How to hire a vehicle operator

How to hire a vehicle operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step 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 vehicle operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new vehicle operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a vehicle operator do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a vehicle operator, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   A vehicle operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, vehicle operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of vehicle operators.

   Type of Vehicle Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   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
   Motor Vehicle Operator	Motor vehicle operators are skilled employees tasked by an organization to operate company vehicles to deliver and transport people, supplies, records, and materials. These operators must be able to drive a variety of vehicles such as trucks, buses, wreckers, and tractors over various types of terrain and roadways... Show more	$11-51

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CDL
   • Tractor Trailer
   • Safety Regulations
   • Cleanliness
   • Routine Maintenance
   • Forklifts
   • Combat
   • Preventative Maintenance
   • GPS
   • UAS
   • Vehicle Inspections
   • Logistical Support
   • PLS
   • Safety Rules

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Obtain military CDL license and OSHA forklift license.
   • Comply with the highest standards of safety, and HAZMAT handling procedures.
   • Provide shuttle service to wound service members, their family and DOD civilians.
   • Obtain CDL licenses [] and become operator and responsible for the safe transportation of all vehicles.
   • Utilize a GPS navigation system, street maps, and self-knowledge of areas to maneuver through routes efficiently.
   • Secure cargo against damage and inclement weathers, and operate vehicle component material handling equipment (MHE).

   More vehicle operator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your vehicle operator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A vehicle operator can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, vehicle operators' average salary in florida is 54% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level vehicle operators 78% less than senior-level vehicle operators.
   • Certifications. A vehicle operator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a vehicle operator's salary.

   Average vehicle operator salary

   $51,505yearly

   $24.76 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level vehicle operator salary

   $24,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

   Average vehicle operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$73,041	$35
   2	Arizona	$57,218	$28
   3	Ohio	$55,794	$27
   4	Nevada	$55,104	$26
   5	Illinois	$53,616	$26
   6	Pennsylvania	$51,896	$25
   7	North Carolina	$49,001	$24
   8	Nebraska	$45,972	$22
   9	New Jersey	$45,086	$22
   10	Mississippi	$44,371	$21
   11	Michigan	$41,758	$20
   12	Utah	$41,674	$20
   13	Georgia	$41,072	$20
   14	Texas	$40,788	$20
   15	Indiana	$40,336	$19
   16	Oklahoma	$39,709	$19
   17	Colorado	$36,225	$17
   18	Florida	$34,775	$17

   Average vehicle operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Tesla	$110,641	$53.19	7
   2	Stoneridge	$98,098	$47.16	1
   3	Whirlpool	$91,308	$43.90	2
   4	Kaiser Permanente	$90,196	$43.36	9
   5	Lorven Technologies	$89,390	$42.98
   6	Emory Healthcare	$85,276	$41.00	3
   7	VSE	$79,974	$38.45
   8	Northrop Grumman	$75,755	$36.42	6
   9	Emory University	$73,569	$35.37
   10	Vectrus	$70,717	$34.00
   11	Kett Engineering	$56,075	$26.96
   12	MSX International	$53,774	$25.85
   13	KBR	$53,641	$25.79	19
   14	City of Detroit	$53,396	$25.67	1
   15	Shield AI	$51,737	$24.87	2
   16	D2S	$51,737	$24.87
   17	Udelv	$51,737	$24.87
   18	Ridecell	$51,699	$24.86
   19	AEVEX Aerospace	$51,587	$24.80	3
   20	Paratransit	$50,462	$24.26	2

4. Writing a vehicle operator job description

   A vehicle operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a vehicle operator job description:

   Vehicle operator job description example

   Three, 12-hour shifts on a set, bi-weekly schedule / Bloomington, IN
   
   Drives an emergency medical vehicle to the scene of reported emergencies, non-emergencies and interfacility patient transports. Has primary responsibility regarding safe operations including driving of large emergency vehicles. Under the guidance of the clinican, provides efficient and immediate patient care support , such as loading, moving, and transporting patients and handling equipment while the vehicle is not in motion. Performs non-invasive procedures and basic life support functions such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillation (AED).
   
   * High School Diploma/GED required.
   * Requires a valid Indiana Operator's license and good driving history.
   * Basic Life Support certification through the American Heart Association or attainment upon hire.
   * Requires understanding of the traffic laws of the State of Indiana.
   * Requires training in all assigned competencies such as but not limited.
   * Prior emergency vehicle driving experience preferred.
   * Prior emergency vehicle training preferred (Emergency Vehicle Operator Safety (EVOS), Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC), Volunteer Firemen's Insurance Services (VFIS), etc.)
   * First Responder Certification preferred.
   
   Safeguarding our patients and each other is an important part of how we deliver the best care possible to the communities we serve. As a condition of employment, IU Health requires all new hires to receive various vaccinations, including the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, barring an approved exemption. New hires will also be provided the option to submit proof of previous vaccination.
   
   We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion at IU Health. IU Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right vehicle operator for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting vehicle operators requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   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 vehicle operator

   Once you've decided on a perfect vehicle operator candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new vehicle operator. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

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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How much does it cost to hire a vehicle operator?