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Bus Driver Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 ...

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 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 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 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 ...

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 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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Bus Driver information

See Illinois salary details

$8

$19

$27

How much do bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 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.

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 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:
Infographic showing various Bus Driver job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,922 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

$22/hr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Substitute School Bus Drivers & Charter Bus Drivers

If you're looking for a career that will give you a strong sense of pride and purpose, this is the job for you. Getting over 1,000,000 children safely to and from school every day is one of the most important jobs you will ever have. Come work for North America Central where your skills are valued, and your contribution appreciated.

Illinois Central School Bus is now hiring substitute school bus drivers and charter bus drivers in Monticello, IL. Our drivers have flexible hours and time off during school holidays.

As a school bus driver at Illinois Central School Bus, you are not only an essential worker, but also a hero to children every day! We are looking for candidates who are responsible, love children, and are very reliable.

We are your friends, family, and neighbors - come join our team!

Location Info: Illinois Central School Bus

  • Monticello School Bus Barn: 1042 S. Market St. Monticello, IL 61856
  • Or call us M-F @ 217-631-1009
  • Apply online at driveayellowbus.com

We are proud to offer:

  • Up to $22 per hour (based on experience)*
  • Flexible hours – no nights or weekends required*

No experience necessary - we will train you!

Hours:

  • Route hours guaranteed at a minimum of 3.0 hours per day when school is in session
  • Additional work hours available through field trip and charter work
  • Summer school routes available – work year-round with school & holiday breaks

Benefits:

  • 401K with company match*
  • Paid sick leave - up to 40 hrs per year*
  • Paid holidays*
  • Medical insurance available*
  • Life insurance*

As an Illinois Central School Bus driver, you will be responsible to:

  • Safely transport passengers
  • Monitor passenger stops, ensuring the passengers safety during the loading and unloading process
  • Maintain effective & appropriate verbal communication skills
  • Represent Iowa Central School Bus professionally in all interactions with the Iowa City Community School District and the general public

*Conditions apply - see location for details

To qualify as a school bus driver candidate, you must:

  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Possess a valid driver's license for the previous 3 years
  • Be able to pass a background check, including a motor vehicle record check, drug screen & physical

Our drivers have flexible hours and time off during school holidays. Through our commitment to putting customers first, dedication to safety, and ambition to deliver the best; means that we've created a working environment that you'll love.

Job type: part-time

North America Central School Bus is an EEO/AA employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.