How To Get a Job at Tesla: Hiring Process & Salaries

If you're wondering how to get a job at Tesla, you're not alone. Tesla is one of the most sought-after employers in the automotive and tech industries. Known for its innovation in electric vehicles, energy solutions, and autonomous driving, the company looks for candidates who thrive in fast-paced environments and are passionate about sustainability and cutting-edge technology.

Whether you're applying for a role on the factory floor, in software engineering, or within operations and supply chain, Tesla hires people who are driven to solve problems and make an impact. Here's what to expect from the application process, the qualifications you'll need, and what working at Tesla is really like.

Minimum Requirements for Jobs at Tesla

Tesla hires across a wide range of disciplines, and the qualifications depend heavily on the job. However, most roles require education, practical experience, and skills that match the company's high standards.

Bachelor's Degree or Higher

Many jobs at Tesla require at least a bachelor's degree, especially in engineering, design, IT, or business roles. Earning a degree gives you the foundation to compete in a technically complex and rapidly evolving company.

Here are examples of degrees commonly held by Tesla employees:

• Engineering and technical roles: Degrees in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, materials science, or software engineering are common. These fields prepare you to work on EV powertrains, robotics, automation, and vehicle systems.
• Business and operations roles: Tesla also hires candidates with degrees in business administration, supply chain management, finance, and economics. These programs teach skills in logistics, data analysis, procurement, and global strategy.
• Creative and design roles: For UI/UX design, industrial design, and communications, Tesla looks for degrees in graphic design, industrial design, human-computer interaction, or communications.
• Energy and environmental science: Roles in solar energy, battery storage, and sustainability may require a background in environmental science, renewable energy engineering, or physics.

In some skilled trades, Tesla may accept candidates without a degree if they have strong experience or vocational training. However, having a degree can improve your chances and make you more competitive for advancement.

Relevant Work Experience

Tesla places a high value on hands-on experience. Entry-level applicants are often expected to have completed internships, apprenticeships, or project-based work related to the role. More advanced positions typically require three to 10 years of relevant experience, particularly for team leads, project managers, or senior engineers.

Specialized Skills and Certifications

Depending on the role, you may need to demonstrate specific technical abilities. For example:

• Software engineers should know Python, C++, or embedded systems.
• Manufacturing technicians may need PLC programming, machining, or robotics experience.
• Designers should show proficiency in tools like CATIA, SolidWorks, or Figma.
• EV service technicians benefit from ASE certifications or training in high-voltage systems.

For project management and quality assurance roles, certifications like Six Sigma, PMP, or Lean may also strengthen your application.

Portfolio or Work Samples

Many roles at Tesla, especially in design, software, and engineering, require a strong portfolio or examples of past work. You may be asked to walk through past projects and explain how your contribution solved problems or delivered results.

Hiring Process at Tesla

Tesla's hiring process is designed to be efficient while evaluating technical qualifications and cultural fit. The timeline can vary, but typically includes several steps.

Step 1: Submit Your Application

Apply through the Tesla Careers website or a recruiter and include a tailored resume that highlights measurable achievements and experience relevant to the role. Portfolios or certifications should be linked or uploaded if required.

Step 2: Recruiter Interview

If selected, you'll begin with a screening call with a Tesla recruiter. They'll ask about your background, technical skills, and interest in the company. You may also be asked about your availability, location preference, and work eligibility.

Step 3: Technical or Role-Specific Interviews

Next, you'll go through technical or functional interviews with hiring managers or team leads. These may include coding tests, design challenges, technical problem-solving, or scenario-based questions, depending on the position.

Step 4: Team or Panel Interviews

The final round often includes interviews with multiple team members. These are used to assess how you think, how you work with others, and whether you're aligned with Tesla's expectations. You may be asked about how you handle pressure, deadlines, or ambiguity in a production environment.

Step 5: Offer and Background Check

If you make it through the enticing hiring process successfully, you'll receive a formal offer. Tesla offers competitive pay, stock options, and benefits. Once you accept, the company will complete a background check before onboarding.

What's It Like To Work at Tesla?

Tesla has a reputation for being intense and fast-paced. Employees are expected to take initiative, solve problems independently, and adjust quickly to changing goals. Long hours are common, especially in manufacturing and engineering roles, but many employees say the high-impact work is worth it.

Tesla employees often describe the culture as mission-driven, where innovation is prioritized over bureaucracy. If you prefer structured environments or detailed job descriptions, the pace at Tesla may feel overwhelming. But if you enjoy autonomy and learning through doing, it can be a strong fit.

Benefits may include:

• competitive salary and bonuses
• stock options and employee discounts
• health, dental, and vision insurance
• paid time off and leave benefits
• career advancement and relocation opportunities

Average Salaries at Tesla

Tesla offers competitive salaries across departments. Compensation depends on your role, experience, and location, but most full-time employees also receive stock options or bonuses.

Based on data from Indeed and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are average estimated base salaries:

• Mechanical engineer: $90,000 to $115,000 per year
• Software engineer: $110,000 to $145,000 per year
• Manufacturing technician: $50,000 to $70,000 per year
• Project manager: $95,000 to $130,000 per year
• Production associate: $40,000 to $55,000 per year

It's important to remember that these are salary estimates, and actual salaries may vary depending on your level of experience, location, and other important factors in the hiring process.

Tips To Strengthen Your Application

Tesla's hiring process tends to be competitive. Use these strategies to stand out during your interview:

• Show a bias for action by highlighting projects where you took initiative.
• Quantify your impact in past roles using specific results or performance data.
• Be flexible and direct in interviews to show you can thrive in fast-paced settings.
• Customize your resume and cover letter to match Tesla's job descriptions.
• Align your goals with Tesla's mission to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy.

FAQs About Working at Tesla

If you're interested in taking the next steps toward applying for a job at Tesla, review the answers to these commonly asked questions to understand more about education requirements, required experience, and more.

Do I Need a Degree To Work at Tesla?

A degree is required for many engineering, software, and corporate roles. However, Tesla also hires technicians and production workers based on skills and training. Trade school certificates, apprenticeships, or industry certifications may qualify you for roles in manufacturing, maintenance, or service.

Can I Work at Tesla Without Experience?

Some roles, especially entry-level production or internship positions, don't require prior full-time experience. However, most candidates are expected to have completed internships, personal projects, or coursework related to the job. Showing hands-on experience is more important than a long resume.

Is Tesla a Good Company To Work For?

Tesla is a high-growth company where employees get to work on cutting-edge products. Many find the work meaningful and fast-paced, but the hours and expectations can be demanding. People who thrive in unstructured environments and want to be part of industry-defining change tend to enjoy it most.

How Long Is the Hiring Process?

The hiring process at Tesla can take anywhere from two to six weeks, depending on the role. Engineering and management roles may take longer due to more interview rounds, while hourly positions often move more quickly.

What Locations Does Tesla Hire In?

Tesla hires across the U.S. and internationally. Major hiring locations include:

• Fremont, California, for factory and engineering
• Austin, Texas, for Gigafactory and headquarters
• Sparks, Nevada, for battery production
• Buffalo, New Yor,k for solar and energy
• Remote opportunities for some tech and support roles

Start Your Degree

Getting hired at Tesla takes technical skill, hands-on experience, and a commitment to innovation. To take the first step, explore degree programs that can help you build the qualifications Tesla looks for in top candidates.