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Wrecker Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rob's Automotive and Collision

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Heavy Duty Wrecker Operator - CDL Class A

Bristol, PA · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Job Summary A Heavy Wrecker Operator drives and operates heavy-duty tow trucks (e.g., rotator or hook-and-chain) to recover, winch, and tow large vehicles like semi-trucks, buses, and construction ...

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How much do wrecker operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for wrecker operator in the United States is $24.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $26.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are Wrecker Operators?

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 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.

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What states have the most Wrecker Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Wrecker Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Wrecker Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Wrecker Operator jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Wrecker Operator jobs? For Wrecker Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Wrecker Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wrecker Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 25% Physical, and 75% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $51,541 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Wrecker Operator (Tow Truck Driver)

Campus Automotive

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

WRECKER OPERATOR

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Summary:

Perform emergency road service, towing, accident recovery, and abandoned vehicle recovery using assigned truck and towing equipment correctly as trained.  Present to the customer a professional self-image and Company image through excellent service, safe operation, and timeliness. Maintain truck and equipment in compliance with Company guidelines. Perform necessary documentation timely and correctly according to procedures in effect.

Major Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Arrive at work on time daily, ready for duty when shift starts;
  • Provide towing and roadside assistance in a safe, professional, and timely manner, free of accident, injury, damage;
  • Submit accurate invoices and appropriate payment on time for processing;
  • Complete pre-trip inspection sheets daily;
  • Maintain truck fluid levels according to manufacturer standards;
  • Maintain truck and equipment insuring cleanliness of the wrecker provided;
  • Operation of the wrecker in a safe and professional manner;
  • Maintain consistent excellent attendance;
  • Abide by all Federal, State, and Municipal laws, rules and ordinances and maintain a clean driving record;
  • Consistently provide quality customer service through professionalism, timely response, skill and courtesy;
  • Maintain personal appearance and uniforms in compliance with established Company standards;
  • Cooperate with all co-workers;
  • Provide accurate and timely service when releasing vehicles from storage on weekend and after hours;
  • Attend driver and employee meetings as requested for job and safety information;
  • Attend training and achieve professional certification as directed by management;
  • Study information provided by the Company to maintain and upgrade industry and job knowledge;
  • Assist in training new employees when requested;
  • Responsible for maintaining and keeping up to date the Driver Authorization Document;
  • Perform other duties including but not limited to dispatching, cleaning office and shop, and maintaining storage yard, as requested.

Job Qualifications:

  • Possess correct and valid driver’s license for weight of vehicle assigned.
  • Live in geographical area which will allow timely response to calls from home after hours, as required.
  • Present clean, well-groomed appearance.
  • Demonstrate positive customer service attitude – both to co-workers (internal customers) and customers.
  • Possess good English verbal communication, legible handwriting, and basic math functionality.
  • No more than one preventable accident or two moving violations within three consecutive years.
  • Ability to safely lift 75 pounds unassisted.
  • Ability to sit in vehicle seat for extended periods, significant amount of driving, bending, lifting, twisting, listening to and responding to radio and phone communications.
  • Successfully pass drug tests in compliance with Company Policy and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

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