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Bus Operator Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

DATTCO

RIDE School Bus Driver

North Smithfield, RI · On-site

$24 - $31/hr

School Bus Driver Location: North Smithfield, RI Salary: $24 - $31 Per Hour Career Site : Dattco START YOUR APPLICATION ( We are currently hiring experienced school bus drivers. Come find out why ...

DATTCO

School Bus Driver

Cranston, RI · On-site

$24 - $31/hr

We are currently hiring experienced school bus drivers. Come find out why DATTCO has the highest employee satisfaction rate in the industry. Hear what it's like from a DATTCO school bus driver:

DATTCO Motorcoach

School Bus Driver

Harrisville, RI · On-site

$22 - $29.25/hr

School Bus Driver We are currently hiring experienced school bus drivers for our location in Burrillville, RI. Come find out why DATTCO has the highest employee satisfaction rate in the industry.

DATTCO

School Bus Driver

North Smithfield, RI

$23 - $30/hr

We are currently hiring experienced school bus drivers for our location in North Smithfield, RI. Come find out why DATTCO has the highest employee satisfaction rate in the industry. Hear what it ...

DATTCO

School Bus Driver

Cranston, RI · On-site

$24 - $31/hr

We are currently hiring experienced school bus drivers. Come find out why DATTCO has the highest employee satisfaction rate in the industry. Hear what it's like from a DATTCO school bus driver ...

DATTCO

School Bus Driver

Cranston, RI

$24 - $31/hr

We are currently hiring experienced school bus drivers. Come find out why DATTCO has the highest employee satisfaction rate in the industry. Hear what it's like from a DATTCO school bus driver:

DATTCO

School Bus Driver

Harrisville, RI · On-site

$22 - $29.25/hr

We are currently hiring experienced school bus drivers for our location in Burrillville, RI. Come find out why DATTCO has the highest employee satisfaction rate in the industry. Hear what it's like ...

DATTCO

School Bus Driver

Harrisville, RI

$22 - $29.25/hr

We are currently hiring experienced school bus drivers for our location in Burrillville, RI. Come find out why DATTCO has the highest employee satisfaction rate in the industry. Hear what it's like ...

DATTCO

School Bus Driver

Smithfield, RI · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

We are currently hiring experienced school bus drivers for our location in North Smithfield, RI. Come find out why DATTCO has the highest employee satisfaction rate in the industry. Hear what it ...

DATTCO

School Bus Driver

Harrisville, RI · On-site

$22 - $29/hr

We are currently hiring experienced school bus drivers for our location in Burrillville, RI. Come find out why DATTCO has the highest employee satisfaction rate in the industry. Hear what it's like ...

DATTCO

School Bus Drver

Harrisville, RI · On-site

$22 - $29.25/hr

We are currently hiring experienced school bus drivers for our location in Burrillville, RI. Come find out why DATTCO has the highest employee satisfaction rate in the industry. Hear what it's like ...

DATTCO

School Bus Driver

North Smithfield, RI · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

We are currently hiring experienced school bus drivers for our location in North Smithfield, RI. Come find out why DATTCO has the highest employee satisfaction rate in the industry. Hear what it ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsBus Operator JobsBus Operator Jobs in Rhode Island

Bus Operator information

See Rhode Island salary details

$12

$21

$29

How much do bus operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for bus operator in Rhode Island is $21.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.61 and $23.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a bus operator?

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.

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 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.

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.

More about Bus Operator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Bus Operator jobs in Rhode Island?

The most popular types of Bus Operator jobs in Rhode Island are:

What are popular job titles related to Bus Operator jobs in Rhode Island?

For Bus Operator jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Bus Operator jobs in Rhode Island look for?

The top searched job categories for Bus Operator jobs in Rhode Island are:

What are popular job titles related to Bus Operator jobs in RI?

For Bus Operator jobs in RI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Bus Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bus Operator job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,650 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

RIDE School Bus Driver

DATTCO

North Smithfield, RI • On-site

$24 - $31/hr

Other

Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago

​DATTCO rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 99 rated public transport

Job description

RIDE School Bus Driver

Department: School Bus Driver

Location: North Smithfield, RI

Salary: $24 - $31 Per Hour

Career Site : Dattco

START YOUR APPLICATION (https://apply.hrmdirect.com/resumedirect/ApplyOnline/Apply.aspx?req_id=3754494&source=3754494-CJB-0)

We are currently hiring experienced school bus drivers. Come find out why DATTCO has the highest employee satisfaction rate in the industry.

Hear what it's like from a DATTCO school bus driver:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/uoal180vsh9wizcmweb0s/Employee-Success-Story-Diana-Jimenez-FINAL.mp4?rlkey=gobg3bhomce8h30vw8gpw9it4&e=2&dl=0

DATTCO is a third-generation, family-owned passenger transportation company that serves 30 school districts throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island. Learn more about us at www.dattco.com.

What We Offer:

  • Competitive compensation. Pay based on experience. Paid weekly.

  • Part-time work schedule of 20 to 30 hours per week. Additional hours may be available.

  • 401k with company match.

  • Career growth opportunities. We promote from within.

  • Paid holidays.

  • Annual pay raises.

  • Employee referral bonuses.

  • Guaranteed hours.

  • Paid safety meetings. Paid RIDE training (17 hours/year).

  • Compensation of $24.00-31.00/hour.

Responsibilities:

  • Safely transport children to and from school.

  • Perform pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections.

Requirements:

  • RI CDL-B with P & S endorsements and a RI white card. Individuals with out-of-state CDL-s may qualify.

  • Pass a background check. Pass a drug test.

Questions? Contact Leslie at (401) 597-6430 x2261 or leslie.forget@dattco.com.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status and any other protected classes.

START YOUR APPLICATION (https://apply.hrmdirect.com/resumedirect/ApplyOnline/Apply.aspx?req_id=3754494&source=3754494-CJB-0)

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