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Tesla Vehicle Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Material Handler, Die Shop

Austin, TX · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

... Tesla's vehicles and energy products. If you have a strong work ethic, are reliable and value ... Comfortable driving and operating safety sensitive and heavy equipment such asforklifts, tuggers ...

Material Handler, Cybertruck

Austin, TX · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

... Tesla's vehicles and energy products. If you have a strong work ethic, are reliable and value ... Comfortable driving and operating safety sensitive and heavy equipment such as forklifts, tuggers ...

Material Handler, Recycling

Austin, TX · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

... Tesla's vehicles and energy products. If you have a strong work ethic, are reliable and value ... Comfortable driving and operating safety sensitive and heavy equipment such as forklifts, tuggers ...

Material Handler, Megafactory

Brookshire, TX · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

... Tesla's vehicles and energy products. If you have a strong work ethic, are reliable and value ... Comfortable driving and operating safety sensitive and heavy equipment such as forklifts, tuggers ...

Material Handler

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$20.70/hr

... Tesla's vehicles and energy products. If you have a strong work ethic, are reliable and value ... Comfortable driving and operating safety sensitive and heavy equipment such as forklifts, tuggers ...

Material Handler, Semi

Sparks, NV · On-site

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

... Tesla's vehicles and energy products. If you have a strong work ethic, are reliable and value ... Comfortable driving and operating safety sensitive and heavy equipment such as forklifts, tuggers ...

Material Handler, LFP Cell Manufacturing

Sparks, NV · On-site

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

... Tesla's vehicles and energy products. If you have a strong work ethic, are reliable and value ... Comfortable driving and operating safety sensitive and heavy equipment such as forklifts, tuggers ...

Material Handler, Powertrain

Sparks, NV · On-site

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

... Tesla's vehicles and energy products. If you have a strong work ethic, are reliable and value ... Comfortable driving and operating safety sensitive and heavy equipment such as forklifts, tuggers ...

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Tesla Vehicle Operator information

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How much do tesla vehicle operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for tesla vehicle operator in the United States is $23.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does Tesla pay vehicle operators?

Tesla vehicle operators typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and specific job responsibilities. Compensation may also include benefits such as health insurance and paid time off, with schedules often involving shifts that require attention to safety protocols and vehicle handling skills.

Is it hard to get hired by Tesla?

Getting hired as a Tesla Vehicle Operator typically requires relevant driving experience, a clean driving record, and sometimes a commercial driver's license. The hiring process can be competitive, involving multiple interviews and background checks, but candidates with strong safety and operational skills have good prospects. Preparation and demonstrating reliability are important for success.

What does a typical workday look like for a Tesla Vehicle Operator, and how do they collaborate with engineering teams?

A typical day for a Tesla Vehicle Operator involves driving Tesla vehicles on pre-defined routes to collect data, perform tests, and validate autonomous driving features. Operators work closely with engineering and data analysis teams, regularly providing feedback on vehicle performance and reporting any anomalies encountered during testing. The role often includes detailed documentation of test results and may require adapting to changing test plans or priorities. Collaboration and effective communication are key, as operators’ observations directly influence software improvements and future vehicle capabilities.

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

To thrive as a Tesla Vehicle Operator, you need a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and strong attention to detail, often coupled with familiarity with vehicle operations and safety standards. Experience with data collection tools, onboard diagnostic systems, and proficiency in using tablets or mobile applications are typically required. Excellent observational skills, adaptability, and clear communication help operators accurately report findings and collaborate with engineering teams. These skills ensure safe and accurate data collection, which is critical for advancing Tesla's vehicle testing and autonomous driving technologies.

What is a Tesla Vehicle Operator?

A Tesla Vehicle Operator is a professional responsible for driving Tesla vehicles to collect data that helps improve the company's autonomous driving and safety features. These operators follow specific testing protocols and routes, document their observations, and report on vehicle performance under various conditions. The role requires attention to detail, the ability to follow strict procedures, and often includes working with engineers to troubleshoot issues. Tesla Vehicle Operators play a crucial part in developing and refining Tesla’s advanced driver-assistance systems.

What does a vehicle operator do at Tesla?

A Tesla vehicle operator is responsible for safely operating, monitoring, and maintaining Tesla vehicles, often in manufacturing or testing environments. The role requires attention to detail, adherence to safety protocols, and familiarity with vehicle systems, sometimes involving the use of diagnostic tools or software. Vehicle operators ensure vehicles meet quality standards and may assist in troubleshooting or data collection tasks.

How much do Tesla AI operators make?

Tesla AI operators typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience and location. The role involves working with advanced AI systems and requires technical skills in programming and data analysis.

What is the difference between Tesla Vehicle Operator vs Tesla Delivery Driver?

AspectTesla Vehicle OperatorTesla Delivery Driver
Required CredentialsValid driver’s license, clean driving recordValid driver’s license, background check
Work EnvironmentIndoor and outdoor, testing and operating vehiclesOn-road deliveries, customer interaction
Employer & Industry UsageTesla manufacturing and testing facilitiesTesla logistics and delivery services

Both roles involve driving and require a valid driver’s license, but Tesla Vehicle Operators focus on testing and operating vehicles within Tesla facilities, while Tesla Delivery Drivers primarily handle on-road deliveries to customers. The roles differ mainly in work environment and specific job functions, though they share core driving credentials.

More about Tesla Vehicle Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Tesla Vehicle Operator jobs? Cities with the most Tesla Vehicle Operator job openings:
What states have the most Tesla Vehicle Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Tesla Vehicle Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Tesla Vehicle Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tesla Vehicle Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Tesla Vehicle Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,725 per year, or $23.9 per hour.
Material Handler, Die Shop

Material Handler, Die Shop

Tesla

Austin, TX • On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Tesla rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 44 rated automakers


Job description

What to Expect As a Material Handler, you will support material movement to and from the production line and at warehouses for the building of Tesla's vehicles and energy products. If you have a strong work ethic, are reliable and value teamwork in a safety-focused environment we want to hear from you. Tesla will provide forklift training & certification.
What You'll Do
  • Locate, acquire and deliver parts to the production line and prepare shipments foroffsite locations
  • Stock and organize inventory
  • Operate safety sensitive and heavy equipment such as forklifts, tuggers, pallet jacks, flatbed carts, and more
  • Load and unload material onto or from delivery vehicles, trailers, pallets, conveyor system carts, balers, and/or load gratings
  • Assemble crates and containers, and prepare materials for transport by palletizing, wrapping, loading, and moving
  • Follow safety guidelines and procedures and demonstrate a high level of professionalism
  • Maintains exemplary attendance and punctuality to scheduled shifts

What You'll Bring
  • Previous material handling experience within a production, manufacturing,warehouse, or comparable environment preferred but not required
  • Ability to learn new skills and adapt to new work environments
  • Must have command of the English language, both written and verbal
  • Open to schedule flexibility that will allow for a variety of shifts, including days,nights, overnight, and/or weekends as needed as well as potential overtime
  • Comfortable driving and operating safety sensitive and heavy equipment such asforklifts, tuggers, pallet jacks and flatbed carts
  • Successful completion of the hands-on forklift certification during new hire trainingand maintaining certification throughout employment
  • Ability to maintain a safe and collaborative work environment

Compensation and Benefits Benefits

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

  • Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
  • Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
  • Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
  • Company Paid (Health Savings Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSA
  • Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
  • Company paid Basic Life, AD&D
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly positions), and Paid Holidays
  • Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
  • Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
  • Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
  • Tesla Babies program
  • Commuter benefits
  • Employee discounts and perks program

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