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Tow Truck Driver
TransportationYou rescue stranded vehicles and tow the ones that aren't going anywhere on their own. You'll work on the shoulder of highways with traffic screaming past you at 70 mph, in sketchy parking lots at midnight, and in ice storms that would make a penguin reconsider. The hours are terrible, the danger is real, and every car owner thinks their situation is the most urgent thing that's ever happened.
Salary Range
Low
$28k
Median
$42k
High
$65k
10-Year Growth
average
US Workers
75K
Education
CDL (for heavy tow) or regular license + towing certification + wrecker operation training
Environment
outdoor
Tools & Technical Skills
- ▸Wrecker and flatbed tow truck operation
- ▸Vehicle hook-up and securement techniques
- ▸Roadside safety procedures (FHWA guidelines)
- ▸Winching and recovery operations
- ▸Impound and towing regulations (state-specific)
- ▸Basic vehicle diagnostics for roadside assistance
People & Mindset Skills
- ▸Composure in dangerous roadside conditions
- ▸Customer service under stressful circumstances
- ▸Physical strength and agility
- ▸Decision-making under pressure
- ▸Reliability on unpredictable schedules
What you'll actually do
- 01Respond to breakdown calls and accident scenes on highways where you're one distracted driver away from being a statistic
- 02Hook up vehicles for towing while kneeling on wet asphalt, frozen pavement, or gravel shoulders
- 03Operate flatbed, wheel-lift, and integrated tow trucks for vehicles ranging from Priuses to F-350s
- 04Deal with car owners who are having the worst day of their month and are taking it out on you
- 05Navigate towing regulations, impound procedures, and police rotation lists that vary by jurisdiction
- 06Work overnight shifts, holidays, and ice storms because that's when everyone else breaks down
Related Shifts
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