
$83,547
Highest (Colorado)
$57,472
Lowest (California)
Solar Photovoltaic Installer listings average -16% compared to the Lead Solar Installer national average, based on 245 active listings.
See Solar Photovoltaic Installer salary by state →Listings mentioning NABCEP average $81,570 vs $65,386 without — a +25% difference.
Based on 7 listings mentioning NABCEP and 43 that don't.
A Lead Solar Installer runs the crew on site: assigns tasks, checks the install against the permit set and engineering plans, handles the trickier electrical terminations, and is the point of contact for the inspector or the project manager. Less time on the roof carrying panels, more time making sure the job passes inspection the first time.
Most leads hold a NABCEP PV Installation Professional certification or are actively working toward one, plus several years of hands-on installs. Some states also require an electrical license or a state-specific solar contractor credential to sign off on certain work — this varies enough by state that it is worth checking with your state licensing board directly.
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From Lead Installer, the common next steps are site supervisor, install operations manager, or moving into system design and permitting, where the NABCEP PV Design Specialist credential becomes relevant.
See all 50 active Lead Solar Installer listings across the US
View Lead Solar Installer JobsExplore the full job market data center, estimate take-home pay with the paycheck calculator, and compare the credentials that move pay in our certifications library and career resources.