1

Bus Driver Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The School Bus Driver Instructor is responsible for implementing the company's established school bus training program. This role will have knowledge in driver education, safe driving practices, and ...

The School Bus Driver Instructor is responsible for implementing the company's established school bus training program. This role will have knowledge in driver education, safe driving practices, and ...

ODE - School Transportation / Driver Training / Bus Drivers / Preservice Classes and Regional Instructors - website link: Union: Ohio Association of Public School Employees, Chapter 377-B (OAPSE 377 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Bus Driver Instructor information

See salary details

$9

$21

$30

How much do bus driver instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for bus driver instructor in the United States is $21.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a bus instructor?

To become a bus instructor, candidates typically need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsements, along with several years of driving experience. They must also complete a specialized instructor training program and pass a certification exam, demonstrating knowledge of safety protocols and teaching methods. Some regions require background checks and ongoing training to maintain certification.

How do I become a certified CDL trainer?

To become a certified CDL trainer, you typically need to hold a valid commercial driver's license, have several years of driving experience, and complete a trainer certification program approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles or relevant licensing authority. Additionally, trainers often must pass background checks and demonstrate teaching skills or pass a trainer assessment. Requirements can vary by state or region, so checking local regulations is recommended.

How much do bus instructors get paid?

Bus driver instructors typically earn an hourly wage ranging from $15 to $25, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Salaries can also include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, and the role often requires a commercial driver's license (CDL) and training certifications.

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

To thrive as a Bus Driver Instructor, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), thorough knowledge of traffic laws, and experience in commercial or school bus driving. Familiarity with training materials, simulation tools, and state-mandated certification programs is typically required. Patience, clear communication, and strong observation skills help instructors effectively teach and assess aspiring drivers. These skills are vital to ensure new drivers are safe, competent, and compliant with transportation regulations.

What are some common challenges Bus Driver Instructors face when training new drivers?

Bus Driver Instructors often encounter challenges such as varying skill levels among trainees, language barriers, and helping trainees overcome nervousness behind the wheel. Instructors must adapt their teaching methods to match individual learning paces while ensuring all safety regulations and operational procedures are understood and followed. Additionally, they frequently conduct hands-on training in real traffic conditions, which requires patience, clear communication, and quick decision-making to maintain safety for everyone involved.

What are Bus Driver Instructors?

Bus Driver Instructors are professionals responsible for training new and existing bus drivers on safe driving practices, vehicle operation, and compliance with transportation regulations. They provide both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training to ensure drivers meet licensing and safety standards. Instructors also assess driver performance, deliver refresher courses, and stay updated on changes in laws and technologies related to bus operations. Their work helps ensure the safety of passengers and the general public.

What is the highest paying bus driver job?

The highest paying bus driver jobs are typically with government agencies or private transportation companies that operate long-distance or specialized routes, such as charter or executive transportation. These positions often require additional certifications, experience, and sometimes union membership, and they may offer higher salaries and benefits compared to standard school or city bus driving roles.

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

AspectBus Driver InstructorBus Driver
Required CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), Instructor CertificationCommercial Driver's License (CDL)
Work EnvironmentTraining facilities, classrooms, on-road instructionOn the road, transporting passengers
Employer & Industry UsageTraining schools, transit agencies, private companiesPublic transit agencies, school districts, private transport
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for training roles, certification requirementsFocuses on driving, passenger safety, route management

The main difference is that a Bus Driver Instructor trains and certifies new bus drivers, requiring additional instructor certifications, while a Bus Driver primarily operates the vehicle and transports passengers. The instructor role emphasizes training, safety education, and certification, whereas the bus driver role focuses on driving skills and passenger service.

More about Bus Driver Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Bus Driver Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Bus Driver Instructor job openings:
What states have the most Bus Driver Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Bus Driver Instructor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Bus Driver Instructor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% Full Time, 85% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $43,812 per year, or $21.1 per hour.
Bus Driver Instructor

$35.40 - $42.22/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Requirements / Qualifications
  • Certificate Copy (California Special School Bus Driver Certificate issued by the CHP (must be attached at time of application))
  • Certification (A valid School Bus Driver Instructor certificate issued by state Department of Education, with no instructional limitations.)
  • CPR/First Aid Certification (must be attached at time of application)
  • Driver's License Copy (must be attached at time of application)
  • Other (Medical Examiner's Certificate)
  • Proof of HS Graduation (must be attached at time of application)

Comments and Other Information
Site: Transportation Department
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT The Governing Board adopted a policy that prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on actual or perceived ancestry, age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sex (or sexual harassment), sexual orientation or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics at any district site and/or activity.
The Board also prohibits retaliation against any district employee or job applicant who complains, testifies or in any way participants in the district's complaint procedure instituted pursuant to this policy. Board Policy 4030 and Administrative Regulation 4030 and Administrative Regulation 4031 are available upon request or on the district's website at www.omsd.net/domain/56. The coordinator/compliance office (s) may be contacted at:
Human Resources, Assistant Superintendent
950 W. D Street, Ontario CA 91762
909-459-2500 email:OMSD.net
If you need assistance please contact Edjoin at the applicant helpdesk at 1-888-900-8945 after you have read the frequently asked questions. Edjoins hours of operation - Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. PST
The District is not responsible for incomplete applications.
All documents must be legible.
Documents must show applicants name and Educational institution name to be accepted.
(copy of official transcripts must show name of applicant and institution conferred degree awarded with date and/or transferrable unit totals)
Due to the volume of applications we receive it is not possible to give information over the phone regarding the status of applications. Notification will be sent through the e-mail system as the posting progresses.
Please submit the required attachments. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. We do not accept documents by mail, fax, email or walk-ins. All items must be scanned and attached to your Ed Join application.
Failure to attach the required correct documents will result in your disqualification as an applicant. Testing is conducted on an on-going basis, and testers are encouraged to test in advance of postings to have the requisite documents on file when postings occur.
Upon acceptance of the District's offer of employment, new hires may be required to complete a baseline physical examination prior to the first day of employment.
Testing info
"Applications are initially screened for qualifying information and qualified applicants will be notified of test date, time and place. Testing may include written, oral, performance, or other evaluation methods appropriate to measure knowledge, skills and abilities required.
APPLICANTS MUST PASS ALL TESTS IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FURTHER.
In the event a large number of applicants pass all tests, further screening may occur to insure that the most qualified applicants are invited to an oral interview. "