Recreational Vehicle Service Tech Training and Jobs
Schools and Degrees
To become a recreational vehicle service tech, one needs to have a minimum of a high school diploma. A vocational training from a specialized training program or a job related course can be an added advantage. For certain jobs, one may require an associates or a bachelors degree. Those wishing to take up this profession can enroll for a major in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. This instructional program is specially beneficial for vehicle equipment repairers.
Training and Education
Education or job training for employees typically involves long-term on-the-job training. At least 6% of recreational vehicle service techs had a degree of four or more years. About 20% of workers had some college below a bachelor's degree. An estimated 74% of employees had just a high-school diploma.
Job Overview
Recreational vehicle service techs are primarily responsible for diagnosing, inspecting, and repairing different types of recreational vehicles. They may also be involved in customizing van conversions. Recreational vehicle service techs can specialize in maintaining gas, hydraulic, electrical, plumbing, or chassis systems, as well as repairing interior components, generators, and appliances.
Job Requirements
Employers generally look for candidates with some kind of formal training in vehicle servicing and repairing. Prior work experience in a similar field may prove to be beneficial in securing employment. However, this is not a mandatory requirement. In fact, most recreational vehicle service techs learn their skills while on the job.
A recreational vehicle service tech should be well versed with the mechanisms of the vehicle in order to identify and consequently rectify the problems. One needs to be able to adjust the controls of the vehicle and arrange or assemble things in accordance with a specific set of rules. The ability to understand and follow instructions, and manual dexterity are crucial for success in this profession.
In addition, thorough knowledge of methods, materials, and tools involved in the repair of different varieties of vehicles is necessary. Recreational vehicle service techs should also be well versed with the designs, uses, maintenance, and repair of the machines and tools.
Nature of Work
Recreational vehicle service techs are mostly involved in installing equipments, wiring, or machines in accordance with the specifications. They have to determine the causes of operation problems, choose the right kind of tools, and finally rectify the faults. Some may also need to conduct tests and inspect products in order to evaluate the quality and performance.
The job of recreational vehicle service techs requires a significant amount of physical fitness and manual dexterity. They often work in noisy and dirty environments, and sometimes even outdoors. Also, they may be required to work for long stretches of time in uncomfortable postures. As a result, cramps and muscle pains are the common ailments recreational vehicle service techs suffers from.
Area Job Conditions
The cities with the most recreational vehicle service techs per capita are Elkhart (Indiana), Mount Vernon (Washington), and Bend (Oregon), while the worst cities are Omaha (Nebraska), Cincinnati (Ohio), and Philadelphia (Pennsylvania).
The highest salaries for workers are in and around Las Vegas (Nevada), Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), and Minneapolis (Minnesota). The lowest-paying areas are Omaha (Nebraska), Utica (New York), and Anchorage (Alaska).
Part-Time and Self Employment
An estimated 15% of recreational vehicle service techs work part-time. An estimated 4% of workers were self-employed.
Recreational Vehicle Service Techs by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)
In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.
Arizona
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | $31,000 | 150 | +492% |
| Tucson | $34,000 | 30 | +521% |
Colorado
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Collins | $34,000 | 50 | +2844% |
Florida
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa | $45,000 | 200 | +1118% |
Indiana
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elkhart | $39,000 | 60 | +4049% |
Iowa
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport | $39,000 | 60 | +2227% |
Kentucky
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville | $35,000 | 70 | +707% |
Missouri
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | $36,000 | 70 | +380% |
| St Louis | $37,000 | 110 | +472% |
North Carolina
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winston Salem | $36,000 | 50 | +1604% |
Oklahoma
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | $35,000 | 40 | +384% |
Oregon
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eugene | $42,000 | 70 | +3549% |
| Portland | $43,000 | 100 | +581% |
Pennsylvania
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $42,000 | 60 | +118% |
Tennessee
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knoxville | $34,000 | 50 | +960% |
Texas
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corpus Christi | $31,000 | 60 | +2334% |
| Fort Worth | 130 | +947% | |
| San Antonio | $37,000 | 130 | +938% |
Washington
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle | $43,000 | 110 | +445% |