Discover how to become an RV tech and why this skilled trade is booming in 2025 and beyond.Andrew Brown sits down with Curtis Hemmeler from the RV Technical Institute to explore the RV technician career path, certification options, wages, and why this trade offers long-term opportunity for career changers, high schoolers, and women entering the trades.
With over 8 million RVs on the road and fewer than 1,000 certified dealerships, there’s an urgent need for skilled workers. Curtis explains the RV technician career path, how it compares to traditional trades like HVAC, plumbing, and electricians, and why it’s a high-paying, sustainable option for anyone exploring trades careers—from high schoolers to career changers. Whether you’re passionate about craftsmanship, problem-solving, or exploring new industries, this is a must-listen.
IN THIS EPISODE:
(00:00) – Introduction to the RV industry & the tech shortage
(04:00) – The RV technician career path: Level 1 to Master Tech
(11:30) – Women in skilled trades & RVWA
(20:45) – How much do RV techs make? Salary breakdowns
(33:00) – Mobile tech vs. dealership work
(42:00) – Changing the narrative: PR problems in the skilled trades
Key Takeaways:
The RV technician career path offers multiple levels of certification, starting with just 40 hours of training and potential earnings of $45K to $100K+ per year.
There are fewer than 1,000 certified dealerships to service over 8 million RVs creating massive demand for certified technicians.
Women, career changers, and even those with zero experience can find fulfilling careers through RV Technical Institute training.
The trades industry whether carpentry, millwrights, construction, or RV techs—is rooted in problem-solving, creativity, and long-term sustainability, with increasing emphasis on advocacy and public awareness.
About the Guest:
Curtis Hemmeler is the Executive Director of the RV Technical Institute, a $10M nonprofit school created by the RV industry to solve the shortage of certified technicians. With over 22,000 people having completed or started training under his leadership, Curtis is leading the charge in modernizing technical training, advocating for tradespeople, and promoting trades careers as a respectable, high-income, and sustainable path. He’s a veteran, educator, and passionate voice in the skilled trades movement.
Keywords:
RV technician career path, RV Technical Institute training, How to become an RV tech, RV technician salary 2025, Women in skilled trades, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Andrew Brown, Curtis Hemmeler, Toolfetch, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-solving, Creativity, Tradespeople, Advocacy, Trades Careers, Industry Experts, Contractors, Education, Skilled Trades Advisory Council
Resource Links:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curt-hemmeler/
- Website: https://www.rvti.org/
