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Bus Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Bus Operator

Stockton, CA · On-site

$20.75 - $27/hr

Possession of an unrestricted State Department of Education Driver Instructor Certificate ... School Bus environment. May be exposed to loud noise levels, vibration, confining workspace ...

BUS OPERATOR

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$33.47/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 ...

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 ...

... 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 ...

Bus Operator

Stockton, CA

$3.8K - $4.7K/hr

Possession of an unrestricted State Department of Education Driver Instructor Certificate ... School Bus environment. May be exposed to loud noise levels, vibration, confining workspace ...

Bus Operator

Stockton, CA · On-site

$21.25 - $27.50/hr

Possession of an unrestricted State Department of Education Driver Instructor Certificate ... School Bus environment. May be exposed to loud noise levels, vibration, confining workspace ...

... with bus routes, DMV materials, obtaining bus passes, etc.) · Education Training (provide ... ILS Instructors will NOT administer medication at any point. · Health and Nutrition Skills ...

Showing results 21-40

Bus Instructor information

See California salary details

$8

$20

$34

How much do bus instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,807 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

$20.75 - $27/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Job Title

School Bus Operator

Job Description

Under the direction of the assigned manager, operate assigned buses and vehicles to transport students to and from athletic events and field trips; coordinate the mechanical maintenance and repair of college-owned buses and vehicles; and perform a variety of tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

Responsibilities and Duties

Essential functions include:

  • Operate assigned buses or vehicles to transport students and staff safely to and from athletic events and field trips.
  • Coordinate vehicle maintenance and mechanical repairs; contact outside repair companies as needed.
  • Inspect college vehicles prior to operation for safety purposes; clean windshields and headlights; clean the interior and exterior of college vehicles including picking up debris, sweeping floor and wiping upholstery; service college vehicles with fuel and oil.
  • Inspect vehicles for compliance with state regulations including emissions; maintain all fuel and mileage inspection records for college vehicles; maintain daily inspection records for college vehicles.
  • Maintain appropriate behavior among passengers on buses; follow College policies regarding student control and contact with the public.
  • Maintain schedules of transportation needs for various College events.
  • Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications

Knowledge of:

  • The California Motor Vehicle Code and the Education Code that apply to the operation of vehicles transporting passengers.
  • Safety regulations and safe work practices including safe bus driving procedures and operations.
  • Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
  • Basic first aid practices, procedures and techniques.
  • Customer service skills.

Ability to:

  • Operate assigned buses and vehicles safely and effectively.
  • Coordinate and a variety of repairs and preventive maintenance on assigned vehicles.
  • Inspect assigned vehicles for safety.
  • Maintain a variety of files and records.
  • Recognize malfunctions in equipment and report them to campus mechanic for appropriate action.
  • Exhibit patience in challenging situations.
  • Assure that assigned vehicles are maintained in clean and safe operating condition.
  • Read and interpret area maps.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Maintain physical conditioning for the safe operation of a bus; frequent to continuous sitting.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with all employees and others encountered in the course of work.
  • Demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, linguistic, and ethnic backgrounds and disabilities of community college students and staff as demonstrated by skills and abilities in cultural responsiveness and cultural humility.

Education and Experience: Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

  • Education: High school diploma or the equivalent.
  • Experience: One year of bus operation experience.

Other Certifications, Licenses, or Special Requirements:

  • Possession of or ability to obtain an appropriate, valid Class B, California Motor Vehicle Operator's license, with passenger endorsement by the time of appointment.
  • Possession of a valid Commercial Vehicle Driver's Certificate, issued by the California Highway Patrol including a valid First Aid Certificate.
  • Possession of an unrestricted State Department of Education Driver Instructor Certificate.
Supplemental Information

Working Conditions: Consistent with its obligations under the law, the San Joaquin Delta College will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job. Physical Demands: Incumbents are required to maintain physical conditioning to ensure the safe operation of a bus; sitting on a frequent to continuous basis; frequently getting up and down. Work Environment: School Bus environment. May be exposed to loud noise levels, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, dust, paint fumes, mechanical and electrical hazards, grease, oils, solvents, machinery with extremely hot surfaces and moving parts, moving objects or other vehicles, as well as cold and hot temperature. Hazards: While operating buses, work involves heavy traffic conditions, traffic hazards, varying weather conditions, and students who may exhibit unruly behavior. Note: This position is a Part-Time position up to 20 hours a week.