Home Performance Resource Center

Retrofit Technician

Career Resources > Information > Retrofit Technician 

Position Overview

Retrofit Technicians are entry to mid level positions within the labor sector of the Home Performance Industry. Labor positions represent 60-75%, the majority of the jobs within the Home Performance industry. This page provides an overview of what types of tasks a retrofit technician would do, characteristics employers are looking for, salary and educational requirements, and an illustration of preferred skills for specific jobs.

To see a video profile of a Retrofit Technician click here

Tasks:

A Retrofit Technician completes entry-level work such as air sealing, duct sealing, and install insulation. A lot of this work is completed in the home’s basement, crawl space, and attic.

Key Characteristics:

  • Good attention to detail
  • Good customer service 
  • Problem-solving 
  • Able to lift 75 pounds, able to fit through minimum crawl space dimensions
  • Willing to get dirty
  • “Green” life philosophy[1]
  • Able to maneuver in tight, dark spaces
  • Able to climb ladders easily and confidently
  • Can withstand heat
  • Able to work on knees for long periods of time

Salary and Educational Requirements 

  • Salary: $14-35/hr depending on experience [2][3] 
  • Min. Education: Apprenticeship or Trade School

Retrofit Technician Profile

  Based on industry input, favored candidates for this position are more technically than socially oriented and more field than office oriented. These candidates have  entry-level experience in customer service, mid-level experience in construction, and advanced physical aptitude. The illustration below provides a diagram that highlights the desired skills and preferences of a Retrofit Technician. This illustration aligns with the self-assessment survey available here. Characteristics in this diagram are generalized for this kind of job, and are based on input from industry. 
  1. Some Home Performance companies recognize that their costumers are motivated by sustainable or green practices. Therefore, employees that embody green or sustainable practices are valued by these Home Performance companies.
  2. Green Jobs Guidebook gives the salary range $15 - $35/hr
  3. Building Performance Institute 2010 Workforce Survey gives the salary range $14 - $24/hr

Entry Level Labor Jobs in the Home Performance Industry typically are well suited for people who

  • Are more,

    • Technically than Socially oriented

    • Field than Office oriented

  • Have a

    • Low level of of experience/skill in Customer Service and sales

    • Medium level of experience/skill in construction

    • High level of physical aptitude