How Much Do Wreckers Get Paid? Your 2025 Complete Guide

Are you thinking about being a wrecker driver? Or do you drive a wrecker now and want to know if your pay is fair? This guide will tell you all about wrecker pay in plain words.

What Is a Wrecker Driver?

A wrecker driver helps cars that break down. They tow cars that won’t run. Some wreckers help big trucks too. This job is very important on our roads.

How Much Money Do Wreckers Make?

Let’s look at the facts about wrecker pay in 2025:

Basic Wrecker Driver Pay

The average wrecker driver in the United States makes $49,790 a year. But the pay can be as low as $30,441 or as high as $71,548 depending on where you work and what you do.

Most wrecker drivers make between $15 and $25 per hour.

Heavy Duty Wrecker Operators Make More

If you drive a Heavy Duty Towing Coach Truck, you can make a lot more money! Heavy duty wrecker operators make an average of $78,129 per year.

Wrecker Pay Chart

Here is a simple chart that shows what wreckers make:

Job Type	Yearly Pay Range	Average Pay
Regular Wrecker Driver	$30,441 – $71,548	$49,790
Heavy Duty Wrecker	$51,190 – $88,678	$78,129

Who Becomes a Wrecker Driver?

Did you know that 96% of all wrecker drivers are men? Only 4% are women. The average age of a wrecker driver is 47 years old.

Most wrecker drivers are:

• White: 60.1%
• Hispanic or Latino: 16.8%
• Black or African American: 14.2%
• Other: 9%

What Makes Some Wreckers Earn More?

1. What You Drive

Drivers who can handle Truck-Mounted Cranes or other big rigs make more money. If you learn to drive a heavy duty wrecker, you could make up to $88,678 a year!

2. Where You Work

Your pay changes based on where you live. Some states pay more than others.

3. Your Skills

Drivers with special skills make more money. If you can handle:

• Mobile Crane Trucks
• Hard recoveries
• Big accidents

You can earn a higher pay.

4. How Long You’ve Been Working

New drivers make less. Drivers with many years of work make more money. It pays to stick with the job!

How to Make More Money as a Wrecker

Want to make more as a wrecker? Try these tips:

1. Get certified to handle heavy equipment
2. Learn to drive Special Vehicles and big rigs
3. Move to a place that pays more
4. Work for a bigger company
5. Take more training classes

Is Being a Wrecker a Good Job?

Being a wrecker driver can be a good job if you:

• Like to help people
• Don’t mind working at night sometimes
• Can handle bad weather
• Like to solve problems

The job has good pay and will be needed for a long time.

How to Become a Wrecker Driver

To become a wrecker driver, you need:

1. A driver’s license
2. A clean driving record
3. The ability to lift heavy things
4. Good customer service skills

Many companies will train you on the job.

Questions People Ask

How much do wrecker drivers make per hour?

Most make between $15 and $25 per hour.

Do heavy duty wrecker drivers make more?

Yes! Heavy duty wrecker operators make about $28 more than regular wrecker drivers.

Is there a future in this job?

Yes. Cars will always break down, so wreckers will always be needed.

Do I need special training?

Basic training is often provided, but special certifications help you make more money.

Final Thoughts

Being a wrecker driver can pay well if you get the right skills and experience. The average pay of $49,790 is just the start. With more skills and time in the job, you could make over $70,000 a year.

If you want to earn even more, learn to drive a Heavy Duty Rescue Truck or other special trucks. Heavy duty wrecker operators can make up to $88,678 with the right skills!

This job has a good future and gives you a chance to help people every day.