Tesla is expanding its robotaxi service to the US, hiring autonomous vehicle operators in New York City to test its technology. The company is offering prototype vehicle operators up to $33.66 an hour to collect driving data and give detailed feedback. Drivers will need to be “tech-savvy” and familiar with autonomous driving systems.
To operate the gig, drivers must have good English communication skills, experience managing tools for data collection, and advanced PC skills. The job posting requires flexibility, including availability on one weekend day and two different shifts during the week.
Tesla is not yet applying for permits in NYC, but the company has launched its robotaxi service with safety employees in the passenger seat in other cities, such as Austin and San Francisco. This move comes as the competition for autonomous ride-hailing services heats up, with companies like Lyft and Alphabet-owned Waymo also expanding their offerings.
Tesla’s job listings often provide insight into the company’s direction and product roadmap. The electric vehicle news outlet InsideEVs reported that Tesla was hiring drivers in Brooklyn, while Florida and Texas listings do not include pay details. In Palo Alto, California, drivers can earn the same amount as those in Queens.
The robotaxi wars are heating up, with a jury finding Tesla partly liable for a crash in 2019 that killed a woman and company shareholders suing over its robotaxi service. The US Department of Transportation has called New York City “the country’s most challenging urban environment.”
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-pays-33-hour-robotaxi-test-operators-new-york-city-2025-8