Tow truck drivers' earnings vary widely depending on factors such as experience, location, type of towing service, and whether they work for a company or independently.
Average Pay
- In the United States, the average hourly wage for tow truck drivers is around $15.51 to $20.73 per hour, with an average annual salary of about $38,555, typically ranging from $29,000 to $50,000 per year
- Entry-level drivers often make between $25,000 and $30,000 annually, while experienced drivers can earn $40,000 to $50,000 or more
- Weekly earnings can range from approximately $500 to $1,000, depending on hours worked and overtime
- Some drivers report take-home pay of about $1,380 per week for a 40-hour workweek before taxes and insurance
Earnings by Tow Type and Service
- Standard vehicle tows usually earn drivers between $40 and $100 per car, with typical job fees ranging from $50 to $150
- Accident recovery tows pay more, often between $150 and $400 per job due to increased complexity
- Long-distance towing is charged per mile ($2 to $4 per mile), resulting in higher earnings for longer trips
- Heavy-duty towing of large vehicles can yield $200 to $2,000+ per tow, depending on complexity and distance
- Additional roadside assistance services (jump-starts, lockouts, tire changes) typically pay $15 to $30 per job
Geographic Influence
- Tow truck drivers in states with higher demand and cost of living, such as California, New York, Washington, Alaska, and Minnesota, tend to earn more
- For example, drivers in Maryland make $35,000 to $55,000 annually, while Texas drivers earn between $30,000 and $50,000
- In Canada, heavy-duty tow truck drivers in Ontario earn about $29.75 per hour or roughly $61,871 per year
In summary, tow truck drivers' pay depends heavily on experience, location, and the nature of the towing work, with potential earnings ranging from around $25,000 for beginners to over $60,000 for specialized or experienced drivers in high-demand areas
