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Bus Operator Jobs in Lacey, WA (NOW HIRING)

Puyallup School District

BUS MECHANIC

Puyallup, WA · On-site

The position of "Bus Mechanic" is done for the purpose/s of determining needed repairs and/or replacements on a vehicle; ensuring the availability of vehicles in safe operating condition; performing ...

Puyallup School District

BUS MECHANIC

Puyallup, WA · On-site

The position of "Bus Mechanic" is done for the purpose/s of determining needed repairs and/or replacements on a vehicle; ensuring the availability of vehicles in safe operating condition; performing ...

Capital Region ESD 113

Early Learning-Bus Driver

Olympia, WA · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Assesses bus 5-point harnesses for the purpose of ensuring safe operating condition. Assists students and other passengers for the purpose of providing safe loading and unloading from buses including ...

Puyallup School District

BUS DRIVER

Puyallup, WA · On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

Bus Driver Date Posted: 7/14/2026 Location: Transportation Date Available: UPON HIRE Closing Date: POOL Posting: AP7758 Location: Transportation Position: Bus Driver Rate : Bus Driver Salary Schedule ...

Puyallup School District

BUS DRIVER

Puyallup, WA · On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

Bus Driver * Date Posted: 7/14/2026 * Location: Transportation * Date Available: UPON HIRE * Closing Date: POOL Posting: AP7758 Location: Transportation Position: Bus Driver Rate : Bus Driver Salary ...

Capital Region ESD 113

Substitute Bus Driver

Olympia, WA · On-site

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

The job of "Substitute School Bus Driver" is done for the purpose/s of transporting students over ... Fuels assigned vehicle for the purpose of maintaining vehicle in a safe operating condition. Job ...

First Student, Inc.

School Bus Driver

Tenino, WA · On-site

$24.50 - $29.17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers - Tenino, WA As a Part Time School Bus Driver, you will play a vital role in your community and the lives of students. You will start students' days with ...

First Student, Inc.

School Bus Driver

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$33.60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

School Bus Charter Driver benefits: * Pay Details: Dependent on experience and qualifications * Hourly Rate : $33.60 per hour * Training Hourly Rate: $17.13 per hour * Commercial Learner's Permit ...

First Student, Inc.

School Bus Driver

Rochester, WA · On-site

$24.50 - $29.17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers - Rochester, WA As a Part Time School Bus Driver, you will play a vital role in your community and the lives of students. You will start students' days with ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

Tenino, WA · On-site

$24.50 - $29.17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers - Tenino, WA As a Part Time School Bus Driver, you will play a vital role in your community and the lives of students. You will start students' days with ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

Tenino, WA · On-site

$24.50 - $29.17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers - Tenino, WA As a Part Time School Bus Driver, you will play a vital role in your community and the lives of students. You will start students' days with ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

Tacoma, WA

$33.60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

School Bus Charter Driver benefits: * Pay Details: Dependent on experience and qualifications * Hourly Rate : $33.60 per hour * Training Hourly Rate: $17.13 per hour * Commercial Learner's Permit ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$33.60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

School Bus Charter Driver benefits: * Pay Details: Dependent on experience and qualifications * Hourly Rate : $33.60 per hour * Training Hourly Rate: $17.13 per hour * Commercial Learner's Permit ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

Rochester, WA

$24.50 - $29.17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers - Rochester, WA As a Part Time School Bus Driver, you will play a vital role in your community and the lives of students. You will start students' days with ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsBus Operator JobsBus Operator Jobs in Lacey, WA

Bus Operator information

See Lacey, WA salary details

$14

$24

$32

How much do bus operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for bus operator in Lacey, WA is $24.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $26.68 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 popular job titles related to Bus Operator jobs in Lacey, WA?

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

What job categories do people searching Bus Operator jobs in Lacey, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Bus Operator jobs in Lacey, WA are:

What cities near Lacey, WA are hiring for Bus Operator jobs?

Cities near Lacey, WA with the most Bus Operator job openings:

Bus Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bus Operator job openings in Lacey, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,766 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

BUS MECHANIC

Puyallup School District

Puyallup, WA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Puyallup School District rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 632 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

Position Type:
Mechanic
Date Posted:
5/12/2026
Location:
Transportation
Date Available:
UPON HIRE
Closing Date:
OPEN UNTIL FILLED
Posting: AP7539
Location: Transportation
Position: Bus Mechanic
Rate: Mechanic - Bus Mechanic
Hours: 8 Hours, Monday - Friday
Calendar: 260-Day
Notes: The position of "Bus Mechanic" is done for the purpose/s of determining needed repairs and/or replacements on a vehicle; ensuring the availability of vehicles in safe operating condition; performing scheduled maintenance on vehicles; and providing written documentation of repairs to meet district, state, and federal requirements.
Applicant must own a complete set of mechanic's tools.
Education Required
  • High School Diploma or equivalent

Licenses, Certifications, Bonding, and/or Testing Required
  • Valid Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with air brake, passenger, and school bus endorsements (Class B CDL training is provided by the district) and evidence of insurability
    • Must have driving record free of traffic violations and accidents
  • Passing a DOT physical exam is required upon hire and yearly thereafter
  • DOT Drug Testing Clearance
    • Must submit to a preemployment drug screen and participate in DOT random drug/alcohol testing
  • First aid and CPR Certificate
  • Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance

Benefits and Wages
  • Refer to the Mechanics-NWIAM agreements, salary schedules, calendars, and benefits here.

Expedite Employment Processing
  • To expedite employment processing, please provide a minimum of 3 professional references from current and former supervisors, including their email addresses. Contact these references and ask them to respond promptly.

Additional Information
  • Your application is active for a period of two years, for the positions you have selected.
  • All completed applications will be reviewed by the respective hiring team, and if you are selected for an interview, they will contact you directly by phone or email.
  • Please ensure you continue to update your application to reflect any changes such as adding employment history, and supervisor/manager references.
  • For further questions, please contact the Human Resources Department at personnel@puyallupsd.org.

Attachment(s):
  • Job Description - Bus Diesel Mechanic.pdf

What Puyallup School District employees say

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