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Tow Operator Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

AutoHaus Towing & recovery

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Tow Truck Driver

Sherwood, OR · On-site

$1.0K - $6.0K/mo

If you have customer service experience, a minimum of class c drivers license, basic knowledge of automotive diagnostics, experience operating a tow truck, we strongly encourage you to apply. - NO ...

New

AutoHaus Towing & recovery

Be Seen First

Tow Truck Driver

Sherwood, OR · On-site

$1.0K - $6.0K/mo

If you have customer service experience, a minimum of class c drivers license, basic knowledge of automotive diagnostics, experience operating a tow truck, we strongly encourage you to apply. - NO ...

New

Newhouse Towing

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Tow Truck Operator

Portland, OR · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

As a tow truck driver at Newhouse Towing, you will be responsible for safely operating a company truck, assisting customers, and completing a variety of roadside and towing services. This position ...

Ritchie Bros.

Dispatcher

Portland, OR

... inspectors, yard managers and operators to administrative staff and customer service ... Manage tow truck resources and assign work in an efficient manner and optimize tower productivity.

Ritchie Bros.

Dispatcher

Portland, OR · On-site

$21.19 - $26.47/hr

Manage tow truck resources and assign work in an efficient manner and optimize tower productivity ... operators to administrative staff and customer service representatives.

Air National Guard Units

AIRCRAFT MECHANIC

Portland, OR · On-site +1

$37.36 - $43.57/hr

Adjusts and maintains installed equipment such as tow targets, hydraulic reels, and drive assemblies. Removes and replaces working or inoperative parts and elements. Performs operator maintenance on ...

ALVEST EQUIPMENT SERVICES USA

GSE Mechanic

Portland, OR · On-site

$33 - $37/hr

... to tow tractors, belt loaders, pushback tractors, air start units, cargo loaders, deicers ... Ensure proper safety while operating equipment on-site. Implementing and enforcing quality control ...

Builders FirstSource

Driver-Class A CDL

Woodland, WA · On-site

$25 - $33/hr

Position Summary: Responsible for driving delivery vehicles and/or operating truck-trailer ... Drives vehicle weighing greater than 26,000 pounds and may tow vehicles or trailers greater than 10 ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsTow Operator JobsTow Operator Jobs in Portland, OR

Tow Operator information

See Portland, OR salary details

$12

$23

$42

How much do tow operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for tow operator in Portland, OR is $23.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.37 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is tow operator a good career?

A tow operator is a skilled worker responsible for vehicle recovery and roadside assistance, often working outdoors and in various weather conditions. The job typically requires physical strength, driving skills, and sometimes certification, with opportunities for steady employment in transportation or roadside service companies.

What is the difference between Tow Operator vs Roadside Assistance Technician?

AspectTow OperatorRoadside Assistance Technician
CredentialsDriver's license, CDL often preferredDriver's license, basic automotive knowledge
Work EnvironmentRoadside, towing yards, highwaysOn-site at breakdowns, roadside locations
Employer & IndustryTowing companies, auto repair shopsAuto clubs, roadside assistance services
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both Tow Operators and Roadside Assistance Technicians work in roadside support, Tow Operators primarily focus on towing vehicles from accident sites or breakdowns, often requiring CDL licenses. Roadside Assistance Technicians handle minor repairs, tire changes, and jump-starts on-site. The roles overlap in work environment and industry usage, but Tow Operators typically handle more complex towing tasks, whereas Roadside Assistance Technicians focus on quick fixes and minor repairs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tow operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tow Operator, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), strong driving skills, and a solid understanding of vehicle recovery and towing procedures. Familiarity with tow trucks, winches, GPS navigation, and dispatch systems is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and customer service skills help you handle stressful situations and interact effectively with clients and law enforcement. These skills are crucial for ensuring safety, efficiency, and professionalism during vehicle recovery and roadside assistance.

What is a tow operator?

Tow operators are professionals responsible for operating tow trucks to transport disabled, illegally parked, or damaged vehicles. They respond to roadside assistance calls, recover vehicles involved in accidents, and move vehicles as required by law enforcement or private property owners. Tow operators must have specialized driving skills, knowledge of vehicle recovery techniques, and often hold commercial driver's licenses. They also interact with customers and sometimes handle paperwork related to vehicle towing and storage.

What are some common challenges tow operators face during their shifts?

Tow Operators often encounter challenges such as working in adverse weather conditions, navigating heavy traffic, and dealing with vehicles in difficult-to-access locations. They must also handle high-stress situations, such as assisting stranded motorists or responding to accident scenes, while prioritizing safety for themselves and others. Effective communication with dispatchers, law enforcement, and customers is essential to manage these challenges efficiently and maintain a professional service.

What are popular job titles related to Tow Operator jobs in Portland, OR?

For Tow Operator jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tow Operator jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Tow Operator jobs in Portland, OR are:

Tow Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tow Operator job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,784 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

TOW TRUCK DRIVER/OPERATOR

PERFORMANCE AUTO BODY INC

Sandy, OR • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Performance Auto Body, Inc.

All-Ways Towing and Heavy Haul is seeking motivated individuals to join our team. Currently hiring light, medium, and heavy tow truck operators. Experience with light duty flatbed and recovery preferred but willing to train the right person.
Boring area resident is a plus!
-Valid Oregon Drivers License
-Pass criminal background check
-Clean driving record
-Pass pre-employment drug test
-Must be able to drive manual and automatic vehicles
-Reliable transportation
-Work all shifts, including nights and weekends
-Able to park truck at residence
-Capable of lifting 65 lbs

Compensation: Hourly & Commission

Employment Type: Full-Time