How to hire a motor vehicle operator

How to hire a motor vehicle operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step motor vehicle operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a motor vehicle operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new motor vehicle operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a motor vehicle operator do?

Post a motor vehicle operator job for free, promote it for a fee

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your motor vehicle operator job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a motor vehicle operator for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect motor vehicle operator also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list shows salaries for various types of motor vehicle operators.

   Type of Motor Vehicle Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Motor Vehicle Operator		$11-51
   Motor Transport Operator	A motor transport operator is responsible for the maintenance of wheel vehicles for carrying goods and personnel safely from one place to another. Motor transport operators must have a broad knowledge of the mechanical industry to operate wheel vehicles and conduct repairs for malfunctions and engine faults... Show more	$11-51
   Vehicle Operator	The vehicle operator focuses on operating various kinds of vehicles, ranging from 4-wheels to heavy trucks and vans. Usually, vehicle operators deliver supplies, materials, and personnel to the intended destination... Show more	$11-51

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Motor Vehicle
   • CDL
   • Patients
   • Veterans
   • Safety Rules
   • Dump Truck
   • Public Roads
   • Operator Maintenance
   • Air Brakes
   • Cleanliness
   • Logistics
   • Hazardous Materials
   • Dependability
   • GVW

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Utilize HAZMAT procedures to ensure proper handling.
   • Conduct CDL drivers' applicant driving tests for employment.
   • Monitor and document equipment efficiency via on-board GPS tracking program.
   • Conduct 1st echelon maintenance on vehicles to maintain operational status and maintain vehicle cleanliness.
   • Transport hazardous material within the OSHA and Hazmat safety guidelines while utilizing appropriate material identification.
   • Show perseverance during continuous combat support operations, supplying ammunition in preparation for deployment to Afghanistan.

   More motor vehicle operator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your motor vehicle operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A motor vehicle operator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, motor vehicle operators' average salary in iowa is 58% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level motor vehicle operators earn 78% less than senior-level motor vehicle operators.
   • Certifications. A motor vehicle operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a motor vehicle operator's salary.

   Average motor vehicle operator salary

   $51,498yearly

   $24.76 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level motor vehicle operator salary

   $24,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

   Average motor vehicle operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$71,207	$34
   2	District of Columbia	$71,006	$34
   3	Rhode Island	$61,546	$30
   4	Pennsylvania	$55,481	$27
   5	North Dakota	$52,486	$25
   6	Wisconsin	$51,681	$25
   7	New York	$51,376	$25
   8	Minnesota	$49,798	$24
   9	Louisiana	$49,536	$24
   10	Virginia	$48,310	$23
   11	Texas	$46,006	$22
   12	Idaho	$41,499	$20
   13	Utah	$41,238	$20
   14	Indiana	$40,329	$19
   15	Florida	$32,995	$16
   16	Iowa	$31,914	$15

   Average motor vehicle operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	General Dynamics Mission Systems	$105,545	$50.74
   2	Northwell Health	$95,722	$46.02	3
   3	Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital	$89,414	$42.99
   4	University at Buffalo	$71,604	$34.42	8
   5	National Park Foundation	$70,521	$33.90
   6	UW-Milwaukee	$70,367	$33.83
   7	University of Iowa Center for Advancement	$67,754	$32.57
   8	University at Albany	$67,184	$32.30
   9	General Dynamics	$55,861	$26.86	6
   10	New York State Restaurant Association	$55,731	$26.79
   11	United States Army Corps of Engineers	$54,008	$25.97
   12	Nes Holdings	$53,595	$25.77
   13	Us Army Reserves	$52,778	$25.37	83
   14	Army National Guard	$52,522	$25.25	16
   15	United States Marine Corps	$51,892	$24.95
   16	Air National Guard	$51,802	$24.90
   17	CIA Inc	$51,730	$24.87
   18	Chenega	$51,301	$24.66	7
   19	State of Connecticut	$50,585	$24.32
   20	University of Wisconsin System	$49,907	$23.99	2

4. Writing a motor vehicle operator job description

   A good motor vehicle operator job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a motor vehicle operator job description:

   Motor vehicle operator job description example

   External Applicant Instructions
   Please upload your resume/CV for automatic population of information to your Kean application.Your contact information, work experience and education will be automatically filled in. Please review all fields - you will need to verify that the data is accurate.In the “My Experience” section, you will find a resume/CV upload option where you can submit your cover letter and any other supporting documents you may wish to submit.
   
   Office of Facilities
   Motor Vehicle Operator I, 12 Months
   
   Under the direction of Facilities management, the Motor Vehicle Operator I is responsible for providing coach bus, shuttle bus and/or van transportation services for University students, faculty, staff and visitors on campus, at athletics functions, at special events both on and off state property and to/from other destinations as assigned, always ensuring transportation and passenger safety. In addition to providing transportation, the Motor Vehicle Operator is responsible for observing all federal, state and local regulations regarding the safe and lawful operation of the coach bus, shuttle bus and/or van and ensures safety for vehicle equipment and operation. The Motor Vehicle Operator maintains a professional demeanor with members of the Kean community and its visitors at all times; performs pickup and/or delivery assignments; attends Department sanctioned training and follows procedures outlined in training sessions; does simple clerical work; and performs additional duties as required. Full-time employees work forty (40) hours weekly. Schedule may vary significantly from week to week, with multiple day/overnight trips and weekends required.
   This is not a remote position and requires a physical presence on campus as determined by the Supervisor. It requires working on campus during the COVID-19 pandemic and interacting directly with students following all procedures and protocols set forth in the University's Restart Plan and any procedures/protocols created through additional correspondence.Qualifications: A valid New Jersey Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A or B with Passenger endorsement and two (2) years of experience in work involving the operation of trucks and/or buses is required. Experience driving motor coach buses and/or driver training in motor coach buses is preferred. This position requires driving for short and extended time periods. Employee must have the ability to sit for long hours, with walking and standing also required.
   
   This is a provisional appointment. The selected candidate must successfully complete an exam administered by the State of New Jersey Civil Service Commission in order to be eligible for a regular appointment.
   
   Official transcripts for all degrees are required prior to appointment.
   
   Attention current Kean University employees (including part-time Student Assistants, Graduate Assistants, Academic Specialists and Adjuncts): Please apply via the internal career site to ensure consideration as an internal candidate. To apply internally, please log into your Workday account and select the Career icon on your homepage to view available positions.
   
   Additional Information
   
   As a condition of employment, external candidates are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to their start date. If you are unable to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for medical or religious reasons, you may submit a request for an exemption. All employees are expected to follow the University's current health and safety protocols for COVID-19 and any procedures/protocols created through additional correspondence.
   
   Kean University complies with the New Jersey First Act (Senate Bill No. 1730, P.L. 2011, Chapter 70). Any individual newly hired by Kean University will be required to abide by this law and establish a principal residence in New Jersey. New employees will have a full 365 days to establish such residence, from the effective date of hire.
   
   In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please refer to Section III.A. of our Reasonable Accommodations Policy & Procedures.
   
   Diversity & Non-Discrimination Statement
   
   Kean University is committed to establishing and maintaining a diverse campus community through inclusive excellence and equal opportunity. Kean's commitment to access and equity is designed to prepare each graduate to not only thrive, but climb higher in a diverse world. As an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution we work to support a campus-wide agenda to foster a community that both values and promotes the diversity and equity of all students, faculty, staff, administrators, and beyond.
   
   EEO/AA Statement
   
   Kean University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right motor vehicle operator for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with motor vehicle operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit motor vehicle operators who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your motor vehicle operator job on Zippia to find and recruit motor vehicle operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit motor vehicle operators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new motor vehicle operator

   Once you've selected the best motor vehicle operator candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new motor vehicle operator. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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