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Service Writer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Ascendance

Service-Writer

Altoona, IA · On-site

A Service Writer provides direction to service personnel, delegates assignments according to business needs and answers questions concerning present and future jobs. The successful team member is an ...

GTG Peterbilt

Service Writer/Advisor

Davenport, IA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

We are looking for an experienced Service Writer/Advisor to join our dynamic team. The potential candidate will greet and consult service customers about their problems. This person will assist in ...

GTG Peterbilt

Service Writer/Advisor

Davenport, IA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

We are looking for an experienced Service Writer/Advisor to join our dynamic team. The potential candidate will greet and consult service customers about their problems. This person will assist in ...

Finnin Ford

Automotive Service Writer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

Automotive Service Writer Location: Finnin Ford - Dubuque, IA About Finnin Ford Finnin Ford has proudly served the Dubuque community for decades with a reputation built on trust, quality service, and ...

Finnin Ford

Automotive Service Writer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

Automotive Service Writer Location: Finnin Ford - Dubuque, IA About Finnin Ford Finnin Ford has proudly served the Dubuque community for decades with a reputation built on trust, quality service, and ...

Finnin Ford

Automotive Service Writer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

Automotive Service Writer Location: Finnin Ford - Dubuque, IA About Finnin Ford Finnin Ford has proudly served the Dubuque community for decades with a reputation built on trust, quality service, and ...

GTG Peterbilt

Service Writer/Advisor

Davenport, IA · On-site

We are looking for an experienced Service Writer/Advisor to join our dynamic team. The potential candidate will greet and consult service customers about their problems. This person will assist in ...

Finnin Ford

Automotive Service Writer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

Automotive Service Writer Location: Finnin Ford - Dubuque, IA About Finnin Ford Finnin Ford has proudly served the Dubuque community for decades with a reputation built on trust, quality service, and ...

Finnin Ford

Automotive Service Writer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

Automotive Service Writer Location: Finnin Ford - Dubuque, IA About Finnin Ford Finnin Ford has proudly served the Dubuque community for decades with a reputation built on trust, quality service, and ...

Walmart

Auto Care Center Service Writer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $28.50/hr

... services offered at Walmart. The Auto Care Center is a rewarding place to work with opportunities for advanced associate training, business development, and application of technology. Benefits ...

Walmart

Auto Care Center Service Writer

Decorah, IA · On-site

$16 - $29/hr

... services offered at Walmart. The Auto Care Center is a rewarding place to work with opportunities for advanced associate training, business development, and application of technology. Benefits ...

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All JobsService Writer JobsService Writer Jobs in Iowa

Service Writer information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$22

$39

How much do service writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for service writer in Iowa is $22.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a service writer?

As a service writer, you are an automotive professional who works as a liaison between customers and a variety of automotive service providers, including mechanics, dealerships, and other related entities. You work as an advisor to explain to customers the repairs that may be needed on their vehicle and the suggestions being made by the mechanic. It is your job to ensure the customer gets only the services they need while paying a price appropriate to the costs of labor and parts. You must be an excellent communicator and knowledgeable about cars and the automotive industry.

What does a service writer do?

A Service Writer acts as a liaison between customers and the service department in automotive or equipment repair shops. They are responsible for understanding customers' repair and maintenance needs, creating work orders, providing estimates, and communicating job status updates. Service Writers also coordinate with technicians to ensure repairs are completed accurately and on time. Their role is crucial for delivering excellent customer service and ensuring efficient workflow in the service department.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a service writer?

To thrive as a Service Writer, you need a solid understanding of automotive systems, strong organizational skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with dealership management systems (DMS), repair order software, and customer relationship management (CRM) tools is often required. Exceptional communication, active listening, and problem-solving abilities help you effectively interact with customers and technicians. These skills ensure accurate service documentation, efficient workflow, and a high level of customer satisfaction in a fast-paced environment.

How does a service writer typically collaborate with technicians and customers throughout a repair order?

A Service Writer acts as the communication bridge between customers and the service technicians. They are responsible for accurately documenting customer concerns, explaining recommended services or repairs, and ensuring technicians have clear instructions. Throughout the process, Service Writers update customers on the status of their vehicles and relay important feedback from technicians. Effective collaboration ensures smooth workflow, minimizes misunderstandings, and enhances customer satisfaction.

What is the difference between Service Writer vs Service Advisor?

AspectService WriterService Advisor
CredentialsHigh school diploma; some certifications preferredHigh school diploma; certifications like ASE may be beneficial
Work EnvironmentAuto repair shops, dealershipsAuto repair shops, dealerships
Job RoleRecords customer vehicle issues, writes repair ordersDiscusses vehicle issues with customers, recommends repairs
Customer InteractionPrimarily administrative, minimal technical discussionHigh customer interaction, technical explanations

Service Writer and Service Advisor roles often overlap, but Service Writers focus on documenting customer vehicle issues and creating repair orders, while Service Advisors engage more directly with customers to discuss repairs and recommend services. Both roles require good communication skills and industry knowledge, and they work closely within auto service environments.

Can you be a service writer with no experience?

Service writers can often start with little to no experience if they have strong communication skills and a basic understanding of automotive or technical terminology. Employers may provide on-the-job training, and certifications like ASE can improve job prospects, but prior experience is not always required for entry-level positions.

Does a service writer need a degree?

A service writer typically does not need a college degree but should have strong communication skills, basic automotive knowledge, and customer service experience. Some employers may prefer or require certifications or technical training related to automotive repair or service management.

How much does a service writer make?

A service writer's average salary in Texas typically ranges from $35,000 to $55,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the size of the dealership or repair shop. Some service writers earn additional commissions or bonuses based on sales and customer satisfaction.
More about Service Writer jobs

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Service Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Service Writer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,451 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Service-Writer

Ascendance

Altoona, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Receive and manage all incoming work, communicate with customers, and coordinate with internal departments.

  • Greet customers, gather vehicle and customer information, and document vehicle issues or maintenance needs.

  • Explain completed work and charges to customers, and ensure proper documentation and storage of vehicle keys.

Job description

Ascendance Truck Centers is one of the region's premier Commercial Truck Sales & Leasing Dealerships. Our team enjoys a fantastic culture and opportunities for advancement, which are company-wide focused to help you grow both personally and professionally. We are interested in helping you establish and build a long-term career with us, because we know that happy employees lead to happier customers!
What We Offer:
Great Culture & Team Environment
Long Term Career Advancement Opportunities
Paid Training
Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance
Health Savings Account
Health Reimbursement Account
Company Paid Life, Accident, and Disability Insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid Time Off
Paid Holidays
Paid Parental Leave
Job Summary
Ascendance is looking for a motivated, full-time Service Writer to work in our fast-paced service department. A Service Writer provides direction to service personnel, delegates assignments according to business needs and answers questions concerning present and future jobs. The successful team member is an excellent communicator with exceptional customer service skills and has at least two years of relevant work experience.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • This position is responsible for the receipt and flow of all incoming work, communication with customers and constant communication with all other internal departments.
  • Greet customers in a timely, friendly manner and obtain all specific vehicle / customer information required for proper repairs, contacting customer and invoicing.
  • Write up customers' vehicle issues and concerns or maintenance requirements accurately and clearly.
  • Obtain customer signature on the repair order and provide customer a copy of the repair order.
  • Must be able to understand, communicate, and evaluate all vendors and Int'l. Warranty guidelines, approval processes and policies during the write up and repair process.
  • Establish customers' method of payment, Purchase Order requirements and estimate requirements if needed at time of write up.
  • Investigate progress of vehicle repairs and contact customer with status changes / promise time if required.
  • Ensure vehicles are parked in assigned area's, trucks are locked and keys are tagged and properly stored.
  • Explain completed work and charges to the customer.
  • Keep up to date on all warranty policies and product changes to maintain effectiveness in this role.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Ability to listen, communicate effectively and resolve conflict with customers, employees and co-workers.
  • Ability to develop written estimates and quote bids and schedule jobs.
  • Ability to read instructions, work orders, and specifications.
  • Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to operate personal computer and business applications.
  • Strong problem solving skills.
  • Goal oriented, results focused.

LICENSES/EDUCATION/TRAINING:
  • A high school diploma or GED is required.
  • Additional training in heavy duty trucks required.
  • A minimum of one year experience as a Service Writer.
  • Combination of education, training or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Ascendance Truck Centers is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not make any discrimination based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Our team is made up of individuals from different backgrounds and perspectives, who share a genuine commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and respect for each other.
Disclaimer:
This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this position. While this list is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, the company reserves the right to revise the functions and duties of the job to require that additional or different tasks be performed, or further education required with circumstance changes (such as: growth, workload, changes in personnel, technological developments, etc.)

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