Insuranks

How Much Do Tow Truck Drivers Make?

Tow trucks help rescue cars that malfunctioned on the road. Sometimes, these machines are also used to recover wrecked vehicles. You can make money in the tow truck business. Nonetheless, it all depends on your luck and entrepreneurial skills. Read this to know how much do heavy duty tow truck drivers make.

Why Become a Tow Truck Driver?

How much you can make as a tow truck driver depends on several factors. For example, there are cities where you will earn more than if you live and work in another location. The good news is that the potential to increase your earnings and make a good living is possible with the right formula.

One reason to become a tow truck driver is that you can bring in a steady income and that as long as you perform well, you will have a job. You’ll have job security as this type of service is and always will be in demand.

You’ll want to start your journey of becoming a tow truck driver or business owner of a tow company by getting the right education and training so you’re prepared to take on this job role. The first step is always to get your commercial driver’s license after you’ve known how much to earn. Keep in mind that this job role can be quite stressful at times.

Compare Cheap Tow Truck Insurance Quotes Online

Get all the best quotes from leading providers in a click of a button!

How Much Do Heavy Wrecker Operators Make on Average?

If you like to drive and help people then you may want to be a tow truck driver. In most cases, you’re going to be compensated quite well for your services. Generally speaking, the average tow truck driver salary in the US is over $53,000 annually. Here are some factors that can influence your pay:

  • Experience
  • If you have direct reports
  • Level of education
  • Location
  • Your performance
  • Your tow truck employer
  • Type of tow truck you operate


If you drive a flat-bed tow truck you will be in the highest range of earners, followed by full-float trucks and conventional tow trucks. Your salary can be affected by elements such as if your employer offers a benefits plan and if you are paid per tow versus a predetermined salary.


How Much Does A Tow Truck Driver Make an Hour

The average amount of money a tow truck driver will make an hour is roughly $26. Your earnings if you are paid per tow can be good or poor depending on how busy the area is that you work in.

If you are working as a tow truck driver in one of the following cities then you’ll also be able to make more money overall. The following are some of the highest-paying states where you may want to work as a tow truck driver:

  • Rhode Island

  • Washington

  • California

  • District of Columbia

  • Massachusetts

  • Minnesota

  • North Dakota


As far as cities go, you can earn the most by working as a tow truck driver in Livermore, CA or Seattle, WA. The job can be stressful as you may have to deal with angry or intoxicated customers and be stuck in traffic for extended periods.


How Much Do Tow Truck Drivers Make Per Hour in United Road Towing?

United Road Towing is one of the biggest and most popular towing companies in the USA. So how much do tow truck drivers make per hour working for this company? Entry level drivers make $20 per hour. Note that senior drivers make more.


How Much Does A Tow Truck Driver Make a Week?

You’re likely to make just under $1,000. The number of tows found is a major factor that determines how much money do tow truck drivers make per week. After you get your CDL, find an employer, and get some additional experience and training, you’ll be well on your way to earning a good salary.


How Much Does a Tow Truck Driver Make a Month?

A tow truck driver makes $4,000 a month considering that he or she is paid $1,000 per week. Some earn higher and make $6,000-$10,000 considering that they work for a company providing huge benefits. Tow truck drivers working with highly risky businesses earn a lot per month.


How Much Do Wrecker Drivers Make Towing a Totaled Vehicle?

Wrecker drivers charge a lot of towing totaled vehicles. Most demand $80-$100 per mile. Since it’s expensive, wrecker drivers give customers the liberty of paying personally or through a coverage of their commercial auto insurance.


How Much Do Tow Truck Companies Make Working with Construction Firms to Tow Cranes and Other Heavy Equipment?

Towing companies that work with construction companies to tow cranes, bulldozers, and other pieces of heavy machinery earn a lot, starting from $100,000-$1 million per contract. That said, do everything you can to improve the services of your towing company and earn the trust of construction contractors.


How Much Do Tow Truck Drivers Make Per Car?

Given this information, you’re also likely wondering how much do tow truck owners make per car. It’s going to fall in the range of earning $800-$900. This is what you’ll earn for consumer-grade vehicles. Now let’s talk about luxury cars. How much do tow truck drivers make an hour towing expensive vehicles? Towing luxury cars will cost $60-$70 per hour.




How Much Do AAA Tow Truck Drivers Make?

If you are working as a AAA tow truck driver then you can expect to make anywhere between $19-$21 per hour. Some can earn even more per hour if the employer is willing to pay competitive wages.

Say how much do tow truck drivers make a year by working for AAA anyway? The annual income is $35,000-$45,000.

You should contact the nearest AAA office along with your licenses and documentation and let them know you want to fill out an application to work as a contractor for roadside assistance services so you can begin taking calls.


How Much Can You Make Owning A Towing Company?

Starting your own business in the towing industry will not only be thrilling for you but you have the potential to make a lot of money as well. Therefore, you likely want to know how much can you make owning a towing company.

So how much do towing companies make? On average you can make around $96,000 annually and top earners can bring in $240,000 per year.

Not only can you make good money but you’ll have the flexibility of being your own boss and will be providing a necessary service to your community. You will also have job security because as long as there are drivers on the road, there are people who will need to contact a towing company in the area.

Here are some ways you can increase your earnings as a towing business or as a tow truck driver:

  • Confirm customers can find you
  • Get in touch with auto body shops and insurance companies
  • Get out there and build partnerships with local businesses
  • Think about offering goodwill towing during bad or hazardous weather conditions
  • Consider getting into other related businesses such as the repossession business


How Do Tow Truck Drivers Get Paid?

So, how do tow truck drivers get paid? One option as mentioned above is that you get paid per tow. This can be a positive or a negative depending on where you are working and how busy your job is. The majority of the time you will not get paid by the hour as a tow truck driver. Instead, you will earn a commission for each completed tow. While it can be a risky way to make a living, it can also be quite lucrative.

Rank and Review Insurance Companies

Help others make better decisions

Show more

Ways to Grow Your Business and Earn More

Now that you know how much does a tow truck owner make a year, per hour, or per month, let’s talk about how to grow your business. There are some practical ways to do so and things for you to consider. Remind yourself that growth won’t happen overnight so you need to be patient and tackle this gradually.

You need to have experienced drivers on your team so that your towing company earns and keeps a positive reputation. Your drivers should be able to tow two to three cars per hour.

The better your reviews, the more likely it is that people will contact you when they’re in need of a tow. Do your best to avoid any claims such as having damages and accidents to report. Also, always pay your insurance bills on time and maintain a clean loss history so that you can remain in business and work on growing it over time.


The Importance of Securing the Right Insurance Policies

Insurance can affect how much can a tow truck owner make. Compare offers by clicking the “Get Quotes” button on this page

You’ll want to make sure that you secure the right type of insurance policy. Your role and being out on the road will always pose a certain level of risk and danger. You must be in a position to protect your business, yourself, and your drivers if anything should happen.

As a tow truck company owner, you are required to carry general liability insurance, but there are also types of insurance policies to consider getting as well, including:

  • Workers compensation insurance–Workers compensation insurance will cover the cost of medical treatment and other resulting expenses if the employee of your tow truck business sustains an injury while towing a vehicle

  • Tools and equipment insurance–You can use tools and equipment insurance to cover HVAC, computers, and other business equipment that got lost or damaged due to fire, theft, vandalism, and other covered perils

  • Commercial auto insurance–Commercial auto insurance is a coverage for your tow truck. This will cover third party medical expenses if your tow truck gets involved in a collision



Compare Cheap Tow Truck Insurance Quotes Online

Get all the best quotes from leading providers in a click of a button!

Recent Reviews

Recent Posts