ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Vehicle Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TEKsystems

Autonomous Vehicle Operator

Santa Clara, CA

$30/hr

Job Overview Join our innovative team as an Autonomous Vehicle Operator, where you will play a vital role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of autonomous transportation services.

New

CNIC Careers

MWR Motor Vehicle Operator

Lemoore, CA · On-site

$20.43/hr

The Incumbent performs the duties of a Motor Vehicle Operator, responsible for picking up orders and supplies, delivery of takeout food orders and for the daily maintenance and cleanliness of ...

TRUCKING PEOPLE

Level 3 Vehicle Operator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$28 - $29/hr

Las Vegas, NV Pay : $29.00 per hour (+ shift differentials) Job Type : Full-Time | Contract | Onsite About the Role We're hiring safety-focused Level 3 Vehicle Operators to support the testing and ...

TRUCKING PEOPLE

Level 3 Vehicle Operator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$28 - $29/hr

Las Vegas, NV Pay : $29.00 per hour (+ shift differentials) Job Type : Full-Time | Contract | Onsite About the Role We're hiring safety-focused Level 3 Vehicle Operators to support the testing and ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsVehicle Operator JobsVehicle Operator Jobs in California

Vehicle Operator information

See California salary details

$13

$23

$30

How much do vehicle operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for vehicle operator in California is $23.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.62 and $25.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a vehicle operator?

Vehicle operators are professionals responsible for driving and managing various types of vehicles, such as cars, trucks, buses, or specialized machinery. Their duties often include transporting goods or passengers, ensuring vehicle safety, conducting routine inspections, and adhering to traffic laws. Vehicle operators may work in industries like transportation, logistics, public transit, or construction. They must typically hold a valid driver's license appropriate for the vehicles they operate and may require additional certifications for specialized vehicles.

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

To thrive as a Vehicle Operator, you need a valid driver's license, safe driving skills, and a solid understanding of traffic laws and vehicle maintenance. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, fleet management software, and, in some cases, a commercial driver's license (CDL) are typically required. Strong attention to detail, time management, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, timely, and efficient transportation of goods or passengers, while minimizing risks and maintaining operational reliability.

What are some common challenges vehicle operators face in their daily work, and how can they be addressed?

Vehicle Operators often encounter challenges such as navigating heavy traffic, adhering to strict delivery schedules, and maintaining vehicle safety standards. These issues can be managed by planning routes in advance, staying updated on traffic conditions, and performing regular vehicle inspections. Additionally, effective communication with dispatchers and team members helps address unexpected delays or changes, ensuring a smooth workflow and timely deliveries.

What is the difference between Vehicle Operator vs Truck Driver?

AspectVehicle OperatorTruck Driver
Required CredentialsDriver's license, possibly specialized licenses for certain vehiclesCommercial Driver's License (CDL)
Work EnvironmentVaries from buses, forklifts, to construction vehiclesLong-haul or local trucking, freight transport
Employer & Industry UsagePublic transit, construction, logisticsFreight companies, logistics, supply chain

Vehicle Operators and Truck Drivers both operate vehicles, but Vehicle Operators typically handle a wider range of vehicles including buses and construction equipment, often requiring similar licenses. Truck Drivers focus specifically on freight transport with a CDL. The roles overlap in licensing and work environments, but their primary functions differ based on vehicle type and industry focus.

What cities in California are hiring for Vehicle Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Vehicle Operator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Vehicle Operator jobs in CA?

For Vehicle Operator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Vehicle Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vehicle Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,073 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Motor Vehicle Operator

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

San Diego, CA

$25.01/hr

Part-time

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

The position is at the full performance level located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), at the VA San Diego Healthcare System, in Engineering Service, Fleet Management Section. The primary purpose of the position is to serve the Veteran under the supervision of the Transportation Supervisor.Qualifications:

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Possess a valid, unrestricted California Driver's License (CDL). Have a safe driving record. Demonstrate that they are medically qualified to operate the appropriate motor vehicle safely.
EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.
SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: This position includes a Selective Placement Factor (skill, knowledge, ability or other worker characteristic basic to - and essential for - satisfactory performance of the job). Selective Placement Factor are a pre-requisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for a position. Applicants who do not meet it are ineligible for further consideration.
SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligible applicants are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements:

  • Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision
  • Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles)
  • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Related to Mobile Equipment Operation)
  • Operation of Motor Vehicles
  • Reliability and Dependability
  • Work Practices (includes keeping things neat, clean and in order)
  • Ability to Operate Safely (non-motor vehicle)
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
Physical Requirements: Incumbent is expected to lift to 50 pounds. Incumbent assists patients in and out of patient transport vehicles. Drivers at this level exert moderate physical effort in operating, turning, backing, and controlling vehicles which carry heavy loads or many people.
Working Conditions: Incumbent operates motor vehicles in all types of traffic and weather conditions. In addition, incumbent drives over a variety of roads including steep winding roads, complicated interchange systems and interstate highways.
Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

Apply