Tesla wants people in Queens, New York, to operate prototype cars with "autonomous driving systems" to collect driving data, according to the company’s job listing titled “Vehicle Operator, Autopilot” on Tesla’s website. The gig can pay up to $33.66 per hour.

Test Operator I drivers earn $25.25–$27.60 per hour, while Test Operator II drivers make $28.75–$30.60. Afternoon or night shifts pay 10% more, and all positions include Tesla benefits. Applicants must be able to work a flexible schedule, including one weekend day. Shifts run either Tuesday–Saturday or Sunday–Thursday, with day, afternoon, and night options, as per the Business Insider news.

What Tesla drivers do

A detailed feedback by the Tesla workers should be accompanied by operational understanding of software debugging, recording of devices, and sound understanding of audio and camera data analytics. A familiratity tech laden autonomous driving systems is a must.

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Similar jobs are listed in Texas, Florida, and California. NY law requires salary ranges, but other states’ listings don’t always include pay. Palo Alto drivers earn similar pay to Queens drivers.

Robotaxi testing and challenges

The NYC Department of Transportation confirmed Tesla hasn’t applied for a permit to test autonomous vehicles on city streets. New York has strict safety rules for AVs, calling it “the country’s most challenging urban environment”, as stated by the report by Business Insider.

Tesla is testing robotaxis in Austin, Texas, and San Francisco, with safety employees in the driver’s seat to take control if needed. During Tesla’s July earnings call, Musk said the company aims to launch autonomous ride-hailing across most of the US and could reach “half of the US population by year-end,” depending on regulations.

Last year, Tesla offered up to $48 per hour to train its Optimus humanoid robot. Tesla has also increased testing of autonomous vehicles in California. Tesla test drivers sometimes face risky situations on open streets, as per the reports.

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Recently, a Florida jury found Tesla partly liable for a 2019 crash that killed a 22-year-old woman. Shareholders also sued Tesla and Musk, claiming robotaxis violate traffic laws. Tesla’s hiring signals the growing robotaxi race. Lyft is expanding in Europe, and Waymo leads the US market, applying for a NYC robotaxi testing permit in June, as mentioned by Business Insider report.

FAQs

Q1. How much does a Tesla robotaxi driver make in NYC?
Tesla robotaxi drivers in NYC can earn up to $33.66 per hour, depending on shift and experience.

Q2. What do Tesla robotaxi drivers have to do?
Drivers operate autonomous test cars, collect data, debug software, and give detailed feedback while following safety rules.