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Driver Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver

Corona, CA

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Driver Operator Applus IDIADA is seeking Driver Operators to join our team. The ideal candidate is technically adept and possesses general knowledge of the automotive industry and its products. The ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver

Riverside, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

Driver Operator Applus IDIADA is seeking Driver Operators to join our team. The ideal candidate is technically adept and possesses general knowledge of the automotive industry and its products. The ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver

Bloomington, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Driver Operator Applus IDIADA is seeking Driver Operators to join our team. The ideal candidate is technically adept and possesses general knowledge of the automotive industry and its products. The ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver

Corona, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Driver Operator Applus IDIADA is seeking Driver Operators to join our team. The ideal candidate is technically adept and possesses general knowledge of the automotive industry and its products. The ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver

Corona, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Driver Operator Applus IDIADA is seeking Driver Operators to join our team. The ideal candidate is technically adept and possesses general knowledge of the automotive industry and its products. The ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver

Riverside, CA

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

Driver Operator Applus IDIADA is seeking Driver Operators to join our team. The ideal candidate is technically adept and possesses general knowledge of the automotive industry and its products. The ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver

Bloomington, CA

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Driver Operator Applus IDIADA is seeking Driver Operators to join our team. The ideal candidate is technically adept and possesses general knowledge of the automotive industry and its products. The ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver - Corona

Temescal Valley, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Driver Operator Applus IDIADA is seeking Driver Operators to join our team. The ideal candidate is technically adept and possesses general knowledge of the automotive industry and its products. The ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver - Corona

Temescal Valley, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Driver Operator Applus IDIADA is seeking Driver Operators to join our team. The ideal candidate is technically adept and possesses general knowledge of the automotive industry and its products. The ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver - Corona

Temescal Valley, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Driver Operator Applus IDIADA is seeking Driver Operators to join our team. The ideal candidate is technically adept and possesses general knowledge of the automotive industry and its products. The ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsDriver Operator JobsDriver Operator Jobs in California

Driver Operator information

See California salary details

$10

$23

$36

How much do driver operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for driver operator in California is $23.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.18 and $24.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common challenges faced by Driver Operators, and how can they prepare for them?

Driver Operators often encounter challenges such as navigating large emergency vehicles through congested areas, operating complex pumping or ladder systems under pressure, and maintaining clear communication with team members during high-stress situations. Preparing for these challenges involves regular hands-on training, staying updated on local protocols, and developing strong situational awareness. Building collaborative relationships with fellow firefighters and practicing coordinated drills can also help Driver Operators perform effectively and safely during emergencies.

What job makes $1,000,000 a year?

Driver operators in specialized fields such as oil and gas or heavy equipment can earn high salaries, sometimes reaching or exceeding $1,000,000 annually with experience, overtime, and bonuses. These roles often require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and working in demanding environments. Most jobs with such high earnings are in executive, investment, or entrepreneurial sectors, not typical driver roles.

What type of driver gets paid the most?

In the driver operator field, those who operate specialized or high-demand vehicles such as hazardous materials (hazmat) drivers, tanker truck drivers, or heavy equipment operators tend to earn higher wages due to the skills, certifications, and safety requirements involved. Experience, certifications, and the complexity of the vehicle or cargo also influence pay rates, with specialized roles generally offering higher compensation.

What is a Driver Operator?

A Driver Operator is a professional responsible for operating and driving specialized vehicles, such as fire trucks or heavy equipment, often within fire departments or emergency services. Their duties include safely transporting personnel and equipment to emergency scenes, operating pumps or other vehicle-mounted machinery, and performing routine maintenance on their vehicles. Driver Operators play a crucial role in ensuring that emergency response operations run smoothly and efficiently, often requiring specialized training and certifications. They must also adhere to strict safety protocols and be prepared to respond quickly in high-pressure situations.

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

To thrive as a Driver Operator, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), in-depth knowledge of vehicle operation, and a strong safety record. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, vehicle maintenance tools, and, in some cases, specialized certifications such as hazardous materials (HAZMAT) endorsement are commonly required. Excellent communication, situational awareness, and stress management skills help drivers handle challenging routes and interact effectively with customers and team members. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safe, efficient transport and uphold service reliability and safety standards.

What is the difference between Driver Operator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectDriver OperatorEquipment Operator
CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), specialized equipment trainingEquipment-specific certifications, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentOn-road, vehicle operation, often in construction or industrial sitesOn-site, operating heavy machinery like bulldozers or excavators
Employer & IndustryConstruction, transportation, utilitiesConstruction, mining, forestry

Driver Operators primarily focus on operating vehicles such as trucks and specialized transport equipment, often requiring a CDL and driving in various environments. Equipment Operators handle heavy machinery on-site, requiring equipment-specific certifications. Both roles are essential in construction and industrial sectors, but their work environments and certifications differ.

Does Walmart offer $110,000 salary to new drivers?

Walmart's driver operator roles typically do not start at a $110,000 salary for new hires. Entry-level driver positions usually offer lower starting pay, with higher salaries achievable through experience, seniority, and additional certifications such as commercial driver's licenses (CDL). Actual compensation varies based on location, shift, and specific job responsibilities.

What company in Texas is paying truckers $14000 a week?

Driver operators and truck drivers can earn high weekly pay through specialized hauling, long-haul routes, or owner-operator positions that include bonuses and incentives. However, earning $14,000 a week is uncommon and typically involves experience, freight type, and company policies. Most standard trucking jobs offer lower weekly earnings, with higher pay often associated with independent contracting or specialized freight.
What are popular job titles related to Driver Operator jobs in California? For Driver Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Driver Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Driver Operator jobs in California are:
Driver Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Driver Operator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,860 per year, or $23 per hour.
CDL A Driver Operator

CDL A Driver Operator

Patriot Environmental Services

Mcclellan, CA • On-site

$26 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

WHAT WE DO
As a premier provider of environmental services in the Western United States, Patriot Environmental Services provides a wide range of industrial, emergency response and remediation services. We are committed to the principles of safety, superior customer service and experience, and unyielding quality and dedication.
We provide a broad array of environmental services to meet any need that our clients may have. From emergency spill response to hazardous waste transportation to wastewater treatment, or from industrial cleaning to full facility closure and remediation, Patriot can do it all with our own internal resources and do so while accomplishing every metric of success.
Our mission is to always be Prepared and Professional.
Join the team that makes a difference!
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Ensure that Health and Safety is the number one priority by complying with all safe work practices, policies, processes, and acting in a safe manner.
  • Drive and operate a minimum of two types of heavy equipment including but not limited to 50/70 Barrel Vacuum and Single Roll-Off Trucks.
  • Make deliveries in a safe and timely manner.
  • Prepare Haz-Mat & Non-Haz manifests.
  • Maintain full compliance with DOT, FMCSA, daily ELD logs, timesheets and vehicle inspection reports.
  • Perform simple maintenance and cleaning of response vehicle and assigned truck.
  • Perform various housekeeping and custodial duties as required.
  • Answer 24/7 Emergency Response calls when on uncontrolled stand-by.
  • Work long hours and overtime, including days, nights or weekend shifts.
  • Other reasonable directives, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
  • Comply with the Random Drug Testing Program.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND REQUIREMENTS
  • High school diploma or equivalent highly preferred.
  • Current Commercial Driver License, required. Class A preferred.
  • Driving record that meets company standards and current DMV printout, required.
  • Hazmat and Tanker endorsement, required.
  • 40-hour HAZWOPER required.
  • 2 - 5 years of experience in heavy equipment driving and operation required.
  • 1 - 5 years of hazardous waste control and environmental services industry experience preferred.
  • All applicants must pass the following pre-employment requirements:
    • Physical including drug and alcohol screening
    • Background check in accordance with local laws and regulations

CORE COMPETENCIES AND SPECIFIC SKILLS
  • Strong attention to detail with a distraction-free driving style.
  • Comprehensive understanding of logistics systems.
  • Safety conscious.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
  • Pull/push 50 lbs. unassisted on a frequent daily basis.
  • Twist and turn in full range of motion in arms, hands, torso, neck, back, and legs on a frequent daily basis.
  • Lift/carry 50 lbs. unassisted on a frequent daily basis.
  • Typing/data entry on a frequent daily basis
  • Equipment used: industrial cleaning and heavy equipment
  • Exposed to all environmental temperatures and weather conditions.

BENEFITS
  • PTO, paid holidays, sick time
  • Medical, dental, vision, life insurances
  • 401(k) with company matching

Salary Range : $26 - $35 per hour
The compensation for the role will depend on several factors, including the candidate's qualifications, work experience, competencies, and skills, and may fall outside of the range shown.
Patriot Environmental Services is an equal opportunity employer (EOE)
Check us out online at www.patriotenvironmental.com

Apply