How Much Does a Tow Operator Make in California?

Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Tow Operator in California is $62,289. While Salary.com is seeing that Tow Operator salary in CA can go up to $77,568 or down to $47,517, but most earn between $54,557 and $70,287. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Related Job Titles to Tow Operator
Tow Truck Operator
$62,289
California
Per Year
Tow Motor Operator
$57,575
California
Per Year
Aircraft Tow Operator
$51,934
California
Per Year
Heavy Tow Truck Operator
$84,029
California
Per Year
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Similar Job Salaries to Tow Operator by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
$65,269/yr
$56,935
$73,602
RANGE: $56,935 - $73,602
$65,269/yr
$56,935
$73,602
RANGE: $56,935 - $73,602
AAA NCNU
Tow Operator
$65,269/yr
$56,935
$73,602
RANGE: $56,935 - $73,602
AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah
Emergency Roadside Tow Operator
$57,694/yr
$51,429
$63,959
RANGE: $51,429 - $63,959
$62,049/yr
$53,843
$70,254
RANGE: $53,843 - $70,254
Kautz towing
Tow Truck Operator
$54,603/yr
$47,394
$61,811
RANGE: $47,394 - $61,811
AAA
Emergency Roadside Tow Operator
$49,670/yr
$42,856
$56,484
RANGE: $42,856 - $56,484
Road Runner Towing and Storage
Tow Truck Operator
$63,256/yr
$55,179
$71,332
RANGE: $55,179 - $71,332

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Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Tow Operator Jobs in California

It is important to understand how location impacts your career prospects in the United States. There are some cities where a Tow Operator can find a job easily with a greater salary paid then achieve a higher standard of living. Below is the top cities list for Tow Operator job salaries in California. Some cities can pay higher salaries for Tow Operator jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Tow Operator positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Tow Operator salary is higher than other cities in California. San Jose takes first place in this list, followed by Santa Clara, Fremont. The Tow Operator salary is $71,229 in San Jose, which is higher than the national average. There are 76 cities' Tow Operator salary higher than national average in California.
The average salary for a Tow Operator in California is $62,289, but we found that the city with the highest salary for Tow Operator jobs is San Jose, CA, and it is higher than Santa Clara. Tow Operator jobs in San Jose can have the opportunity to earn higher salaries than in other cities in California.
CITY ANNUAL SALARY MONTHLY PAY WEEKLY PAY HOURLY WAGE
San Jose $71,229 $5,936 $1,370 $34
Santa Clara $71,229 $5,936 $1,370 $34
Fremont $71,093 $5,924 $1,367 $34
San Francisco $70,529 $5,877 $1,356 $34
Daly City $70,529 $5,877 $1,356 $34
Berkeley $68,964 $5,747 $1,326 $33
Oakland $68,964 $5,747 $1,326 $33
Hayward $68,851 $5,738 $1,324 $33
Antioch $65,068 $5,422 $1,251 $31
Vallejo $63,532 $5,294 $1,222 $31

What Does a Tow Operator Do?

Some limited-access highways, especially the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike, require specially-designated towing businesses to be the only tow operators on them.
Updated December 16, 2021
Tow truck operators may also be required to perform minor roadside repairs, change tires, and jump-start cars.
Updated November 08, 2021
Due to increasing customer demand, Fred’s urgently need experienced or aspiring B-Double Tow Operators to join it’s fast growing transport operation.
Updated December 22, 2021
Tow truck operators need to be reasonably fit, as the job involves stretching, bending, lifting and climbing, especially in difficult salvage situations.
Updated December 20, 2021
IMPORTANT: We will only provide transport rates to interested tow operators once a confidentiality agreement has been signed.
Updated December 19, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Tow Operator Salaries

What is the average of a Tow Operator in California?

The Tow Operator salary range is from $54,557 to $70,287, and the average Tow Operator salary is $62,289/year in California. The Tow Operator's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Tow Operator salary in the United States?

The Tow Operator salary in San Jose, CA is $71,229 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Tow Operator's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Tow Operator.

What is the growth rate of the Tow Operator's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Tow Operator or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Tow Operator.