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Bus Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Los Angeles Metro

BUS OPERATOR

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$28.81 - $34.93/hr

If promoted to Line Instructor/Mentor, instructs bus operator student trainees on all job duties and responsibilities * Reports hazardous or dangerous conditions along bus route and at passenger ...

ablelight

Supported Living Instructor / SLS

Irvine, CA · On-site

... with bus routes, DMV materials, obtaining bus passes, etc. * Education Training: Provide ... SLS Instructors will NOT administer medication at any point. * Health and Nutrition Skills: Provide ...

Ablelight

Supported Living Instructor / SLS

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $20.75/hr

... with bus routes, DMV materials, obtaining bus passes, etc. * Education Training: Provide ... SLS Instructors will NOT administer medication at any point. * Health and Nutrition Skills: Provide ...

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Bus Instructor information

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$34

How much do bus instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for bus instructor in California is $20.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.95 and $26.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Bus Instructor, you need expert knowledge of safe driving practices, traffic laws, and commercial driving regulations, typically supported by a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and instructor certification. Familiarity with vehicle inspection systems, driver training simulators, and safety monitoring technology is essential. Strong communication, patience, and instructional skills help in effectively teaching and assessing trainee drivers. These skills ensure that trainees become competent, safe drivers, reducing the risk of accidents and promoting public safety.

What does a Bus Instructor do?

A Bus Instructor is responsible for training and educating new and existing bus drivers on safe driving practices, operational procedures, and regulatory compliance. They typically conduct classroom sessions, behind-the-wheel training, and safety evaluations to ensure drivers are prepared to operate buses safely and efficiently. Bus Instructors may also be involved in developing training materials, assessing driver performance, and providing ongoing education on new policies or technologies. Their primary goal is to promote passenger safety and reduce accidents through effective driver training.

What is the difference between Bus Instructor vs Bus Driver?

AspectBus InstructorBus Driver
Required CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), instructor certificationCommercial Driver's License (CDL)
Work EnvironmentTraining facilities, classrooms, on-road instructionOn the road, transporting passengers
Employer & Industry UsageSchool districts, training centers, transportation companiesPublic transit agencies, private transportation services

Bus Instructors focus on training and certifying new drivers, combining classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. Bus Drivers operate vehicles to transport passengers safely. While both roles require a CDL, Bus Instructors emphasize teaching and safety training, whereas Bus Drivers focus on daily transportation duties.

What are the common challenges faced by Bus Instructors when training new drivers?

Bus Instructors often encounter challenges such as addressing varying levels of learner confidence, adapting instruction for trainees with diverse backgrounds, and ensuring that safety protocols are thoroughly understood and practiced. Additionally, managing group dynamics during classroom sessions and maintaining engagement throughout practical driving exercises can be demanding. Successful Bus Instructors use clear communication, patience, and tailored teaching methods to help trainees develop safe driving habits and meet regulatory requirements.
What are popular job titles related to Bus Instructor jobs in California? For Bus Instructor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Bus Instructor jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Bus Instructor jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Bus Instructor jobs? Cities in California with the most Bus Instructor job openings:
Bus Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bus Instructor job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,807 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

School Bus Driver Instructor FTE 1.0 at Transportation (PC #: 35565) #8442

San Juan Unified

Carmichael, CA

$26.65 - $33.36/hr

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Location/Site:  Transportation Department
Position Type:  Permanent
Number of Openings:  1
Employment Type:  Full Time
Salary:  $26.65 - $33.36 per hour/ $4,620 -$5,782 per month
Transportation Salary Schedule
School Bus Driver Instructor Job Description
Length of Work Year:  Calendar 1  (12 Months/Year 260 Days/Year, 5 Days/Week: July 1 - June 30)
Length of Work Day:  8 hours
Work Hours:  Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Posting Contact:  Denine Arndt, Personnel Technician: denine.arndt@sanjaun.edu









MATERIALS REQUIRED/REQUIREMENTS:
Applications submitted without the required documentation attached will not be considered.

Minimum five years of experience driving a school bus and minimum five years of experience as a state certified School Bus Instructor. 


MUST provide the following materials with application to demonstrate that the minimum requirements are met:

  • A valid California Class A or Class B Commercial driver's license with Passenger and School Bus endorsement and air-brake certification issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles within 30 days of hire or before driving equipment/vehicle requiring this license
  • Valid California School Bus Driver Special Certificate
  • Valid California School Bus Driver Instructor Certificate
  • Valid medical certificate approved by the California Department of Motor Vehicles
  • Valid First-Aid Certification as required by California Highway Patrol and California Department of Motor Vehicles
  • Possession of, or willingness and ability to obtain, Red Cross First-Aid/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Instruction Certification within 30 days of employment


COMMENTS & OTHER INFORMATION:
REMEMBER! Attachments are NOT automatically added to your applications. Make sure you scan and attach all required documents before the job posting deadline. The District is not responsible for district emails that may be delivered into an applicant's junk/spam mailbox.
The San Juan Unified School District Board of Education is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in district programs and activities. District programs, activities and services shall be free from unlawful discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), intimidation, and/or bullying based on actual or perceived characteristics of race; color; ancestry; nationality; national origin; immigration status; ethnic group identification; ethnicity; age; religion; pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or lactation, including related medical conditions and recovery; parental, family, or marital status; reproductive health decision-making; physical or mental disability; medical condition; sex (including sexual harassment); sex stereotypes; sex characteristics; sexual orientation; gender; gender identity; gender expression; veteran or military status; genetic information; affiliation with the Boy Scouts of America; a perception of one or more such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. If you believe you have experienced unlawful discrimination, please contact: Equity Compliance Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Sterling Williams, 3738 Walnut Ave., Carmichael, CA 95608, (916) 971-7110, LegalServices@sanjuan.edu; Section 504 Coordinator, Dominic Covello, 3700 Garfield Ave., Carmichael, CA 95608, (916) 971-7220, dcovello@sanjuan.edu; ADA/Title II Coordinator, Michelle Fischer, 3738 Walnut Ave., Carmichael, CA 95608, (916) 971-7036, michelle.fischer@sanjuan.edu.










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