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Vehicle Recovery Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Phantom Recovery LLC

Camera Car Operator

Omaha, NE · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Phantom Recovery LLC is looking for a skilled and dependable Camera Car Operator to join our team in Omaha, NE. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the vehicle recovery process by ...

Benchmark Towing Systems LLC

Be Seen First

Heavy Duty Towing Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

$100K - $175K/yr

Our Heavy Duty Operators are responsible for the safe and professional towing, transportation, and recovery of commercial vehicles, including tractor-trailers, buses, motorhomes, heavy equipment, and ...

Phantom Recovery LLC

Camera Car Operator

Omaha, NE · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Phantom Recovery LLC is looking for a skilled and dependable Camera Car Operator to join our team in Omaha, NE. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the vehicle recovery process by ...

Phantom Recovery LLC

Camera Car Operator

Omaha, NE · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Phantom Recovery LLC is looking for a skilled and dependable Camera Car Operator to join our team in Omaha, NE. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the vehicle recovery process by ...

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Vehicle Recovery Operator information

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How much do vehicle recovery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for vehicle recovery operator in the United States is $23.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a vehicle recovery operator?

Vehicle Recovery Operators are professionals responsible for recovering and transporting vehicles that have broken down, been involved in accidents, or are otherwise unable to move on their own. They operate specialized tow trucks and equipment to safely remove vehicles from roads, highways, and private properties. Their duties may include assessing the situation, securing the vehicle, and ensuring the safety of themselves and others during the recovery process. Vehicle Recovery Operators often work in challenging conditions and must be knowledgeable about different types of vehicles and recovery techniques.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a vehicle recovery operator?

To thrive as a Vehicle Recovery Operator, you need a valid driver's license (often Class C or higher), knowledge of vehicle mechanics, and an understanding of road safety regulations. Familiarity with recovery vehicles, winching equipment, and GPS or dispatch systems is typically required, and some roles may prefer certifications like PAS 43 or IVR (Institute of Vehicle Recovery) training. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and customer service skills help operators reassure clients and handle stressful roadside situations effectively. These competencies ensure safe, efficient vehicle recovery and high customer satisfaction in potentially hazardous environments.

What are some common challenges faced by vehicle recovery operators in the field?

Vehicle Recovery Operators often encounter unpredictable and challenging situations, such as working in adverse weather conditions, dealing with heavy traffic, or recovering vehicles from difficult terrains. Effective communication with dispatchers, motorists, and sometimes law enforcement is crucial to ensure safety and efficiency. Operators must also be prepared for physically demanding tasks and remain calm under pressure, as each recovery can present unique hazards and time constraints. Building experience and maintaining a strong focus on safety protocols are key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Vehicle Recovery Operator vs Towing Technician?

AspectVehicle Recovery OperatorTowing Technician
Credentials/CertificationsDriver's license, recovery certificationsDriver's license, towing certifications
Work EnvironmentRoadside, accident sites, recovery yardsGarage, roadside, towing yards
Employer & Industry UsageRecovery companies, roadside assistanceTowing companies, auto repair shops
Common Search/ComparisonVehicle Recovery Operator vs Towing Technician

Both roles involve vehicle handling and roadside work, but Vehicle Recovery Operators focus on recovering vehicles from difficult situations like accidents or off-road locations, while Towing Technicians primarily tow vehicles for repairs or parking violations. The skills, certifications, and work environments overlap, making them closely related but distinct roles within the roadside assistance and towing industry.

What cities are hiring for Vehicle Recovery Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Vehicle Recovery Operator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Vehicle Recovery Operator jobs?

For Vehicle Recovery Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Vehicle Recovery Operator jobs near you

Experienced Wheel-Lift Tow Truck & Recovery Operator

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

MrKitt's Service Center & Towing
See more jobs at MrKitt's Service Center & Towingexternal

$800 - $1.4K/wk

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

MrKitt’s Service Center & Towing is seeking an experienced, dependable, safety-focused Wheel-Lift Tow Truck & Recovery Operator to join our professional towing team.
This is not an entry-level position. Candidates must have a minimum of three years of verifiable professional towing and recovery experience and must be capable of safely handling routine towing assignments as well as motor vehicle accidents, accident recovery, and rollover vehicle recovery.
The ideal candidate must be proficient in operating a wheel-lift tow truck, using wheel dollies, properly securing vehicles, evaluating accident and recovery scenes, and completing assignments safely with minimal supervision.
We are looking for an operator who can work independently and make sound decisions in the field while also understanding that towing and recovery are team operations. Communication, cooperation, accountability, professionalism, and helping fellow team members are essential.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following requirements:
  • Minimum 3 years of verifiable professional towing and recovery experience.
  • Experienced operating wheel-lift tow trucks.
  • Must be proficient in the proper use of wheel dollies.
  • Must have accident-scene and vehicle-recovery experience.
  • Must have experience recovering rollover vehicles.
  • Must understand proper recovery techniques and procedures.
  • Must understand vehicle stabilization, recovery positioning, equipment limitations, and scene hazards.
  • Must know when a recovery requires additional equipment, another operator, or a heavier recovery unit.
  • Thorough understanding of proper vehicle hookup and securement procedures.
  • Strong understanding of towing, roadside, and accident-scene safety.
  • Knowledge and understanding of applicable DOT regulations and requirements.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Clean driving record.
  • Current DOT Medical Card.
  • Must be able to successfully pass a background screening.
  • Strong customer-service and communication skills.
  • Must be a team player who works well with dispatchers, management, fellow drivers, law enforcement, emergency personnel, customers, and other employees.
  • Willing to assist other team members when needed.
  • Dependable, punctual, responsible, and professional.
  • Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to follow company policies, procedures, safety requirements, and management direction.
  • Able to work outdoors in varying weather, traffic, roadside, and accident-scene conditions.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Safely operate a wheel-lift tow truck for towing, roadside assistance, accident, and recovery assignments.
  • Properly hook, lift, secure, transport, and release vehicles.
  • Properly install and operate wheel dollies when required.
  • Determine when wheel dollies or alternative towing procedures are necessary to prevent vehicle damage.
  • Verify that every vehicle is properly secured before the tow truck moves.
  • Properly use safety chains, straps, wheel restraints, lighting, and other required securement equipment.
  • Follow applicable DOT regulations, traffic laws, company policies, and safety procedures.
  • Conduct required pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
  • Inspect the wheel lift, dollies, straps, chains, lights, and other towing/recovery equipment.
  • Immediately report damaged, defective, missing, or unsafe equipment.
  • Document vehicle condition before towing or recovery when required.
  • Maintain accurate paperwork and electronic documentation.
  • Maintain proper communication with dispatch throughout assignments.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and properly equipped tow truck.

Accident & Vehicle Recovery Responsibilities:
Accident and recovery experience is required for this position.

The successful candidate must be capable of:
  • Responding professionally to motor vehicle accidents and recovery calls.
  • Performing rollover vehicle recoveries when appropriate for the operator's training and assigned equipment.
  • Assessing an accident scene before beginning recovery operations.
  • Identifying traffic, vehicle, environmental, and other potential hazards.
  • Determining an appropriate recovery method based on vehicle position, condition, weight, surroundings, and available equipment.
  • Understanding proper vehicle stabilization before beginning recovery operations.
  • Properly positioning towing and recovery equipment.
  • Recovering vehicles from abnormal positions and preparing them for safe transportation.
  • Minimizing additional damage to accident vehicles during the recovery process.
  • Coordinating with law enforcement, emergency personnel, dispatch, and other towing/recovery operators.
  • Maintaining awareness of passing traffic and roadside hazards.
  • Properly securing recovered vehicles before transport.
  • Recognizing when additional recovery resources are required.
Operators are never expected to attempt a recovery that exceeds their training or the safe operating limits of the assigned truck and equipment.

Safety & Vehicle Securement Are Non-Negotiable:
  • At MrKitt’s Service Center & Towing, operator safety, scene safety, vehicle securement, and proper recovery procedures are mandatory.
  • Every operator must understand that improper hookup, recovery, or securement can result in vehicle damage, equipment damage, accidents, injuries, and serious liability.
  • Drivers are responsible for inspecting and verifying their hookup and securement before moving the tow truck.
  • Operators must understand the capabilities and limitations of their equipment and make safe decisions in the field.
  • Speed never takes priority over safety.

Customer Service & Professionalism:
  • Our operators represent MrKitt’s Service Center & Towing on every call.
  • Customers involved in breakdowns and motor vehicle accidents may already be dealing with stressful situations. Operators are expected to remain professional, respectful, patient, calm, customer-service-driven, and solution-oriented.
  • Drivers must communicate clearly, protect customers' vehicles and property, and professionally interact with customers, law enforcement, emergency responders, property owners, and the general public.

Teamwork:
Being a team player is required.
Although our operators must be capable of working independently with minimal supervision, towing and recovery require communication and cooperation.
Operators are expected to:
  • Communicate effectively with dispatch.
  • Cooperate with management.
  • Work professionally with fellow drivers.
  • Assist other operators when necessary.
  • Communicate during multi-truck recovery operations.
  • Accept direction when required.
  • Contribute to a professional and safety-focused work environment.
Individual responsibility and teamwork go hand in hand.

The Operator We're Looking For:
The successful candidate should be capable of:
Receiving the call → assessing the situation → identifying hazards → determining the proper towing or recovery method → positioning equipment → using wheel dollies when necessary → stabilizing/recovering the vehicle when required → properly hooking and securing the vehicle → double-checking securement → safely completing the tow → documenting the assignment → communicating with dispatch.
We want an experienced professional who can think, communicate, make safe decisions, protect our customers' vehicles, take care of company equipment, and complete assignments without constant supervision.

Minimum Requirements at a Glance:
  • 3+ Years Professional Towing & Recovery Experience.
  • Wheel-Lift Experience Required.
  • Wheel Dolly Experience Required.
  • Accident Recovery Experience Required.
  • Rollover Recovery Experience Required.
  • Vehicle Stabilization & Recovery Knowledge Required.
  • Clean Driving Record Required.
  • Current DOT Medical Card Required.
  • Background Screening Required.
  • DOT & Vehicle Securement Knowledge Required.
  • Strong Customer Service Required.
  • Team Player Required.
  • Ability to Work Independently Required.

This is an experienced operator position. Only candidates who meet the required towing and recovery qualifications should apply.