Workamper FAQ

What is Workamping?

There are a few misconceptions about who Workampers are and what Workamping is. The most common misconceptions are that Workampers are retirees who work in campgrounds, and that Workamping means just trading work for a place to park an RV.

First, not all Workampers are retired. In fact, less than half of all Workampers consider themselves retired. With the median age being 53, it is obvious that the majority of Workampers are not drawing a pension and cannot subsist on rent-free camping alone. Secondly, Workamping includes any activity that involves the exchange of man/woman hours for anything of value.

While you won’t find the word Workamper in Webster’s dictionary, you will find it in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The official definition goes as follows: Workampers are adventuresome individuals and couples who have chosen a wonderful lifestyle that combines any kind of part-time or full-time work with RV camping. “WorkCamper” with a “C”, also our registered trademark and is just another way of spelling this unique term.

The definition says nothing about “retirement” or “campgrounds”. If you eat and sleep in an RV and you conduct any activity in exchange for anything of value, you are a Workamper! While this definition could technically include such wide-ranging occupations as construction workers and race-car drivers, you probably won’t hear Dale Earnhart, Jr. referred to as a Workamper! When we use the word Workamper, we are realistically referring to people whose activities relate primarily to the outdoor hospitality industry.

Regular readers of Workamper News know that the majority of Workampers share their talent and experience in campgrounds, resorts, guest ranches, theme parks, marinas, wildlife preserves, plus state, national and regional parks and forests. However, many other Workampers choose less traveled paths to Workamping bliss, via less stationary jobs such as utility inspectors, field reps, carnival/circus crew members, ad sales, NASCAR ushers, souvenir vendors, etc., etc., etc. And yet, other Workampers operate businesses on wheels, such as flea market/craft vendors, cell phone/satellite sales, mobile food service, mobile RV repair/service, you-name-it. Some Workampers are in the enviable position of managing their business back home, via cell phones and the internet, while they are traveling. Literally any kind of business can and is being conducted from the road.

Bottomline: Workamping can be anything you want it to be. The following list of job titles is a sampling of job titles pulled from past issues of Workamper News magazine and Workamper.com. Maybe you’ll see something that intrigues you. If not, use your imagination, and consider taking advantage of tools available to members like Situations Wanted ads and Awesome Applicants™ to find the job that fits your particular needs.

Campgrounds & RV Parks (commercial & government): Activity Director/Entertainer, Camp Host, Assistant Manager, Manager, Off-season Caretaker, Maintenance Supervisor, Relief Manager, Membership Sales, Naturalist/Interpreter, Contract Gate Attendant, Volunteer Park Attendant.

Theme Parks/Amusement Parks/Tourist Attractions/Circuses/Carnivals: Retail Sales, Ride Operator, Tram Driver, Security, Food Service, Ticket Office, Actor/Performer, Musician, Groundskeeper, Petting Zoo Attendant.

Dude Ranches/Outdoor Outfitters/Lodges/Cabins/Motels/Retreats: River Guide, Canoe Livery Driver, Wrangler, Cooks, Food Service, Housekeeper, Reservations/Front Desk, Housekeeping Supervisor, Off-season Caretaker, Grounds Supervisor, Livestock Tender.

Motorsports: Usher, Ticket Stubber, Parking Attendant, Security, Concessions, Souvenir Sales, Campground Attendant.

Business & Income Opportunities: RV park snack bar for lease, Campgrounds For Sale/Lease, Map Sales, Souvenir/Award Sales, Power Tool Distributor, Aerial Photo Sales, Forwarding/Message Service Sales.

Career Opportunities: Association Director of Education, General Manager, Operations Manager, Park Management Team, Assistant Manager.

Other: RV Delivery Driver, Utility Inspector, Campground Inspector, Park Map Sales, Field Rep, Kiosk Sales, Gift Shop clerk, Golf Course Attendant, Tour Guide, Association Director of Education, RV Technician, RV Sales, Estate/Property Sitter, Airport Attendant, Fullfilment Center Associate.

Who are Workampers?

Workampers are folks of all ages and from all walks of life who do all kinds of work while traveling in their RVs. (Some employers provide housing for those who do not have an RV.) Some Workampers are part-time RVers and some are full-time RVers. Some volunteer their services for government agencies and non-profit organizations, while the majority work for businesses of all sizes, from small "mom & pop's" to huge corporations. Many exchange a set number of hours for a site plus hookups and other perks, while others work for hourly wages or salaries. Some work for a combination of site plus wages. Some Workampers operate their own businesses. Some work part-time and some work full-time. Some work seasonally and some work year-round. Some Workamp primarily for the enjoyment of being active and productive, while others are motivated primarily by the income and benefits. Some look at Workamping as a one-time adventure, while others embrace it as an exciting new lifestyle—either way, they choose from thousands of great jobs in great places!

What is the number-one advantage of the Workamper lifestyle?

Freedom of Place—that is being able to go wherever you want and stay as long as you want because of your Workamper income and perks.

For instance, it takes months to fully explore places like Yellowstone Park, yet due to the high cost of living and campground stay limits, the average visit lasts only a few days. Workampers who spend the entire summer in Yellowstone leave knowing the park as well as the locals! Freedom of Place also means warm winters, cool summers, time with the grandkids, time away from the grandkids and a million other enticing benefits!

What kinds of positions are available?

You name it! The answer to this question changes daily, as new and exciting opportunities come in from all kinds of employers. Some of the more common positions are camp hosts, park managers, activities directors, grounds keepers, maintenance workers, caretakers and site-sitters. We also have calls for artists, musicians, tram and shuttle bus drivers, RV delivery drivers, field reps, cooks, tour guides, park rangers, sales people, RV technicians and utility inspectors. In addition we always have various openings at theme parks, canoe/kayak outfitters, golf courses, motorsports venues, circuses/carnivals, hunting & fishing camps, guest ranches, marinas, museums, gift shops, lodges, ski resorts, wildlife refuges and youth camps. Occasionally, we have calls for actors for wild west shows, tail-gunners for RV caravans, chuckwagon cooks, pumpkin lot and Christmas tree lot managers and a host of other unique positions.

How much do these jobs pay?

Compensation is as varied as the jobs. It can range from exchanges of an RV site or housing—plus utilities and perks for many of the seasonal jobs—to competitive salaries plus health insurance, retirement, etc. for full-time, career positions. In order to be competitive, employers of temporary or seasonal workers are currently offering compensation packages (wages + benefits) ranging from $7 to $27 per hour. Jobs that include managerial or supervisory responsibilities, or require formal education and/or certification, should pay towards the higher end of this range, or even higher.

Keep in mind that Workamping involves any kind of work performed while residing in an RV. Many Workampers work in jobs unrelated to the outdoor hospitality industry. Some simply choose to continue their current vocation or business while enjoying the Workamper lifestyle. In these situations, you can expect to make at least as much as you are currently earning. In cases where on-site camping is not available, some employers will often assist in finding an RV site or housing for you, provide you with a housing stipend, or you may simply be on your own to find a local RV site.

Are there plenty of jobs available?

Yes! Opportunities come into the Workamper News system daily!

How many hours should a Workamper be expected to work for a site plus hookup?

It is difficult to use the word “typical” when describing any Workamper jobs, including those in campgrounds, because the duties and working conditions can vary so much. Workamper jobs in commercial campgrounds can include hosts, activity directors, maintenance, housekeeping, managers, assistant managers, caretakers, etc. In smaller parks, the host or manager typically wears all of these “hats." Location also plays a big factor.

In situations where the Workamper may be responsible for operating the facility for an absentee owner/manager, the compensation should be increased accordingly. In situations where the Workamper has very light/minimal duties or responsibilities, the compensation may reflect that.

The average exchange is 15 to 20 hours per week for a FHU site. This results in an actual "hourly wage" of $7 to $20 per hour, depending on the value of the site, hookups, perks, etc. The majority of Workamping positions offer full hookup site plus at least minimum wage for all hours worked (or a salary), while other times Workampers work a specific number of hours in exchange for RV site/perks plus receive at least minimum wage for any additional hours. Current federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour; state minimums vary.

When considering jobs that involve exchanges of hours worked for an RV site, hookups, etc., we recommend that Workampers use the following formula to determine if the exchange meets individual needs:

The value of the site (monthly or seasonal rate) + hookups + perks + any wages/salary divided by the number of hours worked per month = equivalent hourly wage.

The difficult part of this formula can be calculating the value of the perks. Often, the Workamper won't know what perks are included until communicating with the Employer. Some perks may not have a specific dollar value. On average, 20% of Employers offer a bonus as well.

Bottom line: It is up to each Workamper to be selective and to only accept jobs that offer a compensation package that suits his/her needs.

When an ad says “15 hours per week,” does that mean per person or per couple?

If the ad specifically states that they are seeking a couple, they probably want a combined total of 15 hours per week, usually 7.5 hours each. However you should always clarify this point before accepting a job. We also recommend that you also ask for a written work agreement to further clarify hours, compensation, duties, etc. If the ad is not specific about singles or couples, they are probably open to either, so long as they work the total number of hours specified.

Will my Workamper earnings affect my social security benefits?

This question is best answered by your accountant, and can also depend on how the compensation you receive from a Workamping job is reported (or not reported).

The following is an excerpt from the Social Security Administration’s website:

"When you begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits, you are considered retired for our purposes. You can get Social Security retirement or survivors benefits and work at the same time. However, there is a limit to how much you can earn and still receive full benefits.

If you are younger than full retirement age and earn more than the yearly earnings limit, we may reduce your benefit amount. If you are under full retirement age for the entire year, we deduct $1 from your benefit payments for every $2 you earn above the annual limit. For 2023, that limit is $21,240.

In the year you reach full retirement age, we deduct $1 in benefits for every $3 you earn above a different limit. In 2023, this limit on your earnings is $56,520. We only count your earnings up to the month before you reach your full retirement age, not your earnings for the entire year.

When you reach full retirement age: 1. Beginning with the month you reach full retirement age, your earnings no longer reduce your benefits, no matter how much you earn. 2. We will recalculate your benefit amount to give you credit for the months we reduced or withheld benefits due to your excess earnings."

What kind, length or age of RV do I need to take Workamping jobs?

Short answer: You need to acquire the age, type and length of RV that meets your needs - your budget, your travel style, your physical capabilities, and your living preferences.

Longer answer: There is no "right RV" for Workamping. You will be able to find an opportunity that will welcome you and your home-on-wheels. Most Employers anticipate that a Workamper will be arriving in a hard-sided RV (motorhome or trailer) that can handle the weather and environment of the location - where you can manage things like cooking for yourself and maintaining your hygiene.

Age will matter at some RV parks - if they have a 10-year rule for their customers, they may also enforce it with their Workampers. If you have an older unit, but it has been restored or maintained, often times just sending photos of your RV for prior approval will suffice.

The length of your RV may be a factor in some types of Workamper jobs. For example, some government-operated campgrounds have smaller RV sites (like 30' or less), and some national parks have too low of bridges or length-limits for the roads within their park. Just be sure to get the details on the size of the RV site and route there before accepting a position with an Employer. Some Employers have separate camping areas for their Workampers, and these RV sites may be larger than the sites available to camping guests.

Having an unconventional rig (like a tent, pop up, converted box truck, school bus, or car) will limit your opportunities, especially in commercial RV parks. However, there are plenty of opportunities for Workampers in which the type of RV does not matter. Even if you are interested only in RV parks, not all owners and managers are closed-minded on this subject. Also, in some cases, housing (like an apartment, cabin, mobile home, or dormitory) is provided.

When a Workamper is given an RV site as part of their employment is the value of the site taxable?

In general, a site provided as part of your employment should not be taxable. This is especially true for many workamping positions that might be located in a more remote area.

The IRS (IRC 1.119) allows for the exclusion of the value of employer furnished lodging as long as the lodging:

Is furnished on the business premises of the employer
Is furnished for the convenience of the employer
Is a condition of employment

If you receive a W2 as an employee, that is the only income you need to report. If you have a contractor relationship as a workamper, then you report the income from the 1099-NEC on a Schedule C.

It’s important to ask your employer during the interview process regarding all compensation including perks like a free campsite. That way you are aware before accepting a position what will be reported as income to you for tax time.

My domicile is a state with no income tax. If I work in a state that does have income tax, would I owe taxes to that state?

If you physically work in another state and receive a W2, then you need to file a tax return for that state and possibly owe taxes to that state.

For example, you work over the summer camp hosting in Colorado and receive a weekly paycheck. You’ll get a W2 from your employer and will need to file a Colorado state income tax return. Depending on how much was withheld for taxes and how much you earned will determine if you owe more taxes or will receive a refund.

What kind of volunteer opportunities are available?

Hundreds of national, state/provincial and county agencies and non-profit organizations recruit volunteers through Workamper News. These include the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and nearly every state park agency.

The most common volunteer positions are campground hosts, followed by interpreters, guides, visitor center attendants, wildlife observers and caretakers.

Benefits for volunteer positions can include an RV site or housing, stipends, transportation, utilities, propane, uniforms and training. In addition, volunteers for federal agencies are covered by Federal Worker's Compensation Insurance and by the Federal Tort Claims Act. Hours range from 10 to 30 per week.

Commitments can range from 1 to 6 months, with the most common being 3 months. Visit the Volunteer section under Job Resources to read about some volunteer experiences and review available positions.

It seems most Workamper jobs are for couples—what about solos?

We feel this is a common misconception. For instance, in an issue of Workamper News jobs magazine, there were a total of 200 "help wanted" ads, representing several thousand job openings. Only 18% of those ads mentioned couples only. On average, when searching the latest job listings on the Hotline Jobs website page, 75-85% of the opportunities indicate "solos are considered."

The type of employers that typically advertise “couples only” are commercial campgrounds and RV parks. They prefer couples because they get two Workampers for one RV site. Parks that frequently fill to capacity are sacrificing revenue for every site occupied by Workampers.

Another point to keep in mind is that singles often land jobs that were advertised for couples by being a little more creative and persistent. If you can do the work of two part-time workers, do not hesitate to contact the employer and sell yourself!

We also have employers that do all of their recruiting by searching our Awesome Applicants Resume Database - they never advertise. So the ads that you see are not a total representation of the opportunities available.

We have known many wonderful solo Workampers and have featured them on our website, podcast, and in pages of our magazine. If you are a Diamond or Platinum member, review the Online Magazine archive. Not only is it a huge database of help wanted ads, but you’ll find many helpful and inspiring stories. Especially check out the Nov/Dec 2020 and March/April 2018 issue as employers that told us they hire solos have their ads colored blue.

Can Canadians and other non-U.S. citizens Workamp in the U.S.?

You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to volunteer for most non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross, etc. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers accepts volunteer applications from legal aliens.

Citizens of countries other than the U.S., who reside outside the U.S. are eligible to participate in Federal sponsored volunteer programs only if they are accepted for one of the Exchange Visitor Program categories through a designated sponsoring organization that is certified by the U.S. Department of State - see: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/exchange.html. Both the U.S. National Park Service - see: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/internationalcooperation/ivip.htm and the U.S. Forest Service have international programs - see: https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/international-visitor-program For more information refer to the U.S. Customs and Immigration Service which is part of the Department of Home Land Security -- See: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis.

To be legally "employed" by a for-profit business (regardless of whether you are paid in wages or services/materials) you will need a temporary work visa, which is very difficult to obtain for these types of positions. For more information, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at www.uscis.gov. Canadiansinusa.com is another helpful resource.

Can Americans and other non-Canadian citizens Workamp in Canada?

In Canada, as in many countries, the government has protective rules regarding employment. The guiding principle in Canada, basically stated is: "Employment of foreign workers will not have an adverse effect on employment opportunities for Canadian citizens and permanent residents."

To this end an employment authorization/validation (EA) program has been established. This entails a fairly involved process, but in essence requires the employer to show why he/she cannot find a Canadian to fill the position. Validation must be obtained before coming into Canada. You can look on the Canadian Citizenship and Immigration website at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/index.asp for all the details.

There is good news, however, in that some forms of employment are exempt from this need for validation. There are two exemptions in particular that interest us: 1) "to engage in approved educational, research and scientific projects” and 2) “to permit workers to engage in volunteer projects." These types of employment are negotiated directly with the potential employer.

What kind of resume should I use?

We recommend our own online resume service called Awesome Applicants®. If you choose a conventional resume, keep it simple: it is not necessary, nor desirable, to use a detailed resume. A one-page resume written with Workamping in mind is much more effective. Information on preparing a resume (with examples) can be found in numerous articles in the Article Library.

What do Workampers do about health insurance?

There are some Workamper jobs that include insurance, but not many. The health insurance arena in the U.S. today is ever-changing, and here are a few resources to assist you.

Some Workampers who are not self-insured, on Medicare, or still covered by a former employer, will seek out some sort of group coverage through membership in an organization. Group coverage is usually, but not always, cheaper than an individual policy. Also, even if you find an affordable plan, there is the problem that your rates can go up at any time. This makes it extremely difficult for a prospective Workamper to plan a budget.

Check out the Healthy Nomads program, created by our friend Kyle Henson of Nomad Insurance.

Being in multiple RVer/Workamper groups on Facebook, here are some posts we've compiled from when other RVers posed a question about health insurance. These are postings from folks on Facebook…so we can’t speak to the validity, but they may prove helpful for you.

"Check eHealthInsurance, they found us affordable policies." (We googled this – www.ehealthinsurance.com is their website and phone is 844-229-4337.)

"We use Liberty Health Share." (Again, we googled. www.libertyhealthshare.org is their website and phone is 855-585-4237. https://mychristiancare.org/ is another one that was mentioned.)

"Find a health insurance broker in your state. They are not affiliated with any insurance companies and should give you the straight answer on how much insurance will be for your age, state, and income."

And then someone else replied with – "HealthMarkets" and a link to http://www.healthmarkets.com/ - 800-827-9990.

Insurance with Dealora - www.insurancewithdealora.com

Do employers have to cover me under Workers Compensation? Should I ask if I'll be covered?

Well, the answers are "maybe" and "yes" -- in that order. Except as noted below, Workers Compensation is the law, and there's no way around it: Employers must provide workers compensation for their employees. Workers compensation pays for medical expenses from on-the-job accidents and work-related illnesses. However, you should check with the applicable state's labor department for its definition of an "employee." It can include a full-time, 40-hour-per-week person, as well as someone who works three hours a week every week, and it may not include all categories of employees in some states (such as those who do not work for wages but receive a site in exchange for their labor).

An employer's Workers Compensation policy may pay medical benefits, disability income benefits, rehabilitation benefits, and death benefits. It may also use a managed care program in which employees who are hurt on the job or become ill must see a doctor in the insurance company's network.

Because Workers Comp insurance can be costly for small businesses, laws enacted in the late 1980s allow the use of "preferred providers" to curb medical care costs, a faster back-to-work process, increased emphasis on fraud detection, and better price competition among Workers Comp insurers. Each state has its own Workers Comp requirements that employers must comply with, including a menu of illnesses and injuries that qualify as a Workers Comp claim. It also mandates the level of benefits that must be provided to employees. These rules will typically address the amount of medical coverage that must be provided for each employee and the percentage of the employees' salary that must be paid.

Workers Comp policies will typically provide basic coverage for accident and illness, as well as coverage for legal fees for lawsuits filed by employees for job-related injuries. Some states also mandate a death benefit and financial support to dependents. As you can see, the considerations involved are complex and vary by state. I would recommend everybody ask every employer as they change jobs. The adage "Better safe than sorry" was never more apropos.

[NOTE: Texas is the only state that still allows private employers to choose whether or not to maintain workers' compensation insurance. Employers who choose not to maintain coverage must notify the Commission and their employees that they do not intend to maintain workers' compensation insurance.]

Where do we get training for jobs in campgrounds and RV parks?

Most employers are willing to train their Workampers. However, if you are interested in a career, you might want to consider formal training. Check out the Different Kinds of Training for Workampers article in the Article Index.

Is there a "Workamper Glossary" of frequently used terms and abbreviations?

Please see the Workamper Glossary.

How do I find info on a specific Employer?

To do a search for a specific employer or state, here are five things you can do:

View the online issue of Workamper News magazine. Login to workamper.com and go to the Online Magazine page. Click on the cover to open the PDF version of the magazine. If you're viewing the PDF on a laptop/desktop, hit Ctrl key then "F" key to bring up the search box. Type in a specific state or keyword you'd like to find. Any PDF viewer will have a search function, it just might be located in a different spot within the program.
Hotline. The ads are organized by state so you can easily scroll through and scan for what you're looking for. Save the Hotline ads that you receive by email into a folder and you can then search back through them later using the search function in your email program. On the Hotline Jobs website page*, you can see the last 14 day's listings and use the options at the top to sort and search them.
*Praise Your Employer. Find out if other Workampers have had a positive experience with XYZ Employer. Click on the Praise Your Employer button on your Dashboard. You can search for a specific employer by typing the name in the search box and then clicking the Search button next to it. If you find the employer has stars, you can click on the stars to get the email address of the star poster and email them if you have any specific questions.
*Workamper Experience Reviews. This tool allows for Workampers to provide feedback about their experiences working for particular employers. Then, when you are looking for information on an employer, you can search the Workamper Experience reviews to see if there is any info that's been posted. The posts can be positive, negative, warning, or just looking for or providing additional information.
*Member Map. Search for the city that the job you are considering is in. See if any Workampers are there now. Click on a Workamper's pin to see their info and contact them to see if they happen to be working for the Employer you are currently researching.

*Requires Workamper Diamond or Platinum membership.

Why don't some employers acknowledge us when we respond to their help wanted ads?

We understand your frustration. Responding in a timely manner is something we constantly work on with both Workampers and employers.

We mention the importance of responding to all Workamper inquiries in our correspondence to employers, but there are still some employers who do not do a very good job in this area.

However, in some cases the employer may simply receive more responses than expected, and be slow in responding to everyone. If you do not receive a response in a timely manner, we suggest that you try a follow-up email or phone call.

Do I have to pay a fee to apply to a Workamper job?

No, you should not have to pay a fee to apply to or accept a Workamping job. If an Employer is requiring a fee or deposit to go through their application process or to accept or "hold" a job for you - we would recommend that you really do your due diligence on that Employer to ensure it is a legitimate company, or seek an opportunity elsewhere.

If you are reading this because you are wondering why there is a fee for accessing certain benefits and tools of Workamper.com, that is also a great question!

We are the original and only professional membership organization in this industry. We are much more than just a job-listings website. But, just on that note alone, we offer our members...

The most current job listings (easily see when it was posted).
The largest quantity of job listings for RVers.
Worry-free listings because Employers have paid for the ads and we review them before members ever see them.
Consistency with the ad listings - no guessing as to which state it's in, etc.
A link with the ad to any reviews written by Workampers about that Employer.
A link to any additional info an Employer has provided to help learn more about them.
Complete ad text emailed right to our member's inbox; no hunting around a website to see the details.
Customize the ads emailed to them by state preference.
An easy-to-use website not filled with confusing click-bait banners and affiliate pushes.

The jobs are not all we are about! We offer a step by step Resume Builder, which takes the hassle out of creating a resume that includes the info Employers want to know. And we house those resumes securely. Only our paid Employer members can access our resume database.

Plus - tracking! When a member emails their resume to an Employer, our Resume Builder keeps track of who and when. It can be overwhelming keeping up with all that information, so we do that for them! There's also a view counter, so a Workamper can see how many times their resume has been looked at.

Many Employers never advertise their open positions and find all of their Workampers via our resume database. A Workamper member's resume is working for them 24/7!

When considering this lifestyle for their future, it's easy for a dreamer to feel overwhelmed and not sure where to even start. We are here to help remove the fear! We offer a huge library of educational videos, articles, online courses and podcasts to help a Workamper prepare for the lifestyle and then live it successfully!

Something else that sets us apart is that we offer a support team! Our small crew is in office Monday - Friday, 8am-4:30pm CT and are available to assist our Workampers with questions on the lifestyle and utilizing our membership tools.

Workampers who take this lifestyle seriously utilize our toolkit to make their Workamper job-finding easier. Many Employers have told us that they prefer to only hire Workamper News yearly members because they see our members as more dedicated, quality candidates.

We are very passionate about helping people get to live their dream of traveling America in an RV. We believe we offer a very unique service with an incredibly robust website that offers so much more than anyone else in the industry.

We look forward to helping you too! Please feel free to contact us and we can go over more of the tools and benefits that are available to our members.

How do I find remote work (a job I can do anywhere from my RV)?

Workamping is doing any kind of part-time or full-time work while living in an RV, so this definition does include remote-work (jobs that can be done from your RV, anywhere you go as long as you have an Internet connection). But, most opportunities advertised to the Workamping community are on-location, in-person jobs. That's just been the nature of this industry since we started it back in 1987.

We do have some Employer members who offer positions that can be done anywhere. You will find these listings in the "Multiple Locations" section of our job listing avenues like the Hotline and our Online Magazine. These opportunities will not include an RV site as part of the compensation, and often the Workamper will be working as an independent contractor (operating as a small business can provide tax benefits!).

One trusted source for generating income on the road is the book, Income Anywhere - by Workampers Rene Agredano & Jim Nelson of Live Work Dream

And here are some resources to help you further your search for remote-work opportunities according to Google:

Does an Employer have to pay a Workamper minimum wage?

The answer depends on multiple factors. There are federal guidelines, plus each state has its own guidelines on minimum wage. Some counties and cities will have their own guidelines as well.

One of the main factors is if the Workamper will be considered a W-2 employee or an independent contractor.

According to the U.S. Dept of Labor, "The minimum wage law (the Fair Labor Standards Act) applies to employees of enterprises that have annual gross volume of sales or business done of at least $500,000. It also applies to employees of smaller firms if the employees are engaged in interstate commerce or in the production of goods for commerce, such as employees who work in transportation or communications or who regularly use the mails or telephones for interstate communications. Other persons, such as guards, janitors, and maintenance employees who perform duties which are closely related and directly essential to such interstate activities are also covered by the FLSA. It also applies to employees of federal, state or local government agencies, hospitals and schools, and it generally applies to domestic workers."

According to nolo.com, workers that are exempt from the Federal Minimum Wage are:

- independent contractors (only employees are entitled to the minimum wage)
- outside salespeople (a salesperson who works a route, for example)
- workers on small farms
- employees of seasonal amusement or recreational businesses
- employees of local newspapers having a circulation of less than 4,000
- newspaper deliverers
- apprentices, students, and learners, as defined by federal law

This U.S. Dept of Labor website page has more details on exemptions.

The nolo.com article goes on to say that, "Even if your business or your employees are exempt from the federal minimum wage law, they might still be covered under your state or local law."

The U.S. Dept of Labor says, "Where an employee is subject to both the state and federal minimum wage laws, the employee is entitled to the higher minimum wage rate."

Regarding Employees who receive tips, the U.S. Dept of Labor says, "An employer may pay a tipped employee not less than $2.13 an hour in direct wages if that amount plus the tips received equal at least the federal minimum wage, the employee retains all tips and the employee customarily and regularly receives more than $30 a month in tips. If an employee's tips combined with the employer's direct wages of at least $2.13 an hour do not equal the federal minimum hourly wage, the employer must make up the difference."

For more info:

U.S. Dept of Labor Q&As about minimum wage
U.S. Dept of Labor - State Minimum Wage Laws

Further details and questions are best answered by your attorney, accountant, or staff at the Department of Labor for the state the job is in.

Can I Workamp with my family (kids)?

Yes! There are more and more families each day embarking on the RV lifestyle. If you're not taking your "career" on the road, taking what can be considered as 'typical' Workamping jobs (like what's seen in WKN) can help support your adventure!

You may have a bit more of a challenge finding a Workamping position, but there are many Employer operations that are open to families. The biggest question most Employers will have is, "Who will take care of/monitor the kids while the parent(s) are at work?" Some operations will allow your kid(s) to help with your work duties, or do their own special duties, but some will not. It may be based on what type of liability insurance and regulations the Employer operation has to follow.

When creating your resume, we recommend mentioning your family - everyone (and pets too!) who travels in your RV with you and would be coming with you to the Employer operation. Include a photo of your family and your RV setup as well.

If you encounter hurdles with finding Workamping positions - consider looking outside of the usual campground/RV resort. Opportunities where the provided RV site is not "on site" or in the same area as customer RVs may warrant more flexibility.

Here are some resources that may assist your family with transition to and living the RV lifestyle -

www.FulltimeFamilies.com

Recorded webinar with two Workamping families

www.FamiliesOnTheRoad.com

I'm new to Workamping. Will it be hard to find a job with no experience?

Not likely. When the majority of Workampers entered the lifestyle, they didn't have experience working the type of job they took first.

Think about any previous work you've done or jobs you've had, things you participated in, groups you joined, hobbies you had, houses/property/RVs you've taken care of - it's likely you have skills you gained from your life experience that would apply to a Workamping position you are applying for. Did you maintain a house, take care of the yard, fix stuff that broke, etc? You have some maintenance skills. Did you keep track of yours and your kids' schedules successfully, organize your mail, track your finances, etc? You have some organizational skills. Did you communicate with customers in your previous job(s) or participate in parent groups/church groups/volunteer groups? Then you probably have some people skills or customer service experience. Etc. Etc. Just because you didn't get "paid" for it, doesn't mean you didn't acquire some skills/experience that you have and can use for future endeavors.

Most employers are willing to train, and understand you may be recently coming out of an industry that's totally different from theirs. Often they are just looking for folks with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and do the job to the best of his/her ability, and have some flexibility. Make sure the employer takes the time with you to layout their expectations so you fully understand the job, duties, etc. and can then make the best determination on if it will be right for you.

How do RVers handle their mail?

There are a few different avenues that RVers will utilize.

One is having a family member or friend receive your mail and send it to you. We do not recommend this avenue as it puts the onus on them.

The USPS has forwarding options. You can do a temporary change of address or utilize their forwarding service.

Probably the most-preferred option is a mail forwarding service. We have compiled some options on our Recommended Resources page. These services receive your mail for you. With some, you can review scans of the mail. They will trash certain types of mail for you. They will send your mail at regular intervals or just when you request it.

We have a video providing the details on how a mail forwarding service works in the General RVing section of our Media Library for our Gold, Diamond & Platinum members.

We also go into detail on how RVers handle their mail in our Dreamer's Journey online course - www.rvdreamersjourney.com If you are new to, or haven't starting RVing/Workamping yet, this course will answer questions and prepare you for success in this wonderful lifestyle.

Can I Workamp if I’m disabled?

Many Employers will consider Workampers with disabilities. They are not allowed to (and shouldn’t) ask you directly if you have any disabilities, but please understand your personal capabilities and limitations. Make sure that you receive a clear picture from the Employer of the expectations and requirements of the position you are applying for, and make a fair decision on if it will be a match for you.

An Employer said: “We have two Workampers that are disabled. We find out what they are able to do then work with that. Be up front what your disability is, what you can and cannot do. Not all jobs will be for you, but there are plenty out there you probably can do.”

If you will be receiving non-monetary compensation for your Workamping job (like an RV site, laundry use, etc.), please be sure to ask the Employer if that will be reported as income to you either via W-4 or 1099.

Regarding how working can affect your Social Security disability or income benefits, please refer to the information provided by the Social Security Administration. There is a trial work period and some limitations; these vary based on the benefits you are receiving, aspects of your disability or your age, and the state.

Here is an easy-to-read booklet they put together - Working While Disabled: How We Can Help (23 pg PDF file).

Includes:
- how your earnings affect your SS benefits
- What to report if you work and receive SS disability or SSI
- How your earnings affect your SSI payments

Will I receive a W2 or 1099 to report income from my Workamping job?

This is something you need to ask your employer when interviewing for a position. They should tell you how you will get paid - a weekly/biweekly/monthly paycheck (W2) or contract work (1099). Make sure to ask this BEFORE accepting the job.

In general, Workamping positions are employee positions and you should receive a W2 for income earned. If you are required to work on certain days, during specific hours and you are given all the necessary tools to do the work, then you are an employee. Generally, business owners withhold income taxes, withhold and pay Social Security and Medicare taxes, and pay unemployment tax on wages paid.

If you receive a 1099 for work, you are a contractor and you are responsible for paying your own taxes. To be considered a contractor in the eyes of the IRS, you must have full control over the work you are given. This includes the hours you work, the tools needed to do the work, the place the work is done, etc.

For example, a park owner wants photos of their park. They hire you to take them. You use your own camera. You work when you want (a deadline is fine). This is a contractor relationship.

Consider the same job as above but the park gives you their camera and says I want the photos taken between 9 and noon on Monday. You then use their computer to process the digital photos with software provided. This is an employee relationship.