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Bus Helper Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Overview The School Bus Attendant is responsible for helping maintain a safe and orderly environment for students during transportation. Duties include student supervision, loading and unloading ...

Overview The School Bus Attendant is responsible for helping maintain a safe and orderly environment for students during transportation. Duties include student supervision, loading and unloading ...

Bus Driver

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Continuous Description DRIVE INTO YOUR COMPASSIONATE SIDE Help make the world a better place by ... Non CDL Bus Driver * Ability to lift a minimum of 25 lbs * Possess excellent customer service ...

School Bus Driver

Bellwood, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

School Bus Transportation Driver Lakeview Bus Lines is actively hiring school bus drivers for their ... We are looking for safe, friendly drivers to help transport our Special Ed Students to and from ...

School Bus Driver

Bellwood, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

School Bus Transportation Driver Lakeview Bus Lines is actively hiring school bus drivers for their ... We are looking for safe, friendly drivers to help transport our Special Ed Students to and from ...

School Bus Driver

Glen Ellyn, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and professional First Student school bus driver. School Bus Driver benefits: * Pay Details: Dependent on ...

School Bus Driver

Glen Ellyn, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and professional First Student school bus driver. School Bus Driver benefits: * Pay Details: Dependent on ...

School Bus Driver

Glen Ellyn, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and professional First Student school bus driver. School Bus Driver benefits: * Pay Details: Dependent on ...

School Bus Driver

Glen Ellyn, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and professional First Student school bus driver. School Bus Driver benefits: * Pay Details: Dependent on ...

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and professional First Student school bus driver. School Bus Driver benefits: * Pay Details: Dependent on ...

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and professional First Student school bus driver. School Bus Driver benefits: * Pay Details: Dependent on ...

Showing results 41-60

Bus Helper information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$18

$24

How much do bus helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for bus helper in Chicago, IL is $18.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $18.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a bus helper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bus Helper, you need basic literacy, attention to safety, and a high school diploma or equivalent is often preferred. Familiarity with safety protocols and sometimes the use of two-way radios or communication devices is beneficial. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to manage children or passengers with care are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure the safety, comfort, and orderly conduct of passengers, contributing to a positive and secure transportation experience.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a bus helper, and how do they support the bus driver and students?

A Bus Helper's daily responsibilities include assisting students as they board and exit the bus, ensuring that all passengers are seated safely, and helping maintain order during the ride. They support the bus driver by monitoring student behavior, providing supervision, and addressing any immediate issues or needs that arise. Bus Helpers often assist students with special needs, communicate with teachers or parents as needed, and help with emergency procedures, contributing to a safe and positive bus environment.

What is the difference between Bus Helper vs Bus Driver?

AspectBus HelperBus Driver
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require a commercial driver's license (CDL)High school diploma or equivalent; valid CDL with passenger endorsement
Work EnvironmentAssist passengers, ensure safety, and support bus operations; typically on the bus or at bus terminalsOperate the bus, navigate routes, and ensure passenger safety; primarily driving and route management
Employer & Industry UsagePublic transit agencies, schools, private transportation companiesPublic transit agencies, private bus companies, schools

The main difference between a Bus Helper and a Bus Driver lies in their responsibilities. Bus Helpers assist with passenger safety and boarding, while Bus Drivers operate the vehicle and navigate routes. Both roles often require similar certifications, but the Bus Driver's role involves driving and route management, making it more focused on operation. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right position in the transportation industry.

What is a bus helper?

Bus helpers, also known as bus attendants or aides, assist the bus driver in ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers, especially children or individuals with special needs, during transportation. Their responsibilities often include helping passengers board and exit the bus safely, maintaining order and discipline, and assisting with seat belts or mobility devices. They also monitor passenger behavior, respond to emergencies, and communicate with parents or school staff as needed. Bus helpers play a vital role in creating a secure and supportive environment on the bus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Bus jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Bus jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Bus Helper job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, 73% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,997 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

School Bus Attendant

Distinctive Schools

Chicago, IL • On-site

$17.05/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Position Title: School Bus Attendant
Location: CICS Bucktown- 2235 N Hamilton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Reports To: Transportation Coordinator
F.T.E: 10M Hourly- Part Time- up to 20 hours per week
Salary: $17.05 an hour
Start Date: August 2026
Distinctive Schools creates diverse, joyful, welcoming communities rooted in social justice and rigorous learning. We support all learners to be engaged, curious, and to achieve their full potential. Our students become confident advocates, creative problem-solvers, and collaborative leaders.
Overview
The School Bus Attendant is responsible for helping maintain a safe and orderly environment for students during transportation. Duties include student supervision, loading and unloading, attendance and roster tracking, student accountability, behavior management, and transportation documentation to help ensure students are transported safely and accurately to and from school and school-related activities.
Responsibilities
  • Assist students with boarding and exiting the bus safely.
  • Verify student attendance and maintain accurate transportation rosters.
  • Confirm students are riding the correct bus and exiting at authorized stops.
  • Assist with student accountability during daily routes and field trips.
  • Monitor student behavior and enforce safe riding expectations.
  • Assign and monitor student seating arrangements as directed.
  • Help maintain a safe and orderly environment on the bus.
  • Report student behavior, safety concerns, and route issues to the Driver and Transportation Coordinator.
  • Complete incident reports and other transportation documentation as required.
  • Assist younger students and students requiring additional support during loading and unloading.
  • Ensure students in grades K-4 are not left unattended at bus stops.
  • Keep aisles, exits, and emergency equipment areas clear of obstructions.
  • Assist with emergency evacuation drills and emergency situations.
  • Work collaboratively with the Bus Driver to support safe and efficient transportation operations.
  • Assist with student arrival and dismissal procedures, including gathering, escorting, and supervising students between the school and bus as needed.
  • Conduct child-check procedures to ensure no students remain on the bus after any route, trip, or activity.
  • Communicate professionally with families regarding student transportation matters as needed.
  • Assist with maintaining bus cleanliness, including sweeping, trash removal, and general interior cleaning.
  • Attend required meetings, training, and safety sessions.
  • Provide support on assigned routes, field trips, and transportation activities, including temporary reassignments as needed.
  • Perform other transportation-related duties and assignments as directed.

Requirements (minimum)
Education: High School Diploma
Qualifications
  • Experience working with school aged children is preferred, but not required
  • Previous experience as a Bus Attendant / Aid is preferred, but not required

Physical demands: Sit for extended periods of time. Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry tools, objects, or equipment above shoulder level without assistance. Move up and down stairs easily. Reach overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting, pulling, and stooping.
Description Disclaimer: Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.
EEO: Distinctive Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other personal characteristic protected by applicable law.
Distinctive Schools is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Distinctive Schools will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact talent@distinctiveschools.org or call 773.828.4191