Tesla Expands Robotaxi Service, Hiring Factory Workers and Sales Staff as AI Operators
Tesla is stepping up efforts to expand its Robotaxi ride-hailing service by recruiting workers from within the company to serve as human overseers — or “AI operators” — for vehicles running its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. Business Insider+1
Posters recently appeared at Tesla facilities in California, signaling an internal campaign to attract factory workers, material handlers, and even sales staff to help operate the Robotaxi fleet. These roles come with higher pay and extra hours for employees who choose to transition into this new type of job. iTHome
What AI Operators Do
Unlike fully autonomous vehicles that require no human intervention, Tesla’s current Robotaxi service still relies on a person behind the wheel. AI operators are expected to:
- Sit in the driver’s seat while FSD is engaged.
- Monitor vehicle behavior and surroundings.
- Take control of the vehicle if the software encounters a situation it cannot handle.
- Engage with passengers and report performance data.
This supervised setup ensures compliance with current regulations and helps Tesla gather real-world data as it moves toward greater autonomy. iTHome
Why the Hiring Push?
Tesla’s Robotaxi rollout has faced challenges keeping up with demand. Users have reported wait times as long as 40 minutes for rides in areas like the Bay Area of California, especially during peak periods. Business Insider+1
To address these capacity issues, Tesla is expanding its pool of human operators — tapping internal staff rather than relying solely on externally recruited drivers. Some employees from engineering, sales, and production lines in states like Nevada and Arizona have already shifted into these roles. iTHome
Scope of Operations
As of late 2025, Tesla’s Robotaxi program has expanded significantly, with over 1,600 vehicles and nearly 800 registered drivers in California alone. However, the service does not yet operate as a fully autonomous taxi network under California’s stringent vehicle-automation rules. Instead, it runs with a safety driver (or AI operator) under the existing regulatory framework. TechStock²
Tesla is also advertising for AI operator roles nationwide — including in Illinois, Massachusetts, Colorado, and Texas — with shifts available around the clock and pay ranging from approximately $25 to $30 per hour. Candidates typically must pass a background check, drug screening, and a supervised drive assessment. AOL
The Road to Full Autonomy
The company’s broader goal remains the transition to a fully driverless robotaxi service. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said that certain markets — such as Austin, Texas — could see driverless Robotaxis in operation by the end of the year. However, in states like California, Tesla has not yet secured the necessary permits for unsupervised commercial autonomous vehicle operations. AOL
In the meantime, the hiring strategy reflects a practical step toward scaling a service that blends advanced AI software with human oversight — helping to keep the fleet moving while Tesla continues its push toward true autonomy. iTHome
