Bus Driver Signing Bonus Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers

Sign-On Bonus: $2,000*

As a Part Time School Bus Driver, you will play a vital role in your community and the lives of students. You will start students' days with morning pickup before school and transport them safely back home in the afternoon. Additional hours for field trips and special event transportation may be available.

No experience is necessary to become a school bus driver! We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and professional First Student school bus driver.

School Bus Driver benefits:

• Pay Details: Dependent on experience and qualifications.
• Hourly Rate: $26.50 per hour.
• Training Hourly Rate: $17.00 per hour.
• Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) and Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training provided!
• Commercial Learner's Permit Bonus- $750 CLP Bonus if obtained within 7 days; $250 CLP Bonus if obtained within 14 days
• Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurance or coverage options.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match.
• Part-time, flexible schedule: Split shifts (AM/PM routes), weekdays only; No nights, weekends, holidays, or summers required.
• Career Advancement Opportunities: Advance into operational, maintenance, management, and leadership roles in over 540 locations across the U.S. & Canada!
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Counseling and support services for personal and work-related issues.
• Community Impact: Be a trusted figure for students and families.
• Employee Discount Program: Discounts on various products and services.
• Guaranteed Minimum Hours

Join First Student and get more than a paycheck. We offer perks and incentives designed to support you on and off the job, from early wage access and loyalty rewards to employee discounts, recognition programs, growth opportunities, and appreciation events. If you're ready to be part of a team that Fosters Teamwork and makes a real difference every day, First Student is the place to be.

Your day as a School Bus Driver will include:

• Safely transport students to and from school and activities.
• Supervise boarding and unloading at stops; assist students with seatbelts and mobility aids.
• Maintain order on the bus to prevent distractions.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections (brakes, lights, tires, emergency exits).
• Report mechanical issues promptly and keep the bus clean and sanitary.
• Obey all traffic laws and company safety standards.
• Communicate with parents, school staff, and dispatch about student behavior or delays.
• Demonstrate leadership and customer service skills.

School Bus Driver Jobs are Perfect For:

• Retirees looking for supplemental income.
• Stay-at-home parents seeking daytime work.
• Veterans transitioning into civilian roles.
• Anyone seeking a second career or flexible job.
• People who enjoy working with children.

You might be a good fit as a School Bus Driver if you:

• Are at least 21 years old.
• Have a valid driver's license for at least 3 years.
• Are looking for a part-time schedule and summers off.
• Enjoy working with students.

Note: This position is subject to DOT drug testing as a safety-sensitive employee. DOT Regulation 49 CFR Part 40 does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason.

Great School Bus Drivers often bring skills such as:

• Valid Class B License.
• History driving with ride share companies or taxi services.
• Previous experience as a teacher, CDL driver, social worker, classroom assistant, hospitality worker, or customer service or retail associate.

Take the wheel and drive your career forward with First Student! Make an impact in your community while enjoying flexible schedules, great pay, and unmatched support.

*Sign-on bonus conditions apply. See location for details. Bonus offer is effective 12.31.2026

***Commercial Learner's Permit Bonus conditions apply. See location for details. Bonus offer is effective 10.31.2026.

Language Requirement
This role requires English proficiency. Federal, state, and local requirements, including U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, require training, safety communications, company policies, employment documents, and other job-related communications be conducted in English.

First for a reason:

At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer.

In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia's Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request https://www.phila.gov/media/20210423160847/Fair-Chance-Hiring-law-poster.pdf.