ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Bus Driver Jobs in Pierce County, WA (NOW HIRING)

Puyallup School District

BUS DRIVER

Puyallup, WA · On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

Bus Driver Date Posted: 7/14/2026 Location: Transportation Date Available: UPON HIRE Closing Date: POOL Posting: AP7758 Location: Transportation Position: Bus Driver Rate : Bus Driver Salary Schedule ...

Puyallup School District

BUS DRIVER

Edgewood, WA

$18.25 - $25/hr

Bus Driver Salary Schedule Hours: Varies Calendar: 190-day Complete the online district application and include the following : * Resume with work history * 3 references-must be a manager or ...

Chief Leschi School

School Bus Driver

Puyallup, WA · On-site

School Bus Driver The School Bus Driver is responsible for safely transporting Chief Leschi Schools students and other authorized passengers to and from school, bus stops, athletic events, field ...

First Student, Inc.

School Bus Driver

Tenino, WA · On-site

$24.50 - $29.17/hr

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers - Tenino, WA 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

Tenino, WA · On-site

$24.50 - $29.17/hr

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers - Tenino, WA 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

Tenino, WA

$24.50 - $29.17/hr

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers - Tenino, WA 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

Tacoma, WA

$33.60/hr

School Bus Charter Driver benefits: * Pay Details: Dependent on experience and qualifications * Hourly Rate : $33.60 per hour * Training Hourly Rate: $17.13 per hour * Commercial Learner's Permit ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$33.60/hr

School Bus Charter Driver benefits: * Pay Details: Dependent on experience and qualifications * Hourly Rate : $33.60 per hour * Training Hourly Rate: $17.13 per hour * Commercial Learner's Permit ...

First Student, Inc.

School Bus Driver

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$33.60/hr

School Bus Charter Driver benefits: * Pay Details: Dependent on experience and qualifications * Hourly Rate : $33.60 per hour * Training Hourly Rate: $17.13 per hour * Commercial Learner's Permit ...

Tacoma Public Schools

Substitute Bus Driver

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$31.98/hr

Must continue compliance with State Board of Education Requirements for Bus Drivers (WAC 180-20). Fingerprints and successful WSP and FBI background clearance/sexual misconduct clearance. Knowledge ...

New

Orting School District

Substitute Bus Driver

Orting, WA · On-site

$28.75/hr

Substitute - Bus Driver Date Posted: 8/3/2026 Location: Transportation Department Date Available: 09/01/2026 Individuals interested in applying as a sub driver must first contact the Transportation ...

Gateway Church Poulsbo

CCS Bus Driver

Bremerton, WA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

CCS Bus Driver Reports To: Transportation Lead Job Status: Part-time, approx. 20 hrs/wk, 9-11 months/yr Salary Range: $22-24/hr Work Location: Bremerton Campus (bus barn); Driving area: Kitsap County ...

Gateway Fellowship of Poulsbo

CCS Bus Driver

Bremerton, WA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

CCS Bus Driver Reports To: Transportation Lead Job Status: Part-time, approx. 20 hrs/wk, 9-11 months/yr Salary Range: $22-24/hr Work Location: Bremerton Campus (bus barn); Driving area: Kitsap County ...

Gateway Church

CCS Bus Driver

Bremerton, WA

$22 - $24/hr

CCS Bus Driver Reports To: Transportation Lead Job Status: Part-time, approx. 20 hrs/wk, 9-11 months/yr Salary Range: $22-24/hr Work Location: Bremerton Campus (bus barn); Driving area: Kitsap County ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsBus Driver JobsBus Driver Jobs in Pierce County, WA

Bus Driver information

See Pierce County, WA salary details

$8

$20

$29

How much do bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for bus driver in Pierce County, WA is $20.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.98 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 cities near Pierce County, WA are hiring for Bus Driver jobs?

Cities near Pierce County, WA with the most Bus Driver job openings:

Bus Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bus Driver job openings in Pierce County, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,390 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

BUS DRIVER

Puyallup School District

Puyallup, WA • On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Puyallup School District rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 631 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

Position Type:
Bus Driver
Date Posted:
7/14/2026
Location:
Transportation
Date Available:
UPON HIRE
Closing Date:
POOL
Posting: AP7758
Location: Transportation
Position: Bus Driver
Rate: Bus Driver Salary Schedule
Hours: Varies
Calendar: 190-day
Complete the online district application and include the following:
  • Resume with work history
  • 3 references-must be a manager or supervisor from a paid or volunteer capacity (cannot be family, friend, neighbor or co-worker)

All applicants must:
  • Meet Testing Requirements: Pre-Employment/Post-Offer Physical Capacity Testing
  • Be at least 21 years of age with at least 5 years driving experience
  • Pass Criminal Background Fingerprinting Check with WSP and FBI (Upon Hire)
  • Must have an acceptable driving record
  • Meet physical requirements set by law
  • Undergo drug and alcohol testing (Upon Hire)
  • Current First Aid Certification (Training Provided)
  • CDL classroom work and behind the wheel training provided (Upon Hire)

Click link below to review the Department of Licensing CDL guide:
https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/docs/cdlguide.pdf
Benefits and Wages
  • Refer to the Bus Driver-PSE agreements, salary schedules, calendars, and benefits here.

Attachment(s):
  • Job Description - Bus Driver.pdf

What Puyallup School District employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply