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Bus Driver Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Bus Driver

Fontana, CA

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

Looking for professional School Bus or SPAB certificated drivers with 5 years of experience. Drivers must possess a current medical certificate along with a good driving record. Serious inquiries ...

Bus Driver

Fontana, CA

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

Looking for professional School Bus or SPAB certificated drivers with 5 years of experience. Drivers must possess a current medical certificate along with a good driving record. Serious inquiries ...

Bus Driver

Irvine, CA

$20.57 - $28.52/hr

Bus Driver We are currently on the lookout for an experienced Bus Driver to join our elite team inIrvine, CA. As a key member, you will be entrusted with ensuring safe and comfortable transportation ...

Bus Driver

Irvine, CA · On-site

$20.57 - $28.52/hr

Bus Driver We are currently on the lookout for an experienced Bus Driver to join our elite team inIrvine, CA. As a key member, you will be entrusted with ensuring safe and comfortable transportation ...

School Bus Driver

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$29.74 - $36.61/hr

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 ...

School Bus Driver

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$29.74 - $36.61/hr

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 ...

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 ...

School Bus Driver

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$29.74 - $36.61/hr

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 ...

Bus Driver

Perris, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

Driver/Operator We are currently on the lookout for an experienced Bus Driver to join our elite team in Perris, California. As a key member, you will be entrusted with ensuring safe and comfortable ...

Bus Driver

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Driver We are currently on the lookout for a Bus Driver to join our elite team inSan Bernardino, CA. As a key member, you will be entrusted with ensuring safe and comfortable transportation for our ...

Bus Driver

Perris, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

Driver/Operator We are currently on the lookout for an experienced Bus Driver to join our elite team in Perris, California. As a key member, you will be entrusted with ensuring safe and comfortable ...

Bus Driver

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Driver We are currently on the lookout for a Bus Driver to join our elite team inSan Bernardino, CA. As a key member, you will be entrusted with ensuring safe and comfortable transportation for our ...

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Bus Driver information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$8

$20

$29

How much do bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for bus driver in Riverside, CA is $20.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do you need a CDL to drive for Trimet?

Yes, bus drivers typically need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) to operate transit buses for agencies like Trimet. The CDL must meet specific state and federal standards, and drivers often need to pass written and skills tests, as well as background checks. Having a CDL is a standard requirement for driving commercial passenger vehicles.

How much do school bus drivers make?

School bus drivers in Tennessee typically earn an average annual salary of around $30,000 to $40,000, depending on experience, routes, and school district. They often need a commercial driver's license (CDL) and may work part-time or full-time schedules, including early mornings and afternoons.

What are bus drivers?

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.

How to get a bus driver's license?

To become a bus driver, you must obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a passenger endorsement by passing written and skills tests, meet age and health requirements, and have a clean driving record. Additionally, completing a training program and background checks are typically required before applying for a bus driving position.

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 is the highest paying bus driver?

The highest paying bus drivers are often those who work in specialized sectors such as charter, tour, or school bus driving, especially with extensive experience or in regions with higher wage standards. Factors like certifications, seniority, and the type of employer can also influence salary levels, with some drivers earning over $50,000 annually. Generally, bus drivers with additional skills or who operate in high-demand areas tend to earn the most.

How difficult is it to become a bus driver?

Becoming a bus driver typically requires a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and passing a background check. Many regions also require a special commercial driver's license (CDL) and completion of a training program, which covers safety procedures and vehicle operation. The process can take several weeks to months depending on licensing requirements and training availability.

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.

Do school bus drivers work 40 hours a week?

School bus drivers typically work around 20 to 30 hours per week, including morning and afternoon routes, but some may work additional hours for activities or training. Full-time positions can reach 40 hours or more, depending on the employer and schedule requirements. Overtime and flexible hours are common in the profession.
What are the most commonly searched types of Bus Driver jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Bus Driver jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Bus Driver jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Bus Driver job openings:
Infographic showing various Bus Driver job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, and 44% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,980 per year, or $20.7 per hour.
Bus Driver

$25.44 - $30.40/hr

Part-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Bus Driver
GENERAL PURPOSE
Under general supervision, operates conventional and light school buses in the transportation of students over designated assignments and routes and on field trips; washes, sweeps, refuels and performs safety checks and inspections on assigned vehicles; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the full journey-level Bus Driver class. Incumbents may be assigned designated regular routes, may drive routes for the transportation of special needs students or may drive routes for both regular and special needs students. Incumbents may also perform general maintenance work in support of the department and assist Bus Mechanics in performance of their duties. Incumbents are expected to be proficient in the operation of all classes of vehicles in the District's passenger transportation fleet.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class. There will typically be an assigned schedule
for these duties.
1. Operates a school bus to transport students to and from home, school or other District sites; oversees the loading, seating and unloading of students from buses; provides escort/safe passage across streets and roadways; maintains order and enforces District rules for student behavior on school buses.
2. Assists students with special needs in accessing and departing from buses, including using wheelchair lifts to load students onto buses and securing and tying down students in wheelchairs; oversees the loading, seating and unloading of students from buses and vans; notifies parents of problem behavior or if students were ill.
3. Operates a school bus in transporting students, teachers and parents to and from field trips; assists in loading and unloading of instruments and equipment; maintains security of school buses while attending events and on field trips; prepares and submits daily and trip reports.
4. Evacuates buses in emergencies, following District rules and procedures; regularly participates in emergency evacuations; instructs students on bus safety and emergency evacuations.
5. Performs required maintenance and safety checks and inspections on assigned vehicles; prepares and submits inspection reports; performs minor maintenance, servicing and repairs to District buses as needed; washes, sweeps, refuels and performs equipment checks on assigned vehicles; maintains fuel consumption and mileage records.
6. Recommends route and schedule changes to meet needs; participates in the development of student transportation routes and schedules.
OTHER DUTIES
1. Performs general maintenance work in support of the department; assists bus mechanics in performing light duty maintenance on District school buses and vehicles; repairs driver and passenger seat cushions; installs, repairs and replaces complete harness sets and tie downs in special needs
buses; cleans bus interiors; drives District buses and vehicles to other locations for repair or recall;maintains inventory of products for bus mechanics and makes runs as needed to purchase parts;assists with smog checking of vehicles and buses; maintains daily reports and vehicle maintenance sheets for California Highway Patrol audits; assists with annual buffing and polishing of school buses.
2. Provides backup for Bus Driver Scheduler/Dispatcher; answers telephones and District radios as needed; logs pre-trips as needed; assists with bus evacuations at school sites; checks bus mileage for bus transportation checks.
3. Performs a variety of clerical duties as related to their assignment.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
1. Safe and defensive driving practices.
2. Proper operation of school buses of various sizes.
3. Applicable traffic and student transportation laws, codes and regulations.
4. Basic record-keeping techniques.
5. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
6. Applicable sections of the State Education Code and other applicable laws.
7. Operation and maintenance of a wide variety of hand, power and shop tools and equipment common to the field.
8. Safe work methods and safety regulations pertaining to work.
9. Lubrication systems, including oils and greases used in servicing and maintaining vehicles and equipment.
10. Methods, techniques, parts, tools and materials used in the maintenance and repair of diesel-,gasoline- and natural gas-powered vehicles.
Ability to:
1. Skillfully operate a school bus over designated routes.
2. Drive school buses of various sizes safely and efficiently.
3. Maintain safe discipline among passengers.
4. Learn and apply District policies and procedures related to student discipline.
5. Lift and restrain students according to approved policies and procedures.
6. Observe legal and defensive driving practices.
7. Learn and follow designated routes and time schedules.
8. Read and interpret maps.
9. Maintain bus in clean and proper working condition.
10. Operate and maintain a wide variety of hand, power and shop tools and equipment used in the work.
11. Fabricate and repair a wide variety of metal parts, equipment and tools.
12. Demonstrate safe driving record.
13. Conduct safety inspections and perform routine preventive maintenance.
14. Maintain routine records.
15. Understand and follow oral and written directions.
16. Communicate effectively with others.
17. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with District management, staff, parents,students and others encountered in the course of work.
Education, Training and Experience:
Graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent and successful completion of a school bus driving training program recognized by the California Highway Patrol.
Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:
A valid California Class B driver's license with a passenger endorsement, a good driving record and the ability to maintain insurability under the District's vehicle insurance policy. A valid Special School Bus Driver's Certificate issued by the California Highway Patrol. Possession of a Standard Red Cross First Aid Certificate.
Incumbents are required to pass a Department of Transportation biannual physical examination.
Upon acceptance of the District's offer of employment, new hires may be required to complete a
baseline physical examination prior to the first day of employment.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and walk;sit; talk, in person and by telephone; hear conversations, in person and by telephone, and equipment warnings; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to kneel, stoop, bend, climb or
balance; lift up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Mental Demands
While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or new skills; and
interact with District management, staff and others encountered in the course of work.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.The employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions and works near moving mechanical
parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes, toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee frequently operates a light van in road traffic conditions. The noise level is occasionally noisy.
Board Approval 2/15/2007
Effective 7/1/2007
Requirements / Qualifications
  • Certificate Copy (California Special School Bus Driver Certificate issued by the CHP (must be attached at time of application)
  • CPR/First Aid Certification (First Aid Certificate required only (must be attached at time of application)
  • Driver's License Copy (must be attached at time of application)
  • Other (DMV Printout of Driving Record of the last 30 days (must be attached at time of application)
  • Proof of HS Graduation (must be attached at time of application)

Comments and Other Information
Site: Transportation Department
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT The Governing Board adopted a policy that prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on actual or perceived ancestry, age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sex (or sexual harassment), sexual orientation or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics at any district site and/or activity.
The Board also prohibits retaliation against any district employee or job applicant who complains, testifies or in any way participants in the district's complaint procedure instituted pursuant to this policy. Board Policy 4030 and Administrative Regulation 4030 and Administrative Regulation 4031 are available upon request or on the district's website at www.omsd.net/domain/56. The coordinator/compliance office (s) may be contacted at:
Human Resources, Assistant Superintendent
950 W. D Street, Ontario CA 91762
909-459-2500 email:OMSD.net
If you need assistance please contact Edjoin at the applicant helpdesk at 1-888-900-8945 after you have read the frequently asked questions. Edjoins hours of operation - Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. PST
The District is not responsible for incomplete applications.
All documents must be legible.
Documents must show applicants name and Educational institution name to be accepted.
(copy of official transcripts must show name of applicant and institution conferred degree awarded with date and/or transferrable unit totals)
Due to the volume of applications we receive it is not possible to give information over the phone regarding the status of applications. Notification will be sent through the e-mail system as the posting progresses.
Please submit the required attachments. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. We do not accept documents by mail, fax, email or walk-ins. All items must be scanned and attached to your Ed Join application.
Failure to attach the required correct documents will result in your disqualification as an applicant. Testing is conducted on an on-going basis, and testers are encouraged to test in advance of postings to have the requisite documents on file when postings occur.
Upon acceptance of the District's offer of employment, new hires may be required to complete a baseline physical examination prior to the first day of employment.
Testing info
"Applications are initially screened for qualifying information and qualified applicants will be notified of test date, time and place. Testing may include written, oral, performance, or other evaluation methods appropriate to measure knowledge, skills and abilities required.
APPLICANTS MUST PASS ALL TESTS IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FURTHER.
In the event a large number of applicants pass all tests, further screening may occur to insure that the most qualified applicants are invited to an oral interview. "