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Wrecker Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Alberto's Towing

Be Seen First

heavy duty wrecker operator

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$1.2K - $3.0K/wk

HEAVY-DUTY WRECKER & LANDOLL OPERATOR Alberto's Towing is hiring an experienced Heavy-Duty Wrecker and Landoll Operator. We are looking for a dependable, safety-focused professional experienced in ...

Essel

Operator

Dixon, CA

$18.50 - $24.75/hr

Essel is currently seeking a skilled Operator to oversee remediation and demolition projects on ... This position requires expertise in finish grading, technical building wrecking, and processing.

Essel

Operator

Dixon, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $24.75/hr

Essel is currently seeking a skilled Operator to oversee remediation and demolition projects on ... This position requires expertise in finish grading, technical building wrecking, and processing.

Essel

Operator

Dixon, CA · On-site

Essel is currently seeking a skilled Operator to oversee remediation and demolition projects on ... This position requires expertise in finish grading, technical building wrecking, and processing.

Swinerton Incorporated

Equipment Operator

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Use of wrecking bars, sledgehammers, torch cutting, electrical and air power tools, axes, and ... Minimum of 1 year of experience operating heavy equipment and demolition work * Lift and/or pull ...

Moro Towing Inc

Tow Truck Driver

Quartz Hill, CA

$18 - $21/hr

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include: - Operating flatbeds, wheel lifts/wreckers, and dollies. - Using Go Jacks to assist with vehicle recovery. - Performing jump starts and lockouts when ...

New

Swinerton Incorporated

Journeyman Laborer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$21.50 - $23.50/hr

Use of wrecking bars, sledgehammers, torch cutting, electrical and air power tools, axes, and ... Minimum of 1 year of experience operating heavy equipment and demolition work * Lift and/or pull ...

Swinerton Incorporated

Demolition Laborer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$21.50 - $31.50/hr

Use of wrecking bars, sledgehammers, torch cutting, electrical and air power tools, axes, and ... Minimum of 1 year of experience operating heavy equipment and demolition work * Lift and/or pull ...

Amazon

Finance Manager, Movies

Culver City, CA · Hybrid

... Wrecking Crew, we need your passion and innovative ideas to help take us to new heights. We're ... operated in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment and will be able to prioritize multiple ...

Aj roadside

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Tow Truck Driver No CDL

Moreno Valley, CA · On-site

$18/hr

Safely operate tow trucks, including flatbed and wrecker tow trucks, to recover and transport ... Experience operating tow trucks, flatbeds, forklifts or similar equipment is highly desirable.

Amazon

Finance Manager, Movies

Culver City, CA · Hybrid

... Wrecking Crew, we need your passion and innovative ideas to help take us to new heights. We're ... operated in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment and will be able to prioritize multiple ...

KBR

MCPP - Automotive Diesel Mechanic

Twentynine Palms, CA · On-site

$25 - $33/hr

Performs operator, intermediate and limited major rebuild levels of maintenance which includes spot ... Differentials, wreckers, winches and sub-components. * Ability to utilize Technical Manuals ...

Hulcher Services Inc

General Manager

Bloomington, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Coach leaders on safe operating practices and accountability. Financial & Business Performance ... Proven leadership of railroad derailment, wrecking, recovery, or emergency response operations.

Hulcher Services, Inc

General Manager

Bloomington, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Coach leaders on safe operating practices and accountability. Financial & Business Performance ... Proven leadership of railroad derailment, wrecking, recovery, or emergency response operations.

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All JobsWrecker Operator JobsWrecker Operator Jobs in California

Wrecker Operator information

See California salary details

$17

$24

$31

How much do wrecker operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for wrecker operator in California is $24.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.07 and $26.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wrecker operator?

Wrecker Operators, also known as tow truck drivers, are professionals responsible for operating specialized vehicles to tow or recover disabled, illegally parked, or damaged vehicles. Their duties include responding to dispatch calls, safely securing vehicles for transport, and ensuring compliance with safety and legal regulations. They may also provide roadside assistance such as jump-starts, tire changes, and lockout services. Wrecker Operators must have knowledge of vehicle mechanics, safety protocols, and local traffic laws. This role often requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and good customer service skills.

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

To thrive as a Wrecker Operator, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), knowledge of vehicle recovery techniques, and a strong understanding of safety regulations. Familiarity with tow trucks, winches, hydraulic systems, and GPS or dispatch software is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and customer service skills help operators manage stressful situations and interact professionally with clients. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient vehicle recovery and high-quality service in emergency or high-pressure environments.

What are some common challenges faced by wrecker operators on the job, and how can they be managed?

Wrecker Operators often work in unpredictable conditions, such as inclement weather, heavy traffic, or at accident scenes, which can present safety and logistical challenges. Staying vigilant, following strict safety protocols, and maintaining clear communication with dispatchers and law enforcement can help manage these situations. Additionally, operators must be adept at handling various types of vehicles and equipment, so ongoing training and familiarity with industry best practices are essential for efficiency and safety.

What is the difference between Wrecker Operator vs Tow Truck Driver?

AspectWrecker OperatorTow Truck Driver
CertificationsCommercial driver's license (CDL), specialized wrecker operation trainingCommercial driver's license (CDL), basic towing certification
Work EnvironmentVehicle recovery sites, roadside, impound yardsRoadside, parking lots, impound yards
Employer & IndustryAuto repair shops, towing companies, roadside assistance servicesAuto repair shops, towing companies, roadside assistance services

Wrecker Operators and Tow Truck Drivers often share similar certifications and work environments, such as roadside recovery and impound yards. However, Wrecker Operators typically handle more complex recovery tasks and may require specialized training, whereas Tow Truck Drivers focus on transporting vehicles. Both roles are essential in the towing industry and often overlap in daily duties.

How to get a job as a wrecker operator?

To become a wrecker operator, candidates typically need a valid driver's license, often a commercial driver's license (CDL), and experience driving heavy vehicles. Training on vehicle recovery equipment and safety procedures is usually provided on the job, and some employers may require a clean driving record and physical fitness for the physically demanding work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Wrecker Operator jobs in California?

For Wrecker Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Wrecker Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Wrecker Operator jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Wrecker Operator jobs in CA?

For Wrecker Operator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Wrecker Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wrecker Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,866 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

heavy duty wrecker operator

Alberto's Towing

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$1.2K - $3.0K/wk

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

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Job description

HEAVY-DUTY WRECKER & LANDOLL OPERATOR

Alberto’s Towing is hiring an experienced Heavy-Duty Wrecker and Landoll Operator. We are looking for a dependable, safety-focused professional experienced in heavy towing, recovery, equipment transport and Landoll trailer operation.

COMPENSATION

  • $25–$40 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications
  • 20–30% commission on after-hours calls and long-distance jobs
  • Overtime opportunities
  • Opportunities for training and advancement

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Safely operate heavy-duty wreckers and Landoll trailers
  • Load, secure, transport and unload commercial vehicles, buses, machinery and heavy equipment
  • Perform towing, winching, accident recovery and equipment transport
  • Use proper weight distribution, tie-down and load-securement procedures
  • Inspect and maintain assigned trucks, trailers and recovery equipment
  • Complete required paperwork and communicate with dispatch
  • Respond to scheduled, emergency and on-call assignments
  • Provide professional customer service at every scene

REQUIREMENTS

  • Valid Class A CDL
  • Previous Landoll trailer experience is required
  • Heavy-duty towing and recovery experience is required
  • Experience loading and transporting trucks, buses, machinery and heavy equipment
  • Strong knowledge of rigging, weight distribution, tie-downs and load securement
  • Ability to safely operate winches and hydraulic trailer systems
  • Acceptable driving record
  • Availability for nights, weekends, holidays and an on-call rotation
  • Ability to pass required background, drug and driving-record checks
  • Strong work ethic, good judgment and a safety-first attitude
  • WreckMaster or similar industry certifications are a plus


Alberto’s Towing is an equal opportunity employer.

Company Description

At Alberto’s Towing, hard work is recognized and rewarded. We offer full-time employment with competitive pay of $22 per hour, plus a $40 commission for every eligible vehicle hooked up. This gives motivated drivers the opportunity to increase their earnings based on performance.