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Bus Monitor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

BUS DRIVER

Bellflower, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

School Bus Driver Make a real difference in students' lives every day. The Bellflower Unified ... Clear vision for safe driving and student monitoring * Communication: Speaking and hearing for ...

Bus Driver

Brea, CA · On-site

$19.92 - $24.23/hr

School Bus Driver Brea Olinda Unified School District $19.92 - $24.23 Hourly Brea, CA Part-Time ... Seeing to monitor passengers and operate a vehicle. * Lifting moderately heavy children or objects ...

Bus Aide

Big River, CA · On-site

$11.75 - $15/hr

Bus AideJob Overview Seeking caring and dependable individuals to join our team as School Bus ... Monitor students for safety throughout the route Assist in emergency situations, including ...

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Bus Monitor information

See California salary details

$7

$14

$18

How much do bus monitor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for bus monitor in California is $14.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.36 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a bus monitor?

A bus monitor works on a school bus to provide safe transportation to all students. Their main job duties are to help children on and off the bus, supervise them during transport, and transfer them to the correct parents or guardians. This role is often combined with that of a school bus driver, though some school districts have a separate driver and monitor on each bus. A bus monitor needs communication skills, especially involving children, to ensure that students follow all safety regulations.

How much do bus monitors make in the US?

Bus monitors in the US typically earn between $12 and $16 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $25,000 to $33,000. Pay can vary based on location, experience, and school district policies, and the role often requires basic safety training and good communication skills.

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

To thrive as a Bus Monitor, you need a solid understanding of child supervision, safety procedures, and basic first aid, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with school bus safety equipment and incident reporting systems is typically required, and some employers may prefer CPR or first aid certification. Strong communication, patience, and conflict resolution skills help manage student behavior and foster a safe, respectful environment. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure student safety, maintain order, and provide reliable support during transportation.

Is being a bus monitor hard?

Bus monitors are responsible for ensuring student safety, managing behavior, and assisting with boarding and exiting the bus. The job can be physically demanding and requires patience, good communication skills, and the ability to handle challenging situations. It often involves working during early mornings or afternoons and may require background checks or training certifications.

What is the difference between Bus Monitor vs Bus Driver?

AspectBus MonitorBus Driver
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; background checkCommercial driver's license (CDL); training and certification
Work EnvironmentSchool buses, primarily inside the bus, assisting studentsDriving school buses on routes, responsible for safe transportation
Employer & Industry UsageSchool districts, transportation companiesSchool districts, private transportation services

While both roles are essential for student transportation, a Bus Monitor primarily supervises students and ensures safety inside the bus, whereas a Bus Driver is responsible for operating the vehicle and navigating routes. The Bus Driver requires a CDL and more extensive training, while the Bus Monitor focuses on student management and safety assistance.

What are the duties of a bus monitor?

A bus monitor is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of students or passengers on a school or transit bus. Their duties include supervising passengers, assisting with boarding and exiting, enforcing safety rules, and addressing behavioral issues. Bus monitors often work closely with drivers and may need to hold a valid background check or certification depending on the employer.

What are some of the most common challenges bus monitors face during their daily routes?

Bus Monitors often encounter challenges such as managing student behavior, ensuring all riders follow safety protocols, and communicating effectively with both the bus driver and school staff. They must remain alert and patient, especially when handling conflicts or assisting students with special needs. Being able to quickly adapt to unexpected situations, like route changes or emergencies, is also essential for success in this role.
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Infographic showing various Bus Monitor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,436 per year, or $14.6 per hour.

Elementary Bus Monitor (Internal Only)

Palo Alto Unified School District

Palo Alto, CA

$29.90 - $39.87/hr

Part-time

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Elementary Bus Monitor (Internal Only) at Palo Alto Unified School District Share on X Print Application Deadline 8/12/2026 11:55 PM Pacific Date Posted 8/6/2026 Contact Marilyn Munoz Number of Openings 1 Salary Pay Range $29.90 - $39.87 Per Hour Add'l Salary Info Range 21 on the Classified Salary Schedule Length of Work Year 10 Months / 5 Hours Per Day Employment Type Part Time Location Palo Alto Unified School District Department Transportation Department FTE 0.625 Benefits Prorated Cost for Part-Time Employees Job Summary Job Summary QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Any combination of training and experience equivalent to completion of twelfth (12th) grade and experience with students is desirable; Possession of current/valid First Aid and CPR/AED certification; Completion of Keenan Safety Care Training administered by the district. OVERVIEW: Under the direction of the Transportation Supervisor, perform a variety of duties associated with supervision of students on the school bus; and do related work as directed or required. RESPONSIBILITIES: Assist the bus driver in maintaining a safe, orderly, and positive environment during student transportation; Supervise students while boarding, riding, and exiting the school bus; Assist students with safely entering and exiting the bus, including younger students and students with disabilities as needed; Ensure students remain seated, wear seat belts when required, and follow established bus safety rules; Monitor student behavior and implement appropriate behavior management strategies consistent with District policies; Help prevent and de-escalate conflicts between students; Assign and monitor seating arrangements as directed; See more in the job description attached below

View Job Description Requirements / Qualifications For more information on Requirements/Qualifications, please contact the employer. Comments and Other Information For more information on Comments and Other Information, please contact the employer. Links Related To This Job Palo Alto Unified School District PAUSD Salary Schedule Benefits Contribution Chart View Other Job Desc.

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