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Bus Operator Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Regency Park

Community Driver (Bus Driver)

Portland, OR

$18 - $20/hr

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 ...

Oregon City School District 62

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 ...

Oregon City School District 62

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 ...

JEWELL SCHOOL K-12th

Substitute Bus Driver

Gresham, OR · On-site

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

Bus Driver Possess or be able to obtain an Oregon CDL class B license and School Bus Certificate. Possess or be able to obtain a First Aid card along with a Bus Driver's Certification. Pass a DOT ...

Oregon Child Development Coalition

Bus Driver

Woodburn, OR · On-site

$18.94 - $23.65/hr

Assists in compliance and sustains standard of maintenance, and adheres to Agency and state regulations associated with transporting children on a school bus by: • Keeping school buses clean and ...

Oregon Child Development Coalition

Bus Driver

Woodburn, 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 maintaining ...

Oregon City School District 62

Bus Driver

Oregon City, OR

$27.51 - $38.70/hr

THIS POSITION IS FOR THOSE CANDIDATES WHO POSSESS A CURRENT CDL. If you do not have a current CDL, please apply for the position titled "Van Driver or CDL Bus Driver in Training". This individual is ...

C-TRAN

Coach Operator Trainee

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$26.76 - $35.82/hr

Operators are expected to answer inquiries from the public concerning bus routes and time schedules. Work also includes the responsibility for efficient and safe operation of assigned buses.

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsBus Operator JobsBus Operator Jobs in Portland, OR

Bus Operator information

See Portland, OR salary details

$13

$23

$31

How much do bus operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for bus operator in Portland, OR is $23.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $26.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.
More about Bus Operator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Bus Operator jobs in Portland, OR? For Bus Operator jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Bus Operator jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Bus Operator jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Bus Operator jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Bus Operator job openings:
Bus Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bus Operator job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,434 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Bus Assistant, Full Year (0.75 FTE) - Multiple Openings in Transportation

Portland Public Schools

Portland, OR • On-site

$23.53/hr

Part-time

Re-posted yesterday

Portland Public Schools (Oregon) rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 622 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

Position Type:
TRANSPORTATION/BUS ASSISTANT
Date Posted:
7/7/2026
Location:
Transportation
Date Available:
ASAP
Closing Date:
Open until filled
TITLE: Bus Assistant, Full Year (0.75 FTE) - Multiple Openings in Transportation
POSITION OVERVIEW:
Under general supervision, the Bus Assistant's responsibility is to provide support within the student transportation services area with specific responsibilities for assisting special education students during transport to and from school and/or special activities; ensuring orderly entering and leaving of bus patrons; maintaining seat chart of riders; and ensuring the safety and sanitation of assigned vehicles.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Assists bus driver in handling emergency situations until the driver can take over
  • Assists special education students and other passengers in loading and unloading safely from buses during normal transport and emergency situations
  • Monitors students with special needs until released to teacher, instructional assistant, parent, etc. to ensure the safe transportation of all passengers
  • Assists bus driver with pre-trip safety inspection and cleaning the bus to ensure bus is maintained in a safe and sanitary operating condition
  • Assists with conducting monthly emergency evacuation drills to ensure the efficiency of procedures and compliance
  • Completes walk-throughs to check for students or articles left behind at the end of each trip (e.g. clothing, bags, prescriptions, etc)
  • Instructs students for the purpose of enforcing rules/regulations and maintaining student safety and well-being
  • Reports observations and/or incidents (e.g. discipline, accidents, inappropriate social behavior, etc.) to appropriate personnel for follow-up action
  • Secures students and/or their equipment (e.g. restraints, checks wheel chair tie downs, seat belts, opens ramp, etc.) to ensure their safety and well-being
  • May attend in person meetings, in-service training, workshops, etc. for the purpose of gathering information required to perform job functions
  • Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
  • Ability to adhere to safety practices and administer first aid
  • Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records
  • Knowledge of operating equipment used in transporting special needs students
  • Ability to speak clearly and have excellent communication
  • Ability to work outside regular business hours
  • Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals
  • Knowledge of health standards and hazards, state regulations, and laws pertaining to the operation of school buses and child behavior

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent required
  • Minimum of one year of related experience

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • CPR/First Aid Certification
  • Maine State CHRC authorization (cost is $70 to obtain certification - more info here)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • Light physical effort may be required

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:
  • Calendar: Full Year
  • Schedule: Part Time, 0.75 FTE
  • Assignment: Permanent
  • Contract: Part of BASE union (new contract will be posted here soon)
  • Wage range: 19.18 $23.53 (based on years of experience)
  • Benefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined here

Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.

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