What Does an RV Technician Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does an RV technician do?

Recreational vehicle service technicians diagnose, inspect, adjust, repair or overhaul recreational vehicles, including electrical, plumbing, propane and appliance systems. The median pay is $52,000 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–2 years of training, and employment is projected to grow +9.7% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$52,000
$25.00/hour · May 2025
Job growth
+9.7%
2025–35, much faster than average
Openings per year
2,200
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS classification
Time to train
1–2 years of training
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
17,500
Employment, 2025

What RV technicians do

RV technicians fix homes on wheels. They repair 12-volt and 120-volt electrical systems, propane appliances, water and waste plumbing, slide-outs, leveling systems, roofs and generators. They work at dealerships, repair shops and mobile service businesses.

A high school diploma and long-term on-the-job training are typical; RVTI certification is common. BLS projects faster than average growth.

Typical duties

Diagnose electrical systems
Repair propane appliances
Fix plumbing and water systems
Repair slide-outs and leveling
Seal and repair roofs
Service generators
Do pre-delivery inspections

Work environment and schedule

Technicians work in shops, on lots and at campsites for mobile service.

Schedule: Full time, with a busy spring and summer.

A day in the life

8:00 AMInspect a trade-in.
9:00 AMDiagnose a dead converter.
10:30 AMFix a furnace that won’t light.
12:30 PMReseal a leaking roof.

See a full day in the life of an RV technician →

RV Technician salary

Half of RV technicians earned more than $52,000 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $36,120 for the lowest 10% to $77,960 for the top 10%.

$36,12010th$52,000Median$77,96090th

Full RV technician pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become an RV technician

Finish high school
Take RVTI Level 1
Get hired at a dealer
Earn higher levels
Specialize or go mobile

A high school diploma and long-term on-the-job training are typical.

Step-by-step guide to becoming an RV technician →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

RV electrical systems
Propane systems
Plumbing
Appliance repair
Roof sealing

People skills

Problem-solving
Customer service
Patience
Versatility

All RV technician skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Faster-than-average growth
Variety of systems
No degree needed
Mobile business option

Cons

Roof work at heights
Seasonal rush
Tight spaces
Many systems to learn

Certifications and licenses

RVTI Level 1–4: RV Technical Institute.
Propane certification: LP gas training.
Manufacturer training: Appliance brands.
NRVIA inspector: Optional.

Career path

Helper: Entry.
RV Technician: Repair.
Master Certified Technician: Top level.
Service Manager or Owner: Lead.

Learn the job before day one

Our RV Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as leak-test RV propane lines and reseal an RV roof, safety and how to land your first job.

View RV Technician training Is this career right for me?

Automotive Service Technician

Inspect, diagnose and repair cars and light trucks, including hybrids and EVs.

$50,620
6–24 months

Appliance Repair Technician

Fix washers, dryers, refrigerators and ovens in people’s homes.

$50,990
A few months to a year

Marine Mechanic

Repair and maintain boat engines, motors and onboard systems.

$57,550
1–2 years of training

Plumber

Install and repair water, drain, gas and heating piping systems to code.

$63,800
4–5 years (paid apprenticeship)

Compare: RV Technician vs. Auto Technician · RV Technician vs. Appliance Repair Technician · RV Technician vs. Marine Mechanic · RV Technician vs. Plumber

RV Technician FAQ

Is RV repair growing?

Yes, BLS projects faster than average growth.

What is RVTI?

The RV Technical Institute, which certifies technicians.

Can I work mobile?

Many technicians run mobile services.

How much does an RV technician make?

The median annual wage for RV technicians was $52,000 ($25.00 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $36,120 and the highest 10% earned more than $77,960.

How long does it take to become an RV technician?

Most people need about 1–2 years of training of training. A high school diploma and long-term on-the-job training are typical.

Do you need a degree to be an RV technician?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus long-term on-the-job training.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 49-3092 (Recreational vehicle service technicians).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Recreational vehicle service technicians (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

RV Technician