Career comparison
Plumber vs. RV Technician
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Plumbers earn more at the median ($63,800 vs. $52,000), while RV technicians usually get to work faster (1–2 years of training of training). Plumbers install and repair water, drain, gas and heating piping systems to code. 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
| Plumber | RV Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $63,800 ($30.67/hr) | $52,000 ($25.00/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $44,150 – $108,420 | $36,120 – $77,960 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +6.8% (faster than average) | +9.7% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 42,000 | 2,200 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 4–5 years (paid apprenticeship) | 1–2 years of training |
| Key credential | Journeyman plumber license | RVTI Level 1–4 |
| Work setting | Plumbers work in homes, businesses, factories and construction sites. | Technicians work in shops, on lots and at campsites for mobile service.. |
What each job does
Plumber
- Read blueprints and plan pipe layouts
- Install water supply, drain, waste and vent piping
- Set and connect fixtures, water heaters and appliances
- Locate and repair leaks, clogs and broken pipes
- Test systems for pressure and leaks
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, physical work, and working independently. They sit in different fields, skilled trades & construction and mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing, but share transferable skills such as problem-solving and problem-solving.
Which should you choose?
Choose plumber if…
- I like fixing things and figuring out what’s wrong
- Dirty or messy work doesn’t bother me
- I’m comfortable working in tight spaces
Choose RV technician if…
- I like many kinds of repairs
- I like RVs and camping
- I don’t mind heights
Still torn? Take the Plumber fit quiz and the RV Technician fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, plumber or RV technician?
Plumbers earn more at the median: $63,800 versus $52,000 for RV technicians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
RV Technicians typically train faster (1–2 years of training) than plumbers (4–5 years (paid apprenticeship)).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects RV technicians to grow +9.7% from 2025–35, compared with +6.8% for plumbers.