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Careers · Management

Wind Energy Development Managers

Wind Energy Development Managers oversee the creation and assessment of wind energy projects from conception through construction. They handle environmental studies, secure permits, develop proposals, and manage project timelines. This work takes place at energy companies, renewable energy firms, consulting agencies, and project development offices across wind-rich regions.

$141,900median pay, U.S., per year
$102,880–$186,300middle half earn
622Kemployed in the U.S.
Bachelor’s degreetypical education · 82% hold a bachelor’s or higher
HighAI exposure · AI tools can speed up many tasks. Skills in using them will matter, and some roles may change.
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A day in the work

A typical week involves coordinating with environmental consultants on impact assessments, preparing permit applications for regulatory agencies, and evaluating potential wind farm sites. Managers attend meetings with landowners, utility companies, and engineering teams. They review feasibility studies, track project budgets and schedules, and resolve permitting obstacles. Site visits to proposed locations and office time developing proposals and reports make up the regular routine.

Who this work suits

Enterprising
95Conventional
64Investigative
48Realistic
41Social
23Artistic
11

Holland code ECI. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.

You're well-suited for this role if you enjoy organizing complex business activities and following established processes and regulations. Success requires comfort with both strategic planning and operational details, combined with persistence in navigating regulatory requirements and stakeholder relationships.

What it takes

Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.

Skills that matter most

Critical ThinkingReading ComprehensionWritingSpeakingActive ListeningCoordinationJudgment and Decision MakingMonitoring

Knowledge areas

Administration and ManagementEnglish LanguageBuilding and ConstructionEngineering and TechnologyEconomics and AccountingCustomer and Personal Service

Pay by state

State25th pctMedian75th pctEmployed
Massachusetts$146,190$182,950$227,67010,630
District of Columbia$156,730$175,720$195,19018,570
California$132,000$174,560$221,56099,580
Colorado$135,790$171,140$215,44014,060
Delaware$130,670$168,060$209,1801,280
New York$124,530$167,200$221,68018,470
Virginia$138,670$166,230$195,19021,560
Rhode Island$130,150$165,900$205,840790
Washington$129,620$164,160$207,16010,490
Connecticut$119,120$162,690$201,6007,330
New Jersey$113,930$161,510$203,96030,270
Maryland$124,590$159,040$185,22017,530
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico

Certifications people in this field hold

Training

Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.

Job titles in this occupation

Related occupations

Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against wind energy development managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
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O*NET-SOC 11-9199.10 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.