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Bus Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Pella Community Schools

School Bus Driver

Pella, IA · On-site

Effectively assist children in evacuating in an emergency. * Have a quick reaction time from throttle (accelerator) to brake. * Repeatedly open and close a manually operated bus entrance door.

First Student

School Bus Monitor

Council Bluffs, IA

$17.22/hr

You will assist the bus driver in providing an excellent and safe journey for students to and from school. No experience as a School Bus Monitor is required! We will guide you with our industry ...

Carlisle Community School District

Bus Driver

Carlisle, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $22.75/hr

Bus Driver JobID: 291 * Position Type: Student Support Services/ Bus Driver * Date Posted: 2/9/2024 ... Able to assist in the emergency evacuation of students by extraction through emergency windows ...

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Bus Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$15

$27

How much do bus assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for bus assistant in Iowa is $15.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $16.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a bus assistant?

Bus assistants are professionals who help ensure the safety and well-being of passengers, especially children, on school or public buses. They assist with boarding and exiting, secure passengers with seat belts if needed, and help manage behavior during the ride. Bus assistants also communicate with the driver and help students with special needs or mobility challenges, making sure everyone has a safe and comfortable journey.

What are the duties of a bus assistant?

A bus assistant supports the driver by helping passengers, ensuring safety, and managing boarding and alighting. They may also assist with fare collection, provide customer service, and help maintain a clean and safe environment on the bus. Good communication skills and attention to safety protocols are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a bus assistant?

To thrive as a Bus Assistant, you need a basic education, an understanding of safety protocols, and often a background check or child care training. Familiarity with two-way radios and student tracking systems is commonly required. Patience, strong communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring student safety, maintaining order, and providing a supportive environment during transit.

What are some common challenges faced by bus assistants during student transportation, and how are they typically addressed?

Bus Assistants often face challenges such as managing student behavior, ensuring the safety of all passengers during transit, and assisting students with special needs. To address these, Bus Assistants receive training in behavioral management techniques, first aid, and effective communication. They work closely with bus drivers and school staff to create a safe and positive environment, and regular meetings or debriefs may be held to discuss any recurring issues and share best practices.

What is the difference between Bus Assistant vs Bus Driver?

AspectBus AssistantBus Driver
Required CredentialsBasic training, sometimes a valid driver’s licenseCommercial driver’s license (CDL) or equivalent required
Work EnvironmentAssist passengers, ensure safety, support driverOperate the bus, navigate routes, ensure passenger safety
Employer & Industry UsageSchools, transportation companies, special needs servicesPublic transit agencies, private transportation companies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles supporting bus operationsPrimary driver role with passenger assistance

The main difference between a Bus Assistant and a Bus Driver is that the Bus Assistant primarily supports passenger safety and comfort without operating the vehicle, while the Bus Driver is responsible for driving the bus and navigating routes. Both roles work closely in the transportation industry, but the Bus Driver requires a valid driver’s license and more extensive driving credentials.

What are the most commonly searched types of Bus jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Bus jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Bus Assistant jobs in Iowa?

For Bus Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Bus Assistant jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Bus Assistant jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Bus Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Bus Assistant job openings:

Bus Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bus Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,235 per year, or $16 per hour.

Bus Aide 2026-2027

Southeast Polk Community School District

Altoona, IA • On-site

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Support Staff/Bus Aide
Date Posted:
6/2/2026
Location:
Transportation
Southeast Polk Community School District
Job Description
Title: Bus Aide
Qualifications Required:
  1. High School Diploma or GED
  2. 18 years of age or older.
  3. Practical knowledge of special equipment and appliances.
  4. Ability and willingness to accept the responsibility of the position.
  5. Effective communication skills.
  6. Ability to work with students and provide a caring and optimistic attitude.
  7. Able to take charge in emergency situations.

Reports to: Director of Transportation
Job Goal:
To assist with the supervision and safety of students while on the bus. This position requires continuous use of independent judgment. The performance responsibilities as shown below represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific position requirements will vary depending on the needs of the transportation department.
Performance Responsibilities:
  1. Assist with the safe loading and unloading of pupils at their stop.
  2. Managing pupils' physical needs during transit.
  3. Managing pupils' behavior during transit.
  4. Assisting the driver to assure safety, welfare, and orderly conduct of passengers while on the bus.
  5. Assist in emergency situations.
  6. Provide an appropriate role model for the students.
  7. Maintain confidentiality on sensitive information.
  8. Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands
  1. Must have physical dexterity in limbs and digits and be free of impairment of the use of a foot, leg, hand, finger, or an arm or other structural defects of limitations likely to interfere with the ability to assist with the safe order of the school bus.
  2. Must be capable of assisting in the emergency evacuation of students riding the bus by extraction through emergency windows, doors and roof exits including:
    • Stepping down 3.5 feet from the bus floor to the ground out the rear bus emergency door.
    • Lifting students weighing up to 50 pounds.
    • Must be capable of dragging 125 pounds for a distance of 100 feet.
  3. Must be capable of sitting up to 1 hour per setting.
  4. Must be capable of standing up to 30 minutes at a time.
  5. Must be capable of climbing 4 bus entry steps.
  6. Must be capable of operating handicap lift equipment, emergency window, door exits and opening engine hood with pull forces up to 60 lbs.
  7. Must present appropriate appearance and personal cleanliness suited to working in close proximity to school children and teachers.
  8. Must be capable of working with co-workers with different personalities.
  9. Must be capable of working in extreme temperatures and humidity and other environmental conditions.
  10. Must be able to handle situations where contact with bodily fluids is possible. Bodily fluids may be feces, vomit, and urine, mucus from the nose or mouth.

Clothing:
  1. Street Clothes.
  2. Appropriate clothing and/or protective equipment required by the task; such as coats, hats and gloves and anti-slip footwear when walking on ice while assisting on the bus during cold winter periods.

Terms of Employment:
  1. Employment based on need.
  2. Hours and number of days assigned as need requires.

Evaluation:
Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of Southeast Polk Board Policy.
Disclaimer:
The statements of this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this position. These statements are not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his or her supervision.
It is the policy of the Southeast Polk Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), genetic information (for employment), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact, Joseph M. Horton, Deputy Superintendent, Equal Opportunity Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator, Southeast Polk District Office, 8031 NE University Ave., Pleasant Hill, IA 50327, (515)-967-4294,joseph.horton@southeastpolk.org. Inquiries or grievances may also be directed to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Des Moines, IA, 50319-0201, (515) 281-4121; or the U.S. Department of Education, Region VII Office of Civil Rights, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1475, Chicago IL 60661.

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