Education · 1 of 4

The path

You can be working within a month. The training happens on the truck, not in a classroom.

1. 1

   High school diploma or an equivalency certificate

   Grade 12

   Not always required, but it helps. What matters more is a clean driving record.

2. 2

   Get a clean driving record and turn 18

   Now

   Insurance decides who gets hired in this industry. Tickets and at-fault crashes will keep you out.

3. 3

   Get hired and ride along

   2 to 6 weeks

   A few weeks with an experienced operator learning hookups, winching, controls and how to work safely on a live highway.

4. 4

   Get licensed where your state requires it

   Weeks

   Several states license individual tow operators. Texas, for example, requires a tow operator license from its Department of Licensing and Regulation, with a criminal background check and a $100 application fee.

5. 5

   Move up to heavy duty

   2 to 5 years

   Earn a commercial driver's license and recovery certification, then work bigger trucks and highway contracts.