Career comparison
Automotive Service Technician vs. RV Technician
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
RV technicians earn more at the median ($52,000 vs. $50,620), while automotive service technicians usually get to work faster (6–24 months of training). Automotive service technicians inspect, diagnose and repair cars and light trucks, including hybrids and EVs. RV technicians repair the systems in motorhomes, campers and travel trailers.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Automotive Service Technician | RV Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $50,620 ($24.34/hr) | $52,000 ($25.00/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $34,660 – $81,790 | $36,120 – $77,960 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +5.0% (faster than average) | +9.7% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 66,200 | 2,200 |
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 6–24 months | 1–2 years of training |
| Key credential | ASE A1–A9 | RVTI Level 1–4 |
| Work setting | Technicians work in dealerships, independent repair shops, chain stores, fleet garages and government agencies. | Technicians work in shops, on lots and at campsites for mobile service.. |
What each job does
Automotive Service Technician
- Perform inspections and preventive maintenance
- Diagnose problems with scan tools and test equipment
- Repair brakes, steering, suspension and drivetrain components
- Repair engines and electrical systems
- Service heating and air-conditioning systems
RV Technician
- Diagnose electrical systems
- Repair propane appliances
- Fix plumbing and water systems
- Repair slide-outs and leveling
- Seal and repair roofs
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, problem-solving, working independently, and in-demand. Both are part of the mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose automotive service technician if…
- I enjoy working on cars
- I like diagnosing problems with tools and data
- I’m comfortable explaining technical problems simply
Choose RV technician if…
- I like many kinds of repairs
- I like RVs and camping
- I don’t mind heights
Still torn? Take the Automotive Service Technician fit quiz and the RV Technician fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, automotive service technician or RV technician?
RV Technicians earn more at the median: $52,000 versus $50,620 for automotive service technicians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Automotive Service Technicians typically train faster (6–24 months) than RV technicians (1–2 years of training).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects RV technicians to grow +9.7% from 2025–35, compared with +5.0% for automotive service technicians.