Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians Salary Guide 2025: $52,000 Median

How much Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians earn

The median annual wage for the occupation is $52,000. Half of all techs earn between $36,120 and $77,960 — that's the middle 80% range to give you a realistic sense of the spread. Experienced techs with certifications in propane systems, air conditioning, or chassis repair often pull the higher numbers. The mean (average) salary is $56,440, pushed up by the higher earners.

Employers often pay by the job or offer bonuses for flat-rate work, so hours and efficiency directly affect take-home pay. The typical full-time schedule is 40 hours a week, but seasonal demand can push overtime in spring and summer.

• Entry-level (10th percentile): $36,120
• Median: $52,000
• Experienced (90th percentile): $77,960

Pay by state

Where you work matters a lot. The highest-paying state for RV technicians is California, with a mean annual wage of $68,240. Nevada is close behind at $65,200, followed by New Hampshire ($62,090), North Carolina ($62,000), and Massachusetts ($61,470). These states tend to have higher costs of living, but the pay premium is substantial.

On the low end, Virginia pays a mean of $41,280, South Dakota $39,820, and West Virginia $35,920. That's around $17 to $20 an hour. If you're willing to relocate, the gap between highest and lowest states exceeds $30,000 a year.

• Top 5 states: CA ($68,240), NV ($65,200), NH ($62,090), NC ($62,000), MA ($61,470)
• Lowest 3 states: VA ($41,280), SD ($39,820), WV ($35,920)

How to become Recreational Vehicle Service Technician

Most techs learn on the job, starting as helpers or at dealership service centers. You don't need a college degree, but a high school diploma or GED is typical. The most efficient path is through a formal training program — many community colleges and trade schools offer certificate or associate degree programs in RV technology. The RV Technical Institute, for example, provides a structured curriculum covering AC/DC electrical, plumbing, LP gas, and appliance repair.

Certification matters if you want to advance to the higher-paying jobs. The RV Technical Institute's Master Certified Technician designation is the industry gold standard. It requires passing a series of 16 skill-area exams. Many employers cover the cost of certification. Licensing may also be required for LP gas work (check your state).

Realistic entry: start as an apprentice or trainee at a dealership, earn while you learn. Expect 6 to 12 months of supervised work before you're handling complex repairs alone.

• Step 1: Earn high school diploma or GED
• Step 2: Complete a vocational training program (6-12 months)
• Step 3: Get hired as an apprentice or entry-level tech
• Step 4: Pursue RV Technical Institute certifications (Master Certified recommended)
• Step 5: Obtain state-specific LP gas license if required

Job outlook

Employment of RV service technicians is projected to grow 11.5% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 2,800 openings each year, largely from retirements and the need to replace workers who move on. The current workforce numbers about 17,430 techs nationwide.

The driver is simple: more RVs on the road. RV shipments have boomed since the pandemic, and those rigs need service. Dealerships and repair chains are struggling to find qualified techs, which means strong bargaining power for those who get trained. The demand is particularly high in states with strong RV culture — Texas, Florida, and the Midwest.

Frequently asked questions