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Bus Helper Jobs in Mankato, MN (NOW HIRING)

LifeWise Academy

CDL Bus Driver

Faribault, MN · On-site

Overview As a LifeWise CDL bus driver, you will provide safe and reliable transportation for public ... Be aware of which students need help or are misbehaving * Complete training required by LifeWise ...

LifeWise Academy

Volunteer CDL Bus Driver

Faribault, MN · On-site

Overview As a LifeWise CDL bus driver, you will provide safe and reliable transportation for public ... Be aware of which students need help or are misbehaving * Complete training required by LifeWise ...

All JobsBus Helper JobsBus Helper Jobs in Mankato, MN

Bus Helper information

See Mankato, MN salary details

$10

$18

$23

How much do bus helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for bus helper in Mankato, MN is $18.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $18.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

How much do school bus helpers make in the US?

School bus helpers in the US typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $20,000 to $30,000 depending on location and experience. They assist with loading and unloading students, ensuring safety, and may require basic training or certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Bus jobs in Mankato, MN?

The most popular types of Bus jobs in Mankato, MN are:

What cities near Mankato, MN are hiring for Bus Helper jobs?

Cities near Mankato, MN with the most Bus Helper job openings:

Bus Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bus Helper job openings in Mankato, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Full Time, 69% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,526 per year, or $18 per hour.

Bus Monitor - Choose Your MN Location

Palmer Bus Financial Management Inc

North Mankato, MN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist with loading and unloading students, especially those with physical or developmental needs.

  • Monitor student behavior, ensure students are secure and comfortable during the ride, and help in emergency situations until the driver takes over.

  • Keep accurate records, communicate with staff, and report incidents when needed.

Job description

Description:

Bus Monitor – Minnesota

Support Students. Serve Your Community. Choose Your Location.

Looking for a meaningful role where you can make a difference every single day? Join our team as an Aide and help support students—especially those with special needs—on their way to and from school, field trips, and activities. With locations across Southern Minnesota, you can choose the site that fits best for you.*

We Proudly Serve MN Schools:

Schools like Adrian, Austin, Barrett, Bovey, Montgomery, Nashwauk, Shakopee, St. Cloud, Zumbrota and many more. Check out our website for a full listing of school we serve. 

Apply once — and choose the location that works best for you! Your School district not on that list. That's okay. Go ahead and choose the "other" option. 


 What You'll Do

As an Aide, you'll work alongside the bus driver to ensure a safe, positive ride for students. Your day will include:

  • Assisting with loading and unloading students, especially those with physical or developmental needs
  • Monitoring behavior and ensuring students are secure and comfortable throughout the ride
  • Helping in emergency situations until the driver is able to take over
  • Keeping accurate records, communicating with staff, and reporting incidents when needed
  • Ensuring seat belts, safety restraints, and equipment like wheelchairs are properly secured 
  • Creating a welcoming and structured bus environment every day
     
 What We’re Looking For
  • A heart for helping kids—especially those with special needs
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills
  • Reliability, attention to detail, and a calm presence under pressure
  • Understanding of school bus safety and basic emergency procedures
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with diverse groups of people
     
 Why Join Us?
  • Choose Your Location: We have positions available across Minnesota—pick the site closest to you!*
  • Flexible Scheduling: Great for parents, retirees, or anyone looking to give back to their community
  • Team Environment: You’ll work side by side with drivers and staff who care 
  • Training Provided: No previous experience necessary—we’ll help you get started
     
 Ready to Ride Along?

If you’re patient, dependable, and passionate about supporting students, we’d love to meet you.

Apply today and choose your preferred Minnesota location!

*Disclaimer: Not all locations offer Bus Aide positions. Availability varies by site.Requirements:

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Ability to supervise children, maintain effective working relationships with children and staff. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee:

  • Will provide the following assistance to students and staff: walking, reaching, holding with arms, bend or twist at the neck and trunk or waist, crouching and/or squatting to assist students.
  • Will operate specialized equipment or office equipment; grasp tools; push wheelchairs; lift and/or manipulating objects or persons, and/or use of motion up to 75 lbs. or equivalent with or without assistance by another individual and/or with or without the assistance of devices designed to support the lifting effort.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance and close vision, color vision, depth perception and peripheral vision.
  • The noise level in the work environment is frequently loud to where you must raise your voice to be heard.  

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands:

  • Generally, the job requires 90% sitting, 5% walking, and 5% standing