Wind energy development managers oversee projects that bring wind power to communities. You'll lead teams, solve complex problems, and make decisions that shape the energy landscape. The role requires a bachelor's degree and strong leadership skills.
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Wind energy development managers direct projects from planning through completion. You communicate with stakeholders outside your organization, evaluate whether projects meet standards and regulations, and organize work across teams. You make decisions about timelines, budgets, and technical approaches. You gather information about site conditions, engineering requirements, and market factors. You also monitor progress, write reports, and speak with supervisors and peers to keep projects on track. The work blends business strategy with technical knowledge of building and construction.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Wind Energy Development Managers earn a median of $141,900 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than average for all occupations, with about 106,700 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You'll need a bachelor's degree to enter this field. Your studies should cover administration, management, engineering, and economics. During your education, develop skills in critical thinking, reading, writing, and mathematics. Seek internships or entry-level roles in energy companies, construction management, or project coordination to build experience. Many managers start in related positions and move into development roles as they gain expertise in how wind projects work and how to lead teams through complex work.
Most paths to this career start with a bachelor's degree, so your first step is choosing the right program and building relevant experience. Use Pathly can map the wind energy development manager path that fits you to map out your education and early career moves, and work with your counselor to keep your plan aligned with your goals.
You do not need a license to work as a wind energy development manager, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You're drawn to leadership, business strategy, and making things happen. You like solving problems, influencing outcomes, and working with people to achieve ambitious goals.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).