Tow truck operator vs equipment operator-driver

The differences between tow truck operators and equipment operators-driver can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a tow truck operator, becoming an equipment operator-driver takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a tow truck operator has an average salary of $43,448, which is higher than the $36,429 average annual salary of an equipment operator-driver.

The top three skills for a tow truck operator include transport vehicles, tow truck and DOT. The most important skills for an equipment operator-driver are CDL, dump truck, and loaders.

Tow truck operator vs equipment operator-driver overview

	Tow Truck Operator	Equipment Operator-Driver
Yearly salary	$43,448	$36,429
Hourly rate	$20.89	$17.51
Growth rate	4%	5%
Number of jobs	72,416	607,301
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 53%	High School Diploma, 53%
Average age	48	45
Years of experience	2	4

Tow truck operator vs equipment operator-driver salary

Tow truck operators and equipment operators-driver have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Tow Truck Operator	Equipment Operator-Driver
Average salary	$43,448	$36,429
Salary range	Between $30,000 And $62,000	Between $28,000 And $46,000
Highest paying City	Longview, WA	-
Highest paying state	Hawaii	-
Best paying company	7th Street Casino	-
Best paying industry	Hospitality	-

Differences between tow truck operator and equipment operator-driver education

There are a few differences between a tow truck operator and an equipment operator-driver in terms of educational background:

	Tow Truck Operator	Equipment Operator-Driver
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 53%	High School Diploma, 53%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Business
Most common college	-	-

Tow truck operator vs equipment operator-driver demographics

Here are the differences between tow truck operators' and equipment operators-driver' demographics:

	Tow Truck Operator	Equipment Operator-Driver
Average age	48	45
Gender ratio	Male, 96.6% Female, 3.4%	Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 3.5% White, 59.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 7.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 0.9% White, 66.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.9%
LGBT Percentage	4%	2%

Differences between tow truck operator and equipment operator-driver duties and responsibilities

Tow truck operator example responsibilities.

Dispatch through ranger systems GPS.
Utilize and strongly encourage the proper use of PPE while on and off location.
Operate and drive tow trucks on CHP rotation calls alongside with police department and insurance calls.
Work with CHP and city police daily assisting with impounds, accidents, and vehicle recovery.
Promote AAA membership to non-members including benefits and safety program.
Assure positive customer experiences while representing AAA and other roadside assistance companies.

Equipment operator-driver example responsibilities.

Deliver hazmat material to job site.
Operate airfield/street sweepers to remove debris from pavement surfaces.
Unload full pallets and double pallets of groceries and merchandise.
Landscape, plant flowers, grass, shrubs and bushes.
Arrive at and depart from pickup and discharge points as required.
Conduct pre and post trip inspections and regularly service the vehicles.

Tow truck operator vs equipment operator-driver skills

Common tow truck operator skills

Transport Vehicles, 25%
Tow Truck, 14%
DOT, 8%
CDL, 7%
AAA, 7%
Customer Service, 5%

Common equipment operator-driver skills

CDL, 23%
Dump Truck, 10%
Loaders, 7%
Tractor Trailer, 5%
DOT, 5%
Post-Trip Inspections, 4%

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Transportation Industry
Tow Truck Operator
Tow Truck Operator vs Equipment Operator-Driver

Updated January 8, 2025

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