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Bus Driver Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Bus Driver

Ventura, CA

$27.11 - $32.84/hr

Bus Driver at Ventura Unified School District Share on X Print Application Deadline 8/31/2026 11:55 ... assist you with obtaining the certifications required. In addition to the paid training, all ...

Bus Driver

San Bruno, CA

$23.31 - $25.67/hr

JOB SUMMARY The Bus Driver position reports to the VP of Programs and is accountable for driving ... Bring vehicle to special events * Assist with all vehicle logistics including, storage, route ...

School Bus Driver

Victorville, CA · On-site

$26.02 - $34/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Supervise boarding and unloading at stops; assist students with seatbelts and mobility aids ... School Bus Driver Jobs are Perfect For: * Retirees looking for supplemental income * Stay-at-home ...

School Bus Driver

Porterville, CA · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Supervise boarding and unloading at stops; assist students with seatbelts and mobility aids ... School Bus Driver Jobs are Perfect For: * Retirees looking for supplemental income * Stay-at-home ...

Bus Driver

San Diego, CA · On-site

$23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bus Driver We are currently on the lookout for an experienced Bus Driver to join our elite PARA ... Must assist in the boarding of passengers using mobility aids while ensuring proper securements.

Bus Driver

San Diego, CA · On-site

$23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bus Driver We are currently on the lookout for an experienced Bus Driver to join our elite PARA ... Must assist in the boarding of passengers using mobility aids while ensuring proper securements.

School Bus Driver

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$32.96 - $40.17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Supervise boarding and unloading at stops; assist students with seatbelts and mobility aids ... School Bus Driver Jobs are Perfect For: * Retirees looking for supplemental income * Stay-at-home ...

School Bus Driver

Richmond, CA · On-site

$30.48 - $40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Supervise boarding and unloading at stops; assist students with seatbelts and mobility aids ... School Bus Driver Jobs are Perfect For: * Retirees looking for supplemental income * Stay-at-home ...

School Bus Driver

Concord, CA · On-site

$29.88 - $40.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Supervise boarding and unloading at stops; assist students with seatbelts and mobility aids ... School Bus Driver Jobs are Perfect For: * Retirees looking for supplemental income * Stay-at-home ...

School Bus Driver

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$29.51 - $34.39/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Supervise boarding and unloading at stops; assist students with seatbelts and mobility aids ... School Bus Driver Jobs are Perfect For: * Retirees looking for supplemental income * Stay-at-home ...

School Bus Driver

Riverside, CA · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Supervise boarding and unloading at stops; assist students with seatbelts and mobility aids ... School Bus Driver Jobs are Perfect For: * Retirees looking for supplemental income * Stay-at-home ...

School Bus Driver

San Rafael, CA

$32.96 - $40.17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Supervise boarding and unloading at stops; assist students with seatbelts and mobility aids ... School Bus Driver Jobs are Perfect For: * Retirees looking for supplemental income * Stay-at-home ...

School Bus Driver

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$27.99 - $35.15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Supervise boarding and unloading at stops; assist students with seatbelts and mobility aids ... School Bus Driver Jobs are Perfect For: * Retirees looking for supplemental income * Stay-at-home ...

School Bus Driver

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$27.99 - $35.15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Supervise boarding and unloading at stops; assist students with seatbelts and mobility aids ... School Bus Driver Jobs are Perfect For: * Retirees looking for supplemental income * Stay-at-home ...

Showing results 41-60

Bus Driver Assistant information

See California salary details

$9

$16

$29

How much do bus driver assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for bus driver assistant in California is $16.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.51 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Bus Driver Assistant, you need a basic understanding of safety procedures, strong observational skills, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with communication devices, student management protocols, and emergency equipment is typically required. Patience, clear communication, and a calm demeanor are vital soft skills for supporting students and assisting the driver. These skills and qualities are important to ensure student safety, smooth transportation operations, and effective response to emergencies.

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

To become a bus driver assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and good communication skills. Some positions may require background checks and training on safety procedures and customer service. Additional certifications, such as first aid, can be beneficial but are not always mandatory.

How much do bus driver assistants make?

Bus driver assistants in New Jersey typically earn an average hourly wage of around $15 to $20, depending on experience and the employer. Salaries can vary based on school district, certification, and whether the position is full-time or part-time.

What is a bus driver assistant?

Bus Driver Assistants, also known as bus monitors or aides, are individuals who support the bus driver in ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers, especially children, during school bus routes or special transportation services. Their duties often include helping passengers board and exit the bus, maintaining order, assisting students with special needs, and communicating with drivers and school staff about any concerns. They play a vital role in creating a secure and positive transportation environment.

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

AspectBus Driver AssistantBus Driver
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some regions may require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or permitHigh school diploma or equivalent; CDL with passenger endorsement often required
Work EnvironmentAssist bus drivers on routes, often in school or transit settingsOperate buses, transport passengers safely on scheduled routes
Employer & IndustrySchool districts, transit agencies, private transportation companiesPublic transit agencies, school districts, private transportation providers

The main difference between a Bus Driver Assistant and a Bus Driver is that the assistant supports the driver by helping with passenger management and safety, while the bus driver is responsible for operating the vehicle and navigating routes. Both roles often require similar certifications, but the bus driver holds the primary responsibility for driving and safety.

What are some common challenges a bus driver assistant might face during their daily routes?

Bus Driver Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing student behavior, ensuring passenger safety during entry and exit, and communicating effectively with both the driver and students. They must remain calm and attentive, especially during busy or noisy routes, and be prepared to handle emergencies or unexpected situations. Building rapport with students while enforcing bus rules is key to maintaining a safe and positive environment.

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

The most popular types of Bus Driver jobs in California are:

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Bus Driver Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Bus Driver Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Bus Driver Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,921 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

$22.75 - $29.09/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

BUS DRIVER 

  • Transportation
  • $22.75 - $29.09 beginning hourly rate (Salary prorated based on start date and prior experience) - Classified Salary Schedule
  • 194 days (10 months, student days + 2 days), Monday Friday, 8 hours/day, specific times to be determined - 194 Day Work Year Calendar
  • Bonus Stipend (available to new hires who have never worked for the District in any capacity)

                                     $500 after one month of employment
                                     $1,000 after 18 months of employment
                                     $1,000 after 36 months of employment


REQUIREMENTS:

  • Knowledge of operation of a school bus; California Vehicle Code; regulations and laws pertaining to pupil transportation in California; first aid practices.
  • Appropriate State licenses and certificates to operate all school buses; current DL-51 Medical Certificate.
  • See job description for additional requirements.


HEALTH BENEFITS: Classified Health Plans & Rates

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION:    Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.

The provisions of this Notice of Vacancy do not constitute a contract expressed or implied and any of the provisions contained herein may be modified or revoked without notice.

The Lucia Mar Unified School District prohibits unlawful discrimination, intimidation, harassment (including sex-based harassment) or bullying based on a person's actual or perceived race; color; ancestry; nationality; national origin; immigration status; ethnic group identification; ethnicity; age; religion; pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or lactation, including related medical conditions and recovery;  parental, family, or marital status; reproductive health decision making;  physical or mental disability; medical condition; sex; sex stereotypes; sex characteristics; sexual orientation; gender; gender identity; gender expression; veteran or military status; or genetic information; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. For questions or complaints, contact Equity Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator: Jennifer Handy, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources at 602 Orchard Street, Arroyo Grande, California, 93420. Phone: 805-474-3000 ext. 1190  Email: jennifer.handy@lmusd.org
________________________________________________________________
CLASSIFIEDJOB DESCRIPTION



REVISED DATE: April 12, 2022

TITLE: BUS DRIVER

SALARY RANGE: 22

JOB SUMMARY

Transports students to and from school, following a preplanned route according to a definite time schedule; regulates heating equipment and ventilation of bus for comfort of passengers; drives bus carefully and in compliance with traffic regulations; assumes responsibility for the safety of school children in loading, unloading and transporting them to and from school. Instructs children in safety precautions and practices. 

QUALIFICATIONS

a. Required:

1. Knowledge of operation of a school bus; California Vehicle Code; regulations and laws pertaining to 

pupil transportation in California; first aid practices.

2. Ability to act calmly and sensibly in stressful situations; react appropriately in emergencies; understand 

and carry out oral and written instructions; maintain cooperative relations; use good judgment.

3. Appropriate State licenses and certificates to operate all school buses; current DL-51 Medical Certificate.

4. Ability to read and interpret a map; ability to learn to operate a two-way radio using required codes

5. Read and write in English at a level sufficient to successfully perform required duties.

b. Desirable:

1. Experience in pupil transportation preferred.

2. Ability to operate all school bus-related equipment.

3. Bilingual (English/Spanish); passage of required District Spanish exam.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

  1. Drives a school bus safely in accordance with time schedules; transporting students to and from their homes, a variety of school sites, and on school related trips.
  2. Transports students, staff and chaperones on field trips to various locations in accordance with departure and return times; collect and carry all required field trip forms including but not limited to the log book, hotel booking information (if applicable), trip sheet, maps; exercises responsible leadership when on field trips.
  3. Operates a two way radio.
  4. Oversees the loading and unloading of students at appropriate bus stop.
  5. May operate a special ramp bus; loads and unloads students in wheelchairs on and off bus; inspecting wheelchair for operational safety and permitting only properly functioning wheelchairs to load; operates ramp, assuring seatbelts on wheelchair are fastened, positioning the wheelchairs in bus, and securing the wheelchair.
  6. Maintains order and proper district and department policies regarding student discipline; resolving disputes, documents and reports severe disciplinary cases.
  7. Perform daily pre-trip inspection on assigned vehicle daily.
  8. Assures maintenance of bus in safe and clean operating condition; reporting needed mechanical repairs, sweeping interior of the bus daily; wash windows as needed per Vehicle Code; services the bus with gas and water, follows established security procedures.
  9. Conferring with parents, supervisors, schedulers, and other staff regarding transportation needs, plotting route on map, documenting route, and adjusting route for new and/or dropped students.
  10. Monitors students with special health problems while in bus; receiving written or oral instructions, being aware and alert to any signs of difficulty following prescribed instructions and procedures, administering first aid, and calling for emergency assistance.
  11. Maintains a variety of records and reports including but not limited to daily check-out report, mileage, routing, maintenance, and time schedules.
  12. Attends meetings, programs, and in-service training as assigned.
  13. Maintains current required licenses and certificates.
  14. Notifies appropriate individuals of any delays in scheduled route.
  15. Assists with other routes when breakdown or other unusual circumstances occur as assigned.
  16. Obeys all traffic laws and observes all mandatory safety regulations for school buses.
  17. Performs bus evacuation for assigned route each school year.
  18. Performs other related duties as assigned.

OTHER ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

A.   Physical:       Employee in this position must have the ability to:

  1. Sit for extended periods of time.
  2. Ascend and descend steps.
  3. Stand and/or walk.
  4. Vision in both eyes.
  5. See and read printed matter with or without vision aids.

       6. Hear and understand speech at normal levels. 

       7. Speak so that others may understand at normal levels.

       8. Stand, walk, stoop, twist, bend over, grasp, reach in all directions, push, pull, and move, lift and/or carry up to 40 pounds to waist height on a regular basis.

       9. In an emergency, must be able to perform evacuation of students from bus.

     10. Able to operate a special ramp bus; load and unload students in wheelchairs on and off bus, as required.

     11. Complies with District, State and/or Federal guidelines for drug and alcohol testing of school bus drivers.

B. Mental:  

      1. Able to meet deadlines in terms of work assignment schedules.
C. Social:  
      1. Interact daily in person with other members of the school district, school staff, parents, and students, and possess comfortable interpersonal skills and cooperative attitudes.
      2. Because of the time urgent nature of duties and because bus drivers insure students arrive to school on time and the work is interdependent with that of other staff, consistent attendance is required.
      3. Convey an understanding, patient attitude toward other students, staff, and parents.



NOTE: This list of essential functions and of physical requirements is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary in accordance with the requirements of the job.

SUPERVISION:  Under the general supervision of the Transportation Coordinator.