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Bus Operator Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Description BUS DRIVER SUBSTITUTE- HEAD START Non-Benefitted -- No Guarantee of Hours JOB SUMMARY ... Demonstrated experience and competency operating and working effectively and efficiently with ...

Bus Driver

Hood River, OR

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

Position Summary The Bus Driver is responsible for the safe and timely transportation of children and families to and from Mid-Columbia Children's Council (MCCC) centers and program activities. This ...

Bus Driver

Hood River, OR · On-site

$19.42 - $28.52/hr

Description Position Summary The Bus Driver is responsible for the safe and timely transportation of children and families to and from Mid-Columbia Children's Council (MCCC) centers and program ...

Experience operating a large bus of sixteen or more passengers * Must have a commercial driver's license (CDL) * Preferred 2 years experience as passenger transportation driver * Previous experience ...

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Experience operating a large bus of sixteen or more passengers * Must have a commercial driver's license (CDL) * Preferred 2 years experience as passenger transportation driver * Previous experience ...

Substitute Bus Driver

Seaside, OR · On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

Bus Driver/Substitute Bus Driver Date Posted: 11/21/2025 Location: Jewell School District 8 Description: Substitute Bus Driver (onsite bus training is available) Qualifications: Bus Driver * Posses ...

Bus Driver

Oregon City, OR · On-site

$27.51 - $38.70/hr

Transportation/Bus Driver Date Posted: 6/2/2026 Location: Transportation Department THIS POSITION IS FOR THOSE CANDIDATES WHO POSSESS A CURRENT CDL. If you do not have a current CDL, please apply for ...

Bus Driver

Salem, OR · On-site

$18.94 - $23.65/hr

Supporting Bus Assistant in communicating with families. Contributes to team effort by: * Participate in team meetings, staff meetings and parent meetings when required. * Establishing and ...

Bus Driver

Odell, OR

$18.94 - $23.65/hr

Supporting Bus Assistant in communicating with families. Contributes to team effort by: Participate in team meetings, staff meetings and parent meetings when required. Establishing and maintaining ...

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Bus Operator information

See Oregon salary details

$13

$23

$31

How much do bus operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for bus operator in Oregon is $23.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.10 and $25.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What disqualifies you from being a bus driver?

Bus operators must have a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger and air brake endorsements. Disqualifications include a history of serious traffic violations, DUI or drug offenses, certain medical conditions that impair driving ability, and a criminal record that raises safety concerns. Additionally, a clean driving record and passing background checks are typically required for employment.

What is the difference between Bus Operator vs Bus Driver?

AspectBus OperatorBus Driver
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL), possibly passenger endorsementCommercial driver's license (CDL), passenger endorsement
Work EnvironmentPublic transit vehicles, school buses, tour busesPublic transit, school buses, charter services
Employer & IndustryTransit agencies, schools, private companiesTransit agencies, schools, private operators
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Both Bus Operators and Bus Drivers require similar licenses and work in transit environments. The term 'Bus Operator' often emphasizes the operational and customer service aspects, while 'Bus Driver' is a more general term. They are frequently used interchangeably, but 'Bus Operator' may imply a broader role including safety checks and route management.

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

To thrive as a Bus Operator, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), a safe driving record, and thorough knowledge of traffic laws and routes. Familiarity with vehicle inspection checklists, fare collection systems, and GPS navigation tools is typically required. Strong customer service, patience, and problem-solving skills help you manage passenger interactions and unexpected situations. These competencies ensure safe, efficient transportation and a positive experience for all passengers.

What are Bus Operators?

Bus Operators are professionals responsible for driving buses to transport passengers along designated routes. They ensure the safety of all riders, adhere to traffic laws, and follow schedules to maintain timely service. In addition to driving, Bus Operators assist passengers with boarding and disembarking, answer questions, and sometimes handle fare collection. They play a crucial role in public transportation systems, providing reliable and courteous service to the community.

Is a CDL required to be a bus operator?

Yes, a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is typically required for bus operators, especially when driving vehicles that seat more than 16 passengers. Obtaining a CDL involves passing written and skills tests, and drivers may need to meet specific medical and background requirements depending on the jurisdiction.

What is the top pay for a bus operator?

The top pay for a bus operator varies by location and experience but can reach around $25 to $30 per hour or higher in some regions. Experienced operators with seniority or specialized routes may earn higher wages, and benefits such as health insurance and retirement are often included in compensation packages.

What are some common challenges faced by Bus Operators, and how can they be managed effectively?

Bus Operators often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable traffic conditions, adhering to strict schedules, and ensuring passenger safety and comfort. Effective time management, strong communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential for handling these situations. Many transit agencies provide ongoing training and support to help operators navigate these challenges and improve their customer service skills.

How much do NYC bus operators make a year?

Bus operators typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $40,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and union agreements. In many cases, they receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, and the job often requires a commercial driver's license and safety training.
What are popular job titles related to Bus Operator jobs in Oregon? For Bus Operator jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Bus Operator jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Bus Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Bus Operator jobs in OR? For Bus Operator jobs in OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Bus Operator job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 27% Full Time, 70% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $49,284 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Bus Driver - Substitute Position

UCAN CAP

Roseburg, OR • On-site

$18.68/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description
BUS DRIVER SUBSTITUTE- HEAD START
Non-Benefitted -- No Guarantee of Hours
JOB SUMMARY
Provide safe and punctual transportation for enrolled children, staff and volunteers to and from Head Start classes and field trips. Work in partnership with child services teams on issues that relate to families.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:
The essential functions of this position require prioritizing and completing all assigned tasks in a timely and efficient manner, adjusting for changing priorities and availability of resources, and demonstrating initiative in identifying additional job-related tasks to be completed when time permits. These duties are a representative example of position expectations. Actual duties assigned may vary and change depending on the business needs of the department and the agency.
  • Develop and plan bus routes with transportation services supervisor before classes begin in September and as changes occur. Maintain updated pick-up and delivery schedule for children; keep route within one hour. Any changes must be made within 24 hours of notice of change.
  • Safely transport children (staff and parent volunteers when space is available) to and from class and on field trips. Maintain consistent and open communication with staff and parents.
  • Maintain current emergency file on children. Conduct monthly, or more frequently if needed, bus safety training for children, which includes: buckling seat belts, staying seated and evacuation drills.
  • Conduct and document required Oregon Department of Transportation pre-trip checks. Assure that bus is maintained as outlined in the Bus Repair and Maintenance Policy reporting malfunctions immediately to supervisor. Sweep daily, as needed; wash bus once a month.
  • Monitor own licensing and training requirements, ensuring that current and legal bus requirements are current at all times.
  • Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, peer groups and team meetings. Participate as a reliable team member.
  • Respect the confidentiality of information about Head Start children and families, staff and personnel issues, and agency operations.
  • Provide exceptional and measurable customer service to internal and external customers with timely and accurate responses to their inquiries and concerns. Exercise tact, courtesy, and diplomacy when interacting with clients, contractors, vendors and others with whom we may work while enhancing the Company's public image at all times. Respond to all inquiries for information respectfully without regard to the inquirer's position, status, or demographic and in a manner that conveys understanding, acceptance and support for UCAN's programs and objectives.
  • Communicate in a professional, respectful and courteous manner with all employees, clients, the Board of Directors, and others with whom we may work. Contribute to a successful work group and foster a team-oriented culture through positive interactions, active listening, meaningful collaborations, and the constructive exchange of ideas.
  • Drive a company vehicle in the performance of duties. Driving will be required for travel to training facilities, board meetings, events, client homes, community meetings, partner facilities, and to perform other essential functions as needed.
  • Complete designated job tasks, special projects and all other duties as assigned to meet team, department and agency goals while actively demonstrating accountability, high levels of employee engagement, and responsibility for achieving desired outcomes and measurable results.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Qualified candidates for this position will have relevant education and experience necessary to perform the essential functions and meet the minimum performance expectations for this position with or without an accommodation.
  • Reasonable knowledge of automobile safety and defensive driving.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
  • Ability to make decisions independently in accordance with established policies.
  • Ability to use initiative and judgment in carrying out tasks and responsibilities.
  • Skill in operation of vehicles requiring a commercial driver's license.
  • Demonstrated experience and competency operating and working effectively and efficiently with computers and other forms of office technology, electronic data, computer programs and software applications, especially Microsoft 365, Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams. Ability to use electronic timekeeping system is required.

Required Licenses & Certifications
  • Valid driver's license with CDL and driving record that meets UCAN's acceptable driving guidelines.
  • Oregon School Bus Drivers Certificate preferred.
  • Prior to hire and continuously during employment - enrollment in the Oregon Department of Education, Early Learning Division, Criminal Background Registry.
  • Continuously during employment - complete annual training and education requirements.
  • Within 60 days of appointment - participate in Head Start Staff Health Appraisal
  • Ability to obtain first aid card and food handler's card.

Education & Experience
  • Two years' experience working with children ages 3-5 years.
  • An equivalent combination of experience and education that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position will be considered in lieu of the outlined requirements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The physical effort typically applied in this job includes:
  • Bending
  • Lifting
  • Reaching
  • Walking
  • Carrying
  • Manipulating
  • Sitting
  • Pulling
  • Stooping
  • Keyboarding
  • Pushing
  • Standing

The amount of lifting effort typically applied and the percent of time the effort is applied:
  • Less than 1lb. - More than 70%
  • Between 1 & 5 lbs. - 40% to 70%
  • Between 5 & 25 lbs. - 15% - 40%
  • Between 25 & 60 lbs. - 15% - 40%
  • More than 60 lbs. - Less than 15%

MENTAL OR VISUAL DEMANDS
  • Continuous mental and/or visual attention; the work is either repetitive or diversified requiring constant alertness to monitor the production process and/or identify defects.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The kinds of disagreeable elements the employee would typically be exposed to in the work area include:
  • Fumes
  • Vibration
  • Noise

Description of the physical surroundings or conditions under which the job is typically performed and the extent of exposure to the disagreeable elements noted above:
  • Work is typically performed under reasonably good working conditions; while exposure to any or all of the above elements may occur, such exposure is generally not present to the extent of being disagreeable.

AVAILABILITY AND ATTENDANCE
Due to (a) the nature and scope of the essential functions, (b) the importance of personal interactions between this position, employees, clients and other members of the public, and (c) the availability of job-related tools, equipment and resources at work, performance of the essential functions requires regular, consistent and on-site attendance while working independently and with others during our normal business hours, a combination of regular and consistent availability, accessibility and presence on-site.
  • Regular and consistent attendance is required.
  • Hours of work are during normal business hours and may require occasional evenings and weekends.
  • Non-exempt employees may be expected to work varying amounts of overtime during periods of high-volume work or to accomplish special projects.