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Bus Driver Bus Driver Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

North Carolina Jobs

Substitute Bus Driver

Raleigh, NC

$15/hr

In accordance with Transportation Department Operating Instructions for bus drivers, performs required post-trip inspection, to detect students who may still be on board the school bus asleep or ...

North Carolina Jobs

Substitute Bus Driver

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$15.75 - $21.75/hr

Description: This employee will perform as a bus driver, safely transporting student from home to school to home, on field trips and perform a variety of clerical duties associated with ...

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All JobsBus Driver Bus Driver JobsBus Driver Bus Driver Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Bus Driver Bus Driver information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$8

$19

$27

How much do bus driver bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for bus driver bus driver in Raleigh, NC is $19.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $21.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Bus Driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bus Driver, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), a clean driving record, and a solid understanding of traffic laws and safety regulations. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, vehicle inspection procedures, and sometimes first aid certification are typically required. Excellent customer service, patience, and strong communication skills help build rapport with passengers and handle challenging situations. These skills ensure safe, efficient transportation and a positive experience for all riders.

What disqualifies you from being a bus driver?

Disqualifications for a bus driver typically include having a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with the appropriate endorsements, a clean driving record, and passing background checks and drug tests. Additionally, candidates must meet health and vision requirements and often need to pass a physical exam and skills test; a history of serious traffic violations or criminal offenses can also disqualify applicants.

What is the highest paying bus driver?

The highest paying bus drivers are often those who work for private charter companies, transit agencies in high-cost regions, or specialized sectors such as school bus drivers with additional certifications. Experienced drivers with commercial driver's licenses (CDL) and seniority tend to earn higher wages, sometimes exceeding $60,000 annually depending on location and employer.

What are some common challenges bus drivers face during their shifts, and how are they usually addressed?

Bus drivers often encounter challenges such as managing tight schedules, dealing with traffic congestion, and ensuring passenger safety in various weather conditions. They may also need to handle difficult passenger interactions or unexpected mechanical issues. Transit agencies typically provide training on conflict resolution, defensive driving, and emergency procedures to help drivers navigate these situations. Support from dispatchers and maintenance teams is also available to assist drivers if problems arise during their route.

How much do school bus drivers make?

School bus drivers in North Carolina typically earn an average hourly wage of around $14 to $16, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $25,000 to $33,000. Wages can vary based on experience, certification, and the school district, and drivers often need a commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsements.

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

AspectBus Driver Bus DriverSchool Bus Driver
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL)Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with school bus endorsement
Work EnvironmentPublic transit, charter, or private transportationSchool campuses, student transportation
Employer & IndustryTransit agencies, private companies

Bus Driver Bus Drivers and School Bus Drivers both require a CDL, but School Bus Drivers need an additional endorsement. Bus Driver Bus Drivers typically work in public transit or private transport, while School Bus Drivers focus on transporting students. The roles overlap in credentials and work environment, but their specific duties differ based on the passenger type and setting.

What is the most a bus driver can make?

Bus drivers' salaries vary by location and experience, but the highest-paid bus drivers can earn over $50,000 to $60,000 annually, especially with seniority, specialized routes, or additional certifications. Factors such as union membership and working overtime can also increase earnings.

What does a bus driver do?

A bus driver is responsible for transporting passengers safely along specified routes according to a set timetable. Their duties include picking up and dropping off passengers at designated stops, ensuring the safety and comfort of all riders, and following all traffic laws and regulations. Bus drivers also perform routine vehicle inspections, keep records of their trips, and may assist passengers with disabilities or special needs. Additionally, they handle fare collection and provide information to passengers about routes and schedules.
What are popular job titles related to Bus Driver Bus Driver jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Bus Driver Bus Driver jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Bus Driver Bus Driver jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Bus Driver Bus Driver jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Bus Driver Bus Driver jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Bus Driver Bus Driver job openings:
Bus Driver Bus Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bus Driver Bus Driver job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 19% Full Time, 75% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $40,047 per year, or $19.3 per hour.
School Bus Driver

School Bus Driver

Wake County Public School System

Cary, NC

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Wake County Public School System rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

465th of 559 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

Overview

The Wake County Public School System is hiring full-time and substitute bus drivers! Reliable and safety-minded individuals who qualify and are able to obtain the NC Commercial Drivers License (CDL) and P&S Endorsement (Passengers and School Bus) are encouraged to apply by submitting an application. NOTE: A driver's route could be anywhere in the WCPSS system, with preference given to a driver's home address. 

If you are hired, expect:
  • a competitive wage package
  • schedule options
  • training
  • vacation time, holiday pay, health insurance, NC Retirement for full-time (30 hours and up) drivers
  • daily guarantee on pay
  • a great working environment!
WCPSS school bus driver qualifications
  • Must be 18 years old.
  • Must possess a valid NC driver's license.
  • Must have had a valid driver's license for a minimum of two years.

Within past 12 months

  • No conviction of any moving violation
  • No pending charge of any moving violation
  • No more than one charge of any moving violation, regardless of disposition

Within past 60 months

  • No more than three charges of moving violations of any kind
  • No conviction of a moving violation combined with any other charge of a moving violation
  • No charge of DWI or DUI
  • No charge for reckless driving
  • No charge for passing a stopped school bus

Within past 10 years

  • No suspension or revocation of the driving privilege, other than for such status offenses as lapsed insurance, failure to appear in court, and failure to comply with out-of-state citation; provided that there be no more than one suspension or revocation for such status offenses within the past 10-years.

Indefinite

  • No more than one charge of DWI or DUI

Anyone who meets the above requirements and is interested in becoming a school bus driver for the Wake County Public School System may apply by filling out a WCPSS job application form.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What Wake County Public School System employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Wake County Public Schools

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) is a well-regarded educational institution based in Cary, NC, United States. As the largest school district in North Carolina and the 15th largest in the U.S, it operates within the education industry providing primary and secondary education to students in Wake County. The district oversees a wide array of schools, including traditional calendars, year-round calendars, modified calendars, and magnets. Founded in 1976, the WCPSS has consistently strived to meet the individual needs of all students by providing a safe, supportive, and rigorous learning environment.

Industry

Education

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Cary, NC, US

Year founded

1976

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