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Bus Driver Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

AM Bus Company

School Bus Driver

Cicero, IL

$24 - $29/hr

AM Bus Company Is Hiring School Bus Drivers in the Chicago, IL area! No Experience Required! We Provide Training Earn $24-$29 Per Hour - Full Benefits Applicants With CDL & Passenger & School Bus ...

AM Bus Company

School Bus Driver

Chicago, IL

$24 - $29/hr

AM Bus Company Is Hiring School Bus Drivers in the Chicago, IL area! No Experience Required! We Provide Training Earn $24-$29 Per Hour - Full Benefits Applicants With CDL & Passenger & School Bus ...

AM Bus Company

School Bus Driver

Skokie, IL

$24 - $29/hr

AM Bus Company Is Hiring School Bus Drivers in the Chicago, IL area! No Experience Required! We Provide Training Earn $24-$29 Per Hour - Full Benefits Applicants With CDL & Passenger & School Bus ...

AM Bus Company

School Bus Driver

Chicago Heights, IL

$24 - $29/hr

AM Bus Company Is Hiring School Bus Drivers in the Chicago, IL area! No Experience Required! We Provide Training Earn $24-$29 Per Hour - Full Benefits Applicants With CDL & Passenger & School Bus ...

AM Bus Company

School Bus Driver

West Chicago, IL

$24 - $29/hr

AM Bus Company Is Hiring School Bus Drivers in the Chicago, IL area! No Experience Required! We Provide Training Earn $24-$29 Per Hour - Full Benefits Applicants With CDL & Passenger & School Bus ...

AM Bus Company

School Bus Driver

Chicago, IL

$24 - $29/hr

AM Bus Company Is Hiring School Bus Drivers in the Chicago, IL area! No Experience Required! We Provide Training Earn $24-$29 Per Hour - Full Benefits Applicants With CDL & Passenger & School Bus ...

AM Bus Company

School Bus Driver

Chicago, IL

$24 - $29/hr

AM Bus Company Is Hiring School Bus Drivers in the Chicago, IL area! No Experience Required! We Provide Training Earn $24-$29 Per Hour - Full Benefits Applicants With CDL & Passenger & School Bus ...

AM Bus Company

School Bus Driver

Chicago, IL

$24 - $29/hr

AM Bus Company Is Hiring School Bus Drivers in the Chicago, IL area! No Experience Required! We Provide Training Earn $24-$29 Per Hour - Full Benefits Applicants With CDL & Passenger & School Bus ...

West Aurora School District 129

Bus Driver

Aurora, IL · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

Transportation/Bus Driver Date Posted: 9/23/2025 Location: West Aurora School District 129 Date Available: ASAP TRANSPORTATION CENTER BUS DRIVERS Flex or Route Driver -A.M. & P.M. Shifts MINIMUM 5 ...

WEST AURORA HIGH SCHOOL

Bus Driver

Aurora, IL · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

Transportation/Bus Driver Date Posted: 9/23/2025 Location: West Aurora School District 129 Date Available: ASAP TRANSPORTATION CENTER BUS DRIVERS Flex or Route Driver -A.M. & P.M. Shifts MINIMUM 5 ...

AM Bus Company

School Bus Driver

North Chicago, IL

$24 - $29/hr

AM Bus Company Is Hiring School Bus Drivers in the Chicago, IL area! No Experience Required! We Provide Training Earn $24-$29 Per Hour - Full Benefits Applicants With CDL & Passenger & School Bus ...

AM Bus Company

School Bus Driver

Oak Lawn, IL

$24 - $29/hr

AM Bus Company Is Hiring School Bus Drivers in the Chicago, IL area! No Experience Required! We Provide Training Earn $24-$29 Per Hour - Full Benefits Applicants With CDL & Passenger & School Bus ...

AM Bus Company

School Bus Driver

Chicago, IL

$24 - $29/hr

AM Bus Company Is Hiring School Bus Drivers in the Chicago, IL area! No Experience Required! We Provide Training Earn $24-$29 Per Hour - Full Benefits Applicants With CDL & Passenger & School Bus ...

AM Bus Company

School Bus Driver

West Chicago, IL

$24 - $29/hr

AM Bus Company Is Hiring School Bus Drivers in the Chicago, IL area! No Experience Required! We Provide Training Earn $24-$29 Per Hour - Full Benefits Applicants With CDL & Passenger & School Bus ...

AM Bus Company

School Bus Driver

Chicago Heights, IL

$24 - $29/hr

AM Bus Company Is Hiring School Bus Drivers in the Chicago, IL area! No Experience Required! We Provide Training Earn $24-$29 Per Hour - Full Benefits Applicants With CDL & Passenger & School Bus ...

AM Bus Company

School Bus Driver

Oak Park, IL

$24 - $29/hr

AM Bus Company Is Hiring School Bus Drivers in the Chicago, IL area! No Experience Required! We Provide Training Earn $24-$29 Per Hour - Full Benefits Applicants With CDL & Passenger & School Bus ...

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All JobsBus Driver JobsBus Driver Jobs in Illinois

Bus Driver information

See Illinois salary details

$8

$19

$27

How much do bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for bus driver in Illinois is $19.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $21.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What type of bus driver makes the most money?

Long-haul bus drivers, who operate intercity or cross-country routes, tend to earn higher salaries than local or school bus drivers due to longer hours and increased responsibilities. Additionally, experienced drivers with commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and specialized endorsements often earn more, especially if they work for private companies or in regions with higher wage standards.

What is a bus driver?

Bus drivers are licensed professionals responsible for safely operating buses to transport passengers along designated routes. Their duties include picking up and dropping off passengers at scheduled stops, adhering to traffic laws, and maintaining a safe and courteous environment. They may work for public transit agencies, schools, or private companies, and often handle customer service tasks such as answering questions or assisting passengers with disabilities. In addition to driving, bus drivers are responsible for performing basic vehicle inspections and reporting any mechanical issues. Their primary goal is to ensure passengers reach their destinations safely and on time.

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

AspectBus DriverSchool Bus Driver
Required CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL)CDL with school bus endorsement
Work EnvironmentPublic transit, charter, or private transportationSchool campuses, student transportation
Employer & IndustryTransit agencies, private companiesSchool districts, educational institutions
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both Bus Drivers and School Bus Drivers require a CDL with specific endorsements, School Bus Drivers focus on transporting students within school districts, often with additional safety training. Bus Drivers may work in various settings like public transit or private charters, serving different passenger needs. The key difference lies in the work environment and the specific certification requirements tailored for student safety in school transportation.

Do school bus drivers get 40 hours a week?

School bus drivers often work full-time hours, which can include around 40 hours per week, especially during the school year. However, schedules may vary based on the employer, route assignments, and whether drivers work part-time or full-time. Many drivers also work early mornings and afternoons, with some additional hours for training or extracurricular activities.

What are some common challenges bus drivers face during their daily routes, and how can they manage them?

Bus drivers often encounter challenges such as managing tight schedules, handling difficult passengers, and navigating through traffic or adverse weather conditions. To manage these challenges, drivers are trained to remain calm under pressure, use conflict resolution techniques, and follow safe driving practices. Effective communication with dispatchers and maintaining a strong focus on passenger safety also help drivers address issues efficiently and keep routes running smoothly.

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 route planning software, vehicle inspection tools, and sometimes GPS navigation systems is typically required. Strong customer service skills, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help bus drivers manage passengers and challenging situations. These skills ensure passenger safety, reliable transportation services, and a positive experience for all riders.

What do bus drivers do?

Bus drivers transport passengers from one location to another. School bus drivers chauffeur students from bus stops to school and back again. City bus drivers transport passengers between different city locales. Some bus drivers may choose to operate long-distance vehicles that provide rides across state or national borders, or may drive chartered trips or sightseeing tours. It is a bus driver’s job to welcome passengers aboard their vehicle, collect payment (if applicable), and ensure that everyone is transported safely to their destination.

More about Bus Driver jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Bus Driver jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Bus Driver jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Bus Driver jobs in Illinois? For Bus Driver jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Bus Driver jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Bus Driver jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Bus Driver jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Bus Driver job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Bus Driver jobs in IL? For Bus Driver jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Bus Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bus Driver job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,922 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

BUS DRIVER

Chicago Heights School District 170

Chicago Heights, IL

$16.50 - $22.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 hours ago

Job description

SCHOOL DISTRICT 170
CHICAGO HEIGHTS, ILLINOIS
TITLE:                Bus Driver
QUALIFICATIONS:        Must hold a clean Class 3 driver's license with a bus endorsement.  A Criminal Records Check will be required.
JOB SUMMARY:            The Bus Driver is responsible for safely operating the school bus according to a set daily schedule.  He/she must ensure that the school bus is in good operating condition at all times, pick-up and drop-off students as per the schedule, maintain order and security on the bus and obey all laws, regulations and rules of conduct.
The Bus Driver must also deal with residents and members of the public in a courteous and respectful manner.  This includes receiving complaints about schedules and levels of quality of service.  The Bus Driver must make note of and report on any such complaints and respond in a courteous and respectful manner.
It is crucial for the Bus Driver to operate the school bus in a safe manner.  Failure to ensure the safe passage of students to and from school may result in the loss of life, which would have tragic consequences for the community as a whole.
REPORTS TO:            Transportation Supervisor and other administrators.
SUPERVISES:            Bus assistant, if applicable.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:    Salary, benefits and work year to be established by the Board of Education.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1.    Operate the school bus in a safe and effective manner in order to minimize the risk of injury, property damage or loss of life.
Main Activities





























  • Operate the school bus in a safe and efficient way according to all relevant legislation, policies and procedures
  • Perform daily safety and maintenance checks
  • Clean bus as scheduled and/or required
  • Ensure the bus is safely and securely stored
  • Advise the Transportation Supervisor of any requirements to maintenance or repairs


2.    Maintain schedules and maintain order on the school bus.
Main Activities


  • Pick-up and deliver students as per a set schedule
  • Take attendance on the school bus
  • Ensure students are aware of rules and responsibilities as passengers
  • Maintain order and discipline on the school bus
  • Make note of any behavioral or disciplinary problems


3.    Perform other related duties.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge
The Bus Driver must have proficient knowledge in the following areas:
 







  • Knowledge of highway and school bus regulations
  • Knowledge of how to deal with children
  • Knowledge of how to deal with children with special needs.
  • Knowledge of scheduling system and procedures
  • Knowledge of record keeping
  • Knowledge of equipment cleaning standards and procedures


Skills
The Bus Driver must demonstrate the following skills:
 



  • Ability to operate school bus in a safe and responsible manner
  • Client service and public interaction skills
  • Team building
  • Analytical and problem solving skills
  • Ability to read and write to record pick-ups and maintain daily records
  • Stress management skills
  • Time management skills


Personal Attributes
The Bus Driver must demonstrate the following personal attributes:
 






  • Be honest and trustworthy
  • Be respectful
  • Possess cultural awareness and sensitibity
  • Be flexible
  • Demonstrate sound work ethics
  • Deal with the public in a positive, courteous and respectful manner


WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical Demands
The Bus Driver has a moderately strenuous job.  The Bus Driver must sit for long periods and requires intense concentration, particularly in poor driving conditions.
Environmental Conditionn
The Bus Driver must work in all different weather conditions including extreme cold and extreme heat.
Mental Demands
The Bus Driver must maintain order and discipline on the bus while driving in a safe and appropriate manner.  Stress can be caused by the need to address behavior issues and discipline problems.
02/06/14
 






















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