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Bus Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Summit LLC

School Bus Assistant - Arlington, TN

Arlington, TN · On-site

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

School Bus Assistant Summit School Services companies share a strong commitment to providing safe, reliable student transportation, outstanding customer service, and positive employee relations. Our ...

Summit LLC

School Bus Assistant - Memphis, TN

Memphis, TN · On-site

$13.75 - $18/hr

School Bus Assistant Summit School Services companies share a strong commitment to providing safe, reliable student transportation, outstanding customer service, and positive employee relations. Our ...

Summit LLC

Bus Assistant - Nashville, TN

Antioch, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Responsibilities Include: * Assist students with entering or exiting the bus in a safe manner. * Exhibits the highest ethical best practices and personal integrity; Shares concerns about suspicious ...

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$27

How much do bus assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for bus assistant in Tennessee is $15.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.45 and $16.15 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 Tennessee?

The most popular types of Bus jobs in Tennessee are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Bus Assistant jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Bus Assistant job openings:

Bus Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bus Assistant job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,115 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

School Bus Assistant - Collierville, TN

National Express Corp

Collierville, TN • On-site

$12.50 - $16.25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

National Express rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 100 rated public transport

Job description

School Bus Assistant
Durham School Services companies share a strong commitment to providing safe, reliable student transportation, outstanding customer service, and positive employee relations. Our corporate headquarters, located in Warrenville, Illinois, supports the administrative and corporate functions of the organization. Our 250+ local Customer Service Centers (CSCs) are supported by regional operations teams throughout North America.
The School Bus Assistant supports the safe and reliable transportation of students by assisting the bus driver with the movement, management, and care of students while they are being transported, boarding, or exiting the vehicle.
Responsibilities Include:
  • Assist students with entering and exiting the bus safely.
  • Help seat students using seat belts, car seats, wheelchair restraints, or other required safety equipment.
  • Monitor passengers at all times to ensure safety rules and student conduct expectations are followed.
  • Support student management through communication and discipline according to company policy.
  • Document and report conduct concerns, violations, or suspicious/inappropriate behavior to the appropriate supervisor or manager.
  • Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and good judgment.
  • Physically assist passengers during emergency evacuations when needed.
  • Ensure students take their belongings when leaving the bus.
  • Assist the driver in keeping the vehicle interior clean and presentable.
  • Complete required paperwork and submit it on time.
  • Maintain a neat, professional appearance.
  • Report to duty on time and perform all responsibilities safely.
  • Attend assigned training, safety meetings, and in-service meetings.
  • Promote company goodwill when working with employees, supervisors, parents, and school personnel.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

  • Must be at least 18 years of age. For New York School Bus Assistants, applicants must be at least 19 years of age per state law.
  • Must meet all physical and medical requirements.
  • Must satisfactorily complete and pass all required training.
  • Must attend safety meetings and in-service meetings to remain qualified.
  • Must have strong attention to detail and the dexterity needed to safely use restraints, secure wheelchairs, and assist students as needed.
  • Ability to relate to and work well with children.
  • Ability to support and maintain effective student behavior management.
  • High level of professionalism and diplomacy when working with students, employees, parents, and school district personnel.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to lift and physically assist students when necessary.

Summit School Services has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with its policies and values, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. Summit School Services is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children and passengers.
We offer medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance coverage, holiday pay, and PTO accrual. Additionally, employees are able to enroll in a retirement savings plan.
At Summit School Services our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Summit School Services LLC's independent subsidiaries and affiliates are an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer
The pay rate range, along with most all of the other terms and conditions of employment, vary between different sites, geographical markets, customer/ contractual terms and positions.

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