Charles Esther
Tesla is offering up to $33.66 per hour for robotaxi test drivers in New York City, according to new job listings.
The company is seeking applicants who are “tech-savvy” and have experience with autonomous driving systems.
A New Player on New York City’s Busy Streets
New York’s chaotic streets, filled with honking cabs, weaving cyclists, and impatient pedestrians, may soon see Tesla robotaxi testers in action.
Although Tesla is preparing to expand its robotaxi service to more U.S. cities, the company has not yet applied for permits to test autonomous vehicles in NYC.
Positions Available in Queens with Competitive Pay
Tesla is hiring prototype vehicle operators in Queens to manage engineering cars equipped with autonomous driving technology.
These operators will gather driving data as part of Tesla’s “Autopilot” testing program.
Pay varies by level — Test Operator I earns between $25.25 and $27.60 an hour, while Test Operator II earns between $28.75 and $30.60.
Night and afternoon shifts offer an additional 10% pay boost, raising the maximum hourly rate to $33.66.
All positions include Tesla benefits.
Job Requirements and Responsibilities
The role requires a flexible schedule, with shifts running Tuesday through Saturday or Sunday through Thursday.
Operators must be available for day, afternoon, or night shifts, including one weekend day.
Duties include operating recording equipment, debugging software, collecting and analyzing audio and camera data, and providing detailed feedback.
Applicants should have strong English communication skills, advanced PC abilities, and familiarity with autonomous driving systems.
Tesla Testing in Multiple U.S. Cities
Tesla is also recruiting robotaxi test drivers in Texas, Florida, and California.
In Palo Alto, pay matches the Queens rate.
Florida and Texas listings do not disclose pay, but New York law requires salary ranges in job postings.
No NYC Testing Permits Yet
New York City’s Department of Transportation confirmed Tesla has not applied for a permit to test autonomous vehicles locally.
The city introduced strict safety requirements last year, calling its streets “the most challenging urban environment” in the U.S.
Current Robotaxi Operations
Tesla operates a small number of robotaxis in Austin, Texas, with safety employees in the passenger seat.
In San Francisco, Tesla runs its ride-hailing service with drivers ready to take control if needed.
Elon Musk’s Expansion Goal
During Tesla’s July earnings call, Elon Musk said the company aims to launch autonomous ride-hailing in “most of the country” and possibly reach half of the U.S. population by year-end, depending on regulatory approval.
Robotaxi Competition Intensifies
Tesla’s recruitment drive comes as competition in the robotaxi industry grows.
Waymo, owned by Alphabet, is currently leading the U.S. market and has applied for testing permits in NYC.
Lyft has also entered the autonomous vehicle race in Europe.
Legal and Safety Challenges
Tesla’s self-driving program has faced scrutiny, with reports of test drivers encountering risky road situations.
Earlier this month, a Florida jury found Tesla partly liable for a fatal 2019 crash, and shareholders filed a lawsuit alleging its robotaxis violate traffic laws.
David Awoyode