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Bus Assistant Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Aides are assigned to assist a special needs child or children during their transportation to and from school. * Assist the child with entering and exiting the bus. * Assist the child with any other ...

Aides are assigned to assist a special needs child or children during their transportation to and from school. * Assist the child with entering and exiting the bus. * Assist the child with any other ...

RIDE School Bus Aide

Smithfield, RI · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Aides are assigned to assist a special needs child or children during their transportation to and from school. * Assist the child with entering and exiting the bus. * Assist the child with any other ...

Aides are assigned to assist a special needs child or children during their transportation to and from school. * Assist the child with entering and exiting the bus. * Assist the child with any other ...

Aides are assigned to assist a special needs child or children during their transportation to and from school. * Assist the child with entering and exiting the bus. * Assist the child with any other ...

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 ...

School Bus Monitor

Tiverton, RI · On-site

$21.75/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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

School Bus Monitor

Tiverton, RI · On-site

$21.75/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 ...

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 ...

School Bus Monitor

Tiverton, RI · On-site

$21.75/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 ...

Monitor/Aide

Lincoln, RI · On-site

$22.08/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 ...

Monitor/Aide

Lincoln, RI · On-site

$22.08/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 ...

Monitor/Aide

Lincoln, RI · On-site

$22.08/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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Bus Assistant information

See Rhode Island salary details

$8

$16

$29

How much do bus assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for bus assistant in Rhode Island is $16.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $17.40 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 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 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 ensure the bus environment remains safe and comfortable. Good communication skills and attention to safety protocols are essential for this role.

What qualifications do you need to be a bus assistant?

To become a bus assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, good communication skills, and the ability to work with the public. Some employers may require a valid driver's license or background checks, and training is often provided on the job. Customer service skills and patience are important for this role.

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

The most popular types of Bus jobs in Rhode Island are:

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

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

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Bus Assistant jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Bus Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Bus Assistant job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,652 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

School Bus Monitor/Aide

DATTCO

Cranston, RI • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago


​DATTCO rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 101 rated public transport


Job description

As a School Bus Aide, you will play a vital role in your community by ensuring that our kids get to school safely every day.
DATTCO is a third-generation, family-owned school transportation company that serves 30 school districts throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island. Our 2,500 employees transport over 140,000 students to and from school every year.
Learn more about us at www.dattco.com.
What We Offer:
  • No experience required. We provide free personalized training.
  • Part-time work schedule of 10-20 hours per week. Split shift.
  • No long distance trips. Be home every night.
  • Weekend and holiday breaks.
  • 401k with company match.
  • Career growth opportunities. We promote from within.
  • Paid holidays.
  • Annual pay raises.
  • Employee referral bonuses.
  • Compensation of $18.00-20.00/hour.

Position Responsibilities:
  • Aides are assigned to assist a special needs child or children during their transportation to and from school.
  • Assist the child with entering and exiting the bus.
  • Assist the child with any other accommodations included in the student's transportation plan.
  • Encourage the child to remain safe and follow the bus rules.
  • Provide verbal redirection and support to the child.

Position Requirements:
  • 21+ years old.
  • Pass a background check. Pass a drug test.

Questions? Call Melissa at (959) 900-9685 or melissa.maisonet@dattco.com.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status and any other protected classes.

What ​DATTCO employees say

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