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Bus Driver Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Academy Bus

Charter Bus Driver

West Warwick, RI

$80K - $100K/hr

Academy Bus has Charter Bus Driver positions available at our Providence area location in West Warwick, RI . Every day is different with our unique clients which include professional and college ...

Academy Bus

Charter Bus Driver

West Warwick, RI · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Charter Bus Driver Academy Bus has Charter Bus Driver positions available at our Providence area location in West Warwick, RI. Every day is different with our unique clients which include ...

New

Academy Bus

Charter Bus Driver

Providence, RI

$80K - $100K/hr

Academy Bus has Charter Bus Driver positions available at our Providence area location in West Warwick, RI . Every day is different with our unique clients which include professional and college ...

Academy Bus

Charter Bus Driver

West Warwick, RI · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Academy Bus has Charter Bus Driver positions available at our Providence area location in West Warwick, RI . Every day is different with our unique clients which include professional and college ...

Westerly Public Schools

Bus Driver

Westerly, RI · On-site

$17 - $23.50/hr

School Bus Driver Location: Transportation Effective Date: 03/07/2026 Application Deadline: Open until filled Pay Range: $ 29.33 Union: Local 808 (Transportation) Supervision Received: Director of ...

YMCA OF PAWTUCKET

Bus Driver

Pawtucket, RI · On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

Bus Drivers are responsible for conducting themselves in an appropriate manner, setting an example for children, parents and co-workers by reflecting the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

Lincoln, RI · On-site

$34/hr

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers- Lincoln, RI 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 ...

First Student, Inc.

School Bus Driver

Lincoln, RI · On-site

$34/hr

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers- Lincoln, RI 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 ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

Tiverton, RI · On-site

$29.10/hr

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers- Tiverton, RI 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 ...

First Student, Inc.

School Bus Driver

Warren, RI · On-site

$29.26/hr

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers- Warren, RI 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 ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

Lincoln, RI · On-site

$34/hr

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers- Lincoln, RI 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 ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

Portsmouth, RI · On-site

$29.12/hr

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers- Portsmouth, RI 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 ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

Tiverton, RI · On-site

$29.10/hr

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers- Tiverton, RI 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 ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

Portsmouth, RI · On-site

$29.12/hr

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers- Portsmouth, RI 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 ...

First Student, Inc.

School Bus Driver

Portsmouth, RI · On-site

$29.12/hr

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers- Portsmouth, RI 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 ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

Lincoln, RI · On-site

$34/hr

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers- Lincoln, RI 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 ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

Warren, RI · On-site

$29.26/hr

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers- Warren, RI 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 ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

Warren, RI

$29.26/hr

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers- Warren, RI 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 ...

DATTCO

School Bus Driver

Cranston, RI · On-site

$24 - $31/hr

School Bus Driver Department: School Bus Driver Location: Cranston, RI Salary: $24 - $31 Per Hour Career Site : Dattco START YOUR APPLICATION ( We are currently hiring experienced school bus drivers.

DATTCO

School Bus Driver

North Smithfield, RI · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

School Bus Driver Location: North Smithfield, RI Salary: $23 - $30 Career Site : Dattco START YOUR APPLICATION ( We are currently hiring experienced school bus drivers for our location in North ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsBus Driver JobsBus Driver Jobs in Rhode Island

Bus Driver information

See Rhode Island salary details

$8

$19

$28

How much do bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for bus driver in Rhode Island is $19.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $21.88 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 Rhode Island? The most popular types of Bus Driver jobs in Rhode Island are:
What are popular job titles related to Bus Driver jobs in Rhode Island? For Bus Driver jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Bus Driver jobs in Rhode Island look for? The top searched job categories for Bus Driver jobs in Rhode Island are:
What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Bus Driver jobs? Cities in Rhode Island with the most Bus Driver job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Bus Driver jobs in RI? For Bus Driver jobs in RI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Bus Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bus Driver job openings in Rhode Island 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 $40,345 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Charter Bus Driver

Academy Bus

West Warwick, RI

$80K - $100K/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Academy Bus rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 20 rated coach operators

Job description

Academy Bus has Charter Bus Driver positions available at our Providence area location in West Warwick, RI.

Every day is different with our unique clients which include professional and college sports teams.

$5000 SIGN ON BONUS and earn $80,000-$100,000 per year plus tips! Every Friday is Pay Day!

Full-time only.

Join Academy Bus, a leader in passenger transportation, and discover a career that offers:

  • Earn $80,000-$100,000 per year
  • Tips!
  • $5000 Sign On Bonus (for full-time bus driver)
  • Paid meals on overnight trips
  • Paid training
  • Paid time off
  • Holiday pay
  • Quarterly and annual safety bonus
  • Uniforms
  • New equipment
  • Electronic logs and DVIR systems
  • 24 hour maintenance and dispatch teams

Health Insurance and Benefits Offered Include:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription, and Life insurance
  • Supplemental coverages
  • 401K plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays

Bus Driver Requirements:

  • CDL
  • Passenger Endorsement
  • Airbrake Endorsement
  • Good Driving Record

*Benefits, Sign On Bonus and PTO Available for Full Time Employees

Academy is an EEO

Charter Driver, Charter Bus Driver, Charter Bus Operator, Bus Driver, Bus Operator, Motorcoach Driver, Motorcoach Operator, Motorcoach Bus Driver, Motorcoach Bus Operator.

What Academy Bus employees say

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