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Recreational Vehicle Service Techs 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.

Recreational Vehicle Service Techs 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.

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.

Recreational Vehicle Service Techs Jobs and Outlook

As per the records of 2007, approximately 14,030 people were employed as recreational vehicle service techs in the US. The highest levels of employment are in the following industries:

• Automobile Dealers
• Automotive Equipment Rental and Leasing
• Automotive Repair and Maintenance
• Motor Vehicle Body and Trailer Manufacturing
• Other Motor Vehicle Dealers

The mean hourly wage for recreational vehicle service techs in the US is about $16.19, while the average annual earnings are around $33,670. Employment in this sector is expected to increase by 18.17% in the next ten years.

Job Numbers and Growth

There were about 14,000 recreational vehicle service techs across the US in 2008. Unemployment for workers was considered very high in the recent past, relative to other occupations. The percentage of employees unemployed in 2008 was 8%.

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).

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. Recommended schools are shown in the column to the right; request information from them to help you decide which if any could help you with this career.

Part-Time Work 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.

Alaska

California

Colorado

Florida

Indiana

Kansas

Kentucky

Maryland

Minnesota

Mississippi

Nebraska

Nevada

New Mexico

New York

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Washington