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Bus Driver Aide Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Need school transportation in Turlock, CA.

Turlock, CA ยท On-site

$15.50 - $17.25/hr

Provide support to bus drivers and students during pick-up and drop-off. Maintain clean and orderly buses, ensuring compliance with maintenance standards. Collaborate with school staff and parents to ...

Bus Driver Aide information

See Merced, CA salary details

$6

$14

$19

How much do bus driver aide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for bus driver aide in Merced, CA is $14.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.93 and $16.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main responsibilities of a bus driver aide during a typical school day?

A Bus Driver Aide is responsible for assisting the bus driver in maintaining a safe and orderly environment on the school bus. This includes helping students get on and off the bus safely, ensuring that all students are seated and wearing seat belts if required, and providing support to students with special needs. Additionally, Bus Driver Aides may communicate with school staff or parents regarding student behavior or concerns, and help manage any emergencies that arise during the route. Their role is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of all passengers, particularly younger or special needs students.

What qualifications do you need to be a bus driver aide?

To be a bus driver aide, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and a clean driving record. Some positions may require background checks, basic first aid certification, and good communication skills to assist students and ensure safety during transportation.

Do bus driver aides get paid weekly or biweekly?

Bus driver aides are typically paid on a biweekly basis, though payment schedules can vary depending on the employer or school district. It is common for school transportation staff to receive paychecks every two weeks, aligning with standard payroll practices for hourly or salaried positions.

What is the difference between Bus Driver Aide vs Bus Driver?

AspectBus Driver AideBus Driver
Required CertificationsCPR/First Aid, sometimes CDL permitCommercial Driver's License (CDL)
Work EnvironmentAssist students on buses, inside and outsideOperate buses, transport passengers
Employer & Industry UsageSchool districts, transportation servicesSchool districts, transit agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

The main difference between a Bus Driver Aide and a Bus Driver is that the aide primarily assists with student supervision and safety, often without operating the vehicle, while the bus driver is responsible for driving the bus and transporting passengers. Both roles may require CPR/First Aid certification, but the bus driver typically needs a CDL license. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right position in school transportation services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a bus driver aide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bus Driver Aide, you need basic knowledge of student safety procedures, strong observational skills, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with communication devices, safety equipment, and sometimes first aid or CPR certification is typically required. Patience, attentiveness, and effective interpersonal communication are crucial soft skills for supporting students and collaborating with drivers. These abilities are essential to ensure student safety, manage emergencies, and create a secure and supportive environment during transportation.

What is a bus driver aide?

Bus Driver Aides are support staff who assist bus drivers in ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers, typically students, while they are on the bus. Their responsibilities include helping passengers get on and off the bus, supervising behavior, securing seat belts or safety harnesses, and providing assistance to those with special needs. Bus Driver Aides also communicate with parents, teachers, and transportation staff as needed to address concerns or emergencies. Their presence helps create a safe and orderly environment on school buses and other transportation services.

What are the most commonly searched types of Bus Driver jobs in Merced, CA?

The most popular types of Bus Driver jobs in Merced, CA are:

What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Bus Driver Aide jobs?

Cities near Merced, CA with the most Bus Driver Aide job openings:

Classified Substitute Pool - District-wide (e.g, Aide, Driver, Custodial Roles)

Mariposa County Unified School District and COE

Mariposa, CA โ€ข On-site

$15 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Job Summary
Classified substitute jobs can have a variety of roles and responsibilities, including working with students, in an office, or in other settings.
Substitute jobs are available district-wide for:
Bus Drivers- must hold a valid California Class A or B Driver's license and School Bus Driver Certificate and Passenger Endorsements
Van Drivers - must hold a valid California Driver's License
Mechanics
Custodial/Maintenance/Grounds
Food Services - will need to have a valid ServSafe Certificate
Secretarial
Instructional Aides/Special Education Instructional Aides - must meet he No Child Left Behind Compliance Requirements, please refer to the "Explanation of Required Documents" section
Bus Aides
Campus Supervisors
If you have previously worked for MCUSD please refer to the "links" of this posting to direct you to the "PREVIOUS MCUSD EMPLOYEE SUBSTITUTE INTEREST REQUEST" form.
All application-related communication, including application status updates and interview follow-up notifications, will be sent via email through EdJoin-please monitor your email and EdJoin account regularly.
Requirements / Qualifications
Job descriptions are available for you to review at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EeiP149lKET5d3rCRFmvswzuw8U3d-kQ?usp=drive_link
For the classified salary range list, visit https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mKptFLDTIDN54vE57-TGvCsDYqWcpUNB2_VhdMI5Ta4/edit?usp=sharing
For salary schedule, visit https://www.mcusd.org/District/Department/4-Human-Resources/Portal/employment
The Mariposa County Unified School District is located in Mariposa County and serves grades K-12. With approximately 1,700 students, the area consists of several necessary small schools, K-8 schools and one comprehensive high school. Mariposa County has several rural communities that surround Yosemite National Park and are centrally-located in California to provide a day's drive to old-growth forests, deserts, coastal communities and cities. The area is suited for those interested in outdoor activities and rural community life, including an Arts Council and Symphony Orchestra right here in the town of Mariposa!
THE MARIPOSA COUNTY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The Mariposa County Unified School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis and/or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy and related conditions, race, religion, retaliation, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, Vietnam Era Veterans' status, or any other basis prohibited by California state and federal nondiscrimination laws respectively and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Not all bases of discrimination will apply to both education services and employment. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Marcia Miller, Deputy Superintendent/Title IX Coordinator; P.O. Box 8; Mariposa, CA 95338; (209)742-0250
Comments and Other Information
Job descriptions are available for you to review at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EeiP149lKET5d3rCRFmvswzuw8U3d-kQ?usp=drive_link
For the classified salary range list, visit https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mKptFLDTIDN54vE57-TGvCsDYqWcpUNB2_VhdMI5Ta4/edit?usp=sharing
For salary schedule, visit https://www.mcusd.org/District/Department/4-Human-Resources/Portal/employment
The Mariposa County Unified School District is located in Mariposa County and serves grades K-12. With approximately 1,700 students, the area consists of several necessary small schools, K-8 schools and one comprehensive high school. Mariposa County has several rural communities that surround Yosemite National Park and are centrally-located in California to provide a day's drive to old-growth forests, deserts, coastal communities and cities. The area is suited for those interested in outdoor activities and rural community life, including an Arts Council and Symphony Orchestra right here in the town of Mariposa!
THE MARIPOSA COUNTY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The Mariposa County Unified School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis and/or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy and related conditions, race, religion, retaliation, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, Vietnam Era Veterans' status, or any other basis prohibited by California state and federal nondiscrimination laws respectively and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Not all bases of discrimination will apply to both education services and employment. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Marcia Miller, Deputy Superintendent/Title IX Coordinator; P.O. Box 8; Mariposa, CA 95338; (209)742-0250