How Many Tow Truck Operators Are There in the US?

Tow truck operators provide a vital service to drivers in the United States. From roadside assistance to emergency vehicle recovery, tow truck operators are a critical part of keeping our roads safe and traffic flowing. But how many tow truck operators are there in the US?

The answer depends on what type of tow truck operator you’re looking for. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 34,000 tow truck drivers employed in 2018. However, this figure includes all types of tow truck drivers – those who are employed by companies as well as those who are self-employed or contract out their services.

When looking at just company-employed tow truck drivers, the number is significantly lower. According to a survey conducted by the American Towman magazine, there were an estimated 18,000 such drivers employed in 2016. This number has likely increased since then as more companies have begun offering roadside assistance and emergency vehicle recovery services.

It’s important to note that these figures don’t take into account the number of independent tow truck operators who operate on their own without any affiliation with a company or organization. Estimates vary widely, but some industry experts believe that this could add an additional 10-15% to the total number of tow truck operators in the US.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, it is difficult to estimate precisely how many tow truck operators there are in the US due to the variety of professionals and businesses involved. However, it is estimated that there are between 18,000 and 34,000 company-employed tow truck drivers in addition to independent contractors operating across the country.

Photo of author

Stephen Dunn