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Autonomous Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Gatik AI

Autonomous Truck Test Driver

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$27 - $31/hr

About the role Join Gatik in Phoenix, AZ and help support the future of autonomous trucking. In this role, you will operate CDL or box trucks while working alongside advanced vehicle technology that ...

Terraline

Senior Software Engineer - Automotive

Fremont, CA · On-site

$134K - $176K/yr

Terraline is creating the only clean-sheet, battery-electric heavy truck that is designed for any human or autonomous driver, and is capable of exceeding 500 miles of range. The Terraline team has ...

Terraline

Senior Software Engineer - Automotive

Fremont, CA

$134K - $176K/yr

Terraline is creating the only clean-sheet, battery-electric heavy truck that is designed for any human or autonomous driver, and is capable of exceeding 500 miles of range. The Terraline team has ...

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All JobsAutonomous Driver JobsAutonomous Driver Jobs in California

Autonomous Driver information

See California salary details

$9

$18

$30

How much do autonomous driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for autonomous driver in California is $18.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $19.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Which 5 jobs will survive AI?

For an autonomous driver, jobs that require complex decision-making, emotional intelligence, and physical presence, such as healthcare professionals, skilled trades like electricians and plumbers, educators, creative roles like artists and writers, and managerial positions, are less likely to be fully replaced by AI. These roles often involve nuanced human interaction, adaptability, and specialized skills that AI cannot easily replicate. However, continuous learning and adapting to new technologies remain important for job security in all fields.

What is the difference between Autonomous Driver vs Commercial Driver?

AspectAutonomous DriverCommercial Driver
Required CredentialsNone or specialized training for operating autonomous vehicle systemsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) and specific certifications
Work EnvironmentOperating or overseeing autonomous vehicle technology, often in testing or deployment settingsDriving trucks, buses, or delivery vehicles in various environments
Industry UsageEmerging in autonomous vehicle development and testingEstablished in transportation, logistics, and delivery sectors

The main difference between Autonomous Driver and Commercial Driver lies in their roles and required credentials. Autonomous Drivers focus on managing or testing self-driving vehicle technology, often without traditional driving duties, while Commercial Drivers operate vehicles manually in transportation industries. Both roles are essential but serve different functions within the evolving transportation landscape.

What jobs make $10,000 a month without a degree?

For autonomous drivers, earning $10,000 a month typically requires experience, high-volume routes, or owning a fleet of vehicles, as most driving jobs pay less. Some specialized roles in logistics or delivery with advanced skills or business ownership can reach this income level without a degree, but they often demand significant effort, investment, or licensing. Generally, high earnings without a degree in driving-related fields are rare and usually involve entrepreneurship or specialized expertise.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs that can pay $2,000 a day typically include high-level roles such as specialized surgeons, senior corporate executives, or successful entrepreneurs. Certain freelance professionals like consultants, lawyers, or financial advisors with extensive experience and client bases may also reach this level, often requiring advanced skills, certifications, and significant responsibility.

How much do Waymo test drivers make?

Waymo test drivers typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience and location. The role involves monitoring autonomous vehicle performance and ensuring safety during testing periods. Compensation may also include benefits and overtime pay for extended shifts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Autonomous Driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Autonomous Driver, you need a solid understanding of vehicle operation, traffic regulations, and safety protocols, often supported by a valid driver's license and specialized training in autonomous systems. Familiarity with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), GPS navigation, and telematics platforms is typically required. Strong situational awareness, problem-solving ability, and clear communication skills help ensure safe vehicle operation and effective coordination with remote teams. These skills and qualifications are vital for maintaining safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance in the rapidly evolving field of autonomous transportation.

What are some common challenges faced by autonomous drivers during vehicle testing, and how are they addressed?

Autonomous drivers often encounter challenges such as unpredictable road conditions, interpreting the behavior of human drivers, and managing system handovers between manual and autonomous control. To address these, thorough training is provided on safety protocols, real-time communication with engineering teams is maintained, and detailed reporting procedures are followed for any unexpected occurrences. Continuous feedback and debrief sessions help improve both the technology and operational processes, ensuring the team adapts to evolving scenarios and maintains high safety standards.

What are autonomous drivers?

Autonomous drivers are systems or technologies that enable vehicles to operate without direct human control. These systems use a combination of sensors, cameras, radar, and artificial intelligence to perceive their environment and make driving decisions. Autonomous drivers are commonly found in self-driving cars, trucks, and delivery vehicles, aiming to improve safety and efficiency on the roads. People working as autonomous driver operators may monitor these vehicles, intervene if needed, and help collect data to improve the technology.
What are popular job titles related to Autonomous Driver jobs in California? For Autonomous Driver jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Autonomous Driver jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Autonomous Driver jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Autonomous Driver jobs? Cities in California with the most Autonomous Driver job openings:
Autonomous Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Autonomous Driver job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,484 per year, or $18.5 per hour.
Autonomous Truck Test Driver

Autonomous Truck Test Driver

Gatik AI

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$27 - $31/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Who we are
Gatik, the leader in autonomous middle-mile logistics, is revolutionizing the B2B supply chain with its autonomous transportation-as-a-service (ATaaS) solution and prioritizing safe, consistent deliveries while streamlining freight movement by reducing congestion. The company focuses on short-haul, B2B logistics for Fortune 500 retailers and in 2021 launched the world's first fully driverless commercial transportation service with Walmart. Gatik's Class 3-7 autonomous trucks are commercially deployed across major markets, including Texas, Arkansas, and Ontario, Canada, driving innovation in freight transportation.
The company's proprietary Level 4 autonomous technology, Gatik Carrier™, is custom-built to transport freight safely and efficiently between pick-up and drop-off locations on the middle mile. With robust capabilities in both highway and urban environments, Gatik Carrier™ serves as an all-encompassing solution that integrates advanced software and hardware powering the fleet, facilitating effortless integration into customers' logistics operations.
About the role
Join Gatik in Phoenix, AZ and help support the future of autonomous trucking. In this role, you will operate CDL or box trucks while working alongside advanced vehicle technology that powers Gatik's middle-mile logistics network.
We're looking for experienced, safety-focused drivers who are comfortable with new technology and excited to be part of the next generation of freight transportation.
What You'll Do
  • Operate 26-30 ft box trucks in manual mode while supervising onboard autonomous driving systems
  • Work closely with engineering teams to test, evaluate, and refine our self-driving technology
  • Use onboard screens, diagnostic tools, and software to monitor system performance
  • Perform test runs, document unusual behavior, and provide clear, actionable feedback
  • Stay highly alert and safety-focused, stepping in as needed while following DOT and company safety guidelines

What We're Looking For
  • 3+ years of professional truck-driving experience, including 1 year operating 26-30 ft box trucks (Required)
  • Valid CDL (Required)
  • Clean MVR (Required)
  • Comfortable with technology and ability to learn new applications
  • Ability to pass a background check and drug screen
  • Flexible availability (rotating or variable shifts)
  • Excellent judgment under pressure
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to write clear, simple reports
  • A natural problem-solver with a curious, "inventor" mindset

Why You'll Love Working With Us
  • Local routes - home daily
  • Weekly pay
  • Competitive wages
  • Solid benefits package
  • Unlimited opportunities for growth
  • Be part of cutting-edge autonomous vehicle innovation

Interested in Shaping the Future of Freight?
Apply today and bring your driving expertise to the world of autonomous technology. Gatik is growing rapidly, and this is an opportunity to grow your career with us.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: Pay: $27.00 - $31.00 per hour
Application Questions:
  • Do you have at least 3 + years of professional truck-driving experience, including 1 year operating 26-30 ft box trucks?
  • Do you have a clean Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)?
  • Are you comfortable with technology and ability to learn new applications
  • Are you able to work night shifts (7:30 PM - 6:30 AM), 5 days per week, including weekends?
More about Gatik
Founded in 2017 by experts in autonomous vehicle technology, Gatik has rapidly expanded its presence to Mountain View, Dallas-Fort Worth, Arkansas, and Toronto. As the first and only company to achieve fully driverless middle-mile commercial deliveries, Gatik holds a unique and defensible position in the AV industry, with a clear trajectory toward sustainable growth and profitability.
We have delivered complete, proprietary AV technology - an integration of software and hardware - to enable earlier successes for our clients in constrained Level 4 autonomy. By choosing the middle mile - with defined point-to-point delivery, we have simplified some of the more complex AV challenges, enabling us to achieve full autonomy ahead of competitors. Given extensive knowledge of Gatik's well-defined, fixed route ODDs and hybrid architecture, we are able to hyper-optimize our models with exponentially less data, establish gate-keeping mechanisms to maintain explainability, and ensure continued safety of the system for unmanned operations.
Visit us at Gatik for more company information and Careers at Gatik for more open roles.
Notable News
  • Bloomberg: Autonomous Trucking Firm Gatik Inks Contracts Worth $600 Million
  • Forbes: Hundreds' Of Gatik Robot Delivery Trucks Headed For U.S. Roads
  • Forbes:Gatik And Loblaw Announce Largest Commercial Deployment Of AV Trucks
  • Forbes: Forget robotaxis. Upstart Gatik sees middle-mile deliveries as the path to profitable AVs
  • Tech Brew: Gatik AI exec unpacks the regulations that could shape the AV industry
  • Business Wire: Gatik Paves the Way for Safe Driverless Operations ('Freight-Only') at Scale with Industry-First Third-Party Safety Assessment Framework
  • Auto Futures: Autonomous Trucking Group Gatik Secures Investment From NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS
  • Automotive News: Gatik foresees hundreds of self-driving trucks on road soon, and that's just the beginning
  • Forbes: Isuzu And Gatik Go All In To Scale Up Driverless Freight Services
  • Bloomberg: Autonomous Vehicle Startup Takes Off by Picking Off Easier Routes
  • Reuters: Driverless vehicles on limited routes bump along despite US robotaxi scrutiny
Taking care of our team
At Gatik, we connect people of extraordinary talent and experience to an opportunity to create a more resilient supply chain and contribute to our environment's sustainability. We are diverse in our backgrounds and perspectives yet united by a bold vision and shared commitment to our values. Our culture emphasizes the importance of collaboration, respect and agility.
We at Gatik strive to create a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone feels they have opportunities to succeed and grow because we know that together we can do great things. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse team. We do not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status or any legally protected status.

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