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Bus Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Bus Instructor information

See California salary details

$8

$20

$34

How much do bus instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 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 cities in California are hiring for Bus Instructor jobs? Cities in California with the most Bus Instructor job openings:
Infographic showing various Bus Instructor job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 26% Full Time, 71% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $42,807 per year, or $20.6 per hour.
Supported Living Instructor / SLS

Supported Living Instructor / SLS

ablelight

Mission Viejo, CA

Other

Posted 23 days ago


AbleLight rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Location Hiring: Mission Viejo, CA

Job Summary:

The SLS Instructor provides one-on-one individual instruction and training to encourage independence at the highest possible level. SLS Instructors serve as advocates and liaisons on behalf of the individuals being supported. Our instructors strive to develop strong personal relationships with the individuals they support, the instructor assists in maximizing the individual’s successful community integration.
Essential Duties: 100%

  • Employment Preparation: Provide supervision to the individual while acquiring skills necessary for successful employment.  This includes supporting the individual with personal appearance/hygiene, screening/application/interview process, building a network, preparing a resume, time management, communication, working under direct supervision and safety awareness.
  • Communication Skills: Provide supervision to the individual while accessing facilitated communication devices which may include Braille, Sign Language, finger spelling, augmentative devices, development of adaptations as per choice, mannerism, etc. Provide training and supervision on how to use a telephone, cell phone, internet, etc.
  • Mobility Training: Provide supervision and training to the individual on how to access public transportation, familiarizing themselves with bus routes, DMV materials, obtaining bus passes, etc.
  • Education Training: Provide supervision and training on how to enroll in classes, apply for financial aid, school/class selection, maintain attendance, complete assignments, encourage, etc. Training may include parent skills, family life education and sexual education.
  • Money Management: Provide supervision and training how to budget, make change, purchase, count, comparisons.
  • Self Help Skills: Provide supervision and train individuals in basic hygiene tasks and at times tend to individual with bathing and assist the individuals with proper dressing for weather and environment.
  • Environmental Awareness and Public Adaptation: Provide supervision and training on how to safely and confidently access public professionals, develop natural supports in all settings.
  • Personal and Public Safety Skills: Provide supervision and training in recognizing stranger danger safety skills, recognition of safe vs. unsafe environments, street safety skills.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Provide supervision and training on how to remain safe in the event of an emergency such as fire, earthquake, and any other emergency. Promote awareness of the use and purpose of 911 and emergency services.
  • Community Resources Awareness: Provide supervision and support in most advantageous access of all possible public/community resources.
  • Health and Fitness: Provide supervision, training, and support with diet programs, exercise, medical conditions, making healthy food choices, etc. Heath Assistance and Medication (provide supervision and support for individual during medical appointments by communicating updates or concerns regarding health and/or medication. Also, provide supervision, training, and support to individual with following proper storage, documentation, and procedures for medication. SLS Instructors will NOT administer medication at any point.
  • Health and Nutrition Skills: Provide supervision and training to individual with following recommendation diet and nutrition needs. At times, SLS Instructors will help individual with feeding by providing hand over hand supervision.
  • Home Maintenance: Provide supervision and training to individual on maintaining a safe and clean-living environment. Also, able to provide support on completing necessary laundry tasks.
  • Self-Advocacy Skills: Provide supervision and support to the individual with becoming aware of their rights, identifying when their rights are being violated, use of legal rights, self-reliance, self-esteem, empowerment, etc.
  • Living Options: Provide supervision and training to individual while accessing Medi-Cal benefits, applying for SSI, Medi-Cal, assist and train the individual how to make appointments, cancel appointments, attend appointments, Immigration/citizen process, etc.
  • Shopping Skills: Provide supervision and support with shopping for groceries in the community. SLS Instructors will support individual in making healthy food choices, and assist with budgeting and price comparison.

The above reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.

Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities

· At least 6 months direct supervision in the field of working with individuals with the developmental and disabilities population.

· Ability to read, analyze and interpret general regulations.

· Ability to write legible and accurate notes relating to an individual’s goals/objectives.

· Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions to the consumer, circle of support, Regional Center and/or general public.

· Able to speak English and any language based on the individual needs.

· Ability to use independent judgement during services and emergencies.

· Possess a cell phone to be used to communicate with management and complete payroll responsibilities (view schedule, submit Time-Off request, punch in/out, and other duties).

Our Values – The “Way” We Work

Mission First We are called to support others to flourish and that deserves our full energy, commitment, and focus.

One AbleLight We are ONE TEAM working together to advance quality. We value collaboration, accountability, transparency, and courage.

Christian Love We are guided by our Christian Faith because all people have infinite value. We welcome and love every person, we act with empathy, grace, dignity, and patience.


Minimum Job Qualifications

Education: High School diploma or equivalent preferred but not required unless directed by state regulations.

Experience: Additional experience with people with developmental disabilities preferred or as required by regulations.

Lic or Cert Program specific based on state requirements: may or may not need a Driver's License with no negative Motor Vehicle Record findings.

Pay: $18.25-$20.75

BLC123


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