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Bus Operator Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Bus Driver

Oregon City, OR · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

Bus Driver Trainee

Portland, OR · On-site

$19.18 - $23.53/hr

Bus Driver Trainee POSITION OVERVIEW: Looking to start a rewarding new career, earn your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) for free, and get paid while you learn? Portland Public Schools is hiring ...

School Bus Driver

Colton, OR · On-site

$22.57 - $26.50/hr

School Bus DriverFTE: .6875Hours: Splilt Shift: 6:00am - 8:45am and 2:15pm - 5:00pmDays Per Year: 152Reports To: Transportation SupervisorFLSA Status: NON-EXEMPTSalary/Benefits: $22.57 - $26.50 ...

School Bus Driver

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$25.78/hr

Transportation - Bus Driver/Bus Driver Date Posted: 7/1/2026 Location: Transportation Department Date Available: When Filled Closing Date: When Filled EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PERSONNEL VACANCY BUS DRIVER ...

School Bus Driver

Colton, OR · On-site

$22.57 - $26.50/hr

School Bus Driver FTE: .6875 Hours: Splilt Shift: 6:00am - 8:45am and 2:15pm - 5:00pm Days Per Year: 152 Reports To: Transportation Supervisor FLSA Status: NON-EXEMPT Salary/Benefits: $22.57 - $26.50 ...

At Oregon Episcopal School (OES), our Bus Drivers do much more than transport students. They are trusted adults, friendly faces, and valued members of a vibrant school community dedicated to helping ...

Showing results 21-40

Bus Operator information

See Portland, OR salary details

$13

$23

$31

How much do bus operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 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 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.

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 cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Bus Operator jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Bus Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Bus Operator job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,434 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

$27.51 - $38.70/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

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 responsible for providing students with safe transportation to and from school and/or events. Must have a current driving record that meets Oregon State Department requirements.  Must demonstrate excellent attendance and punctuality.  

Special Requirements:   (Certification, training, specialty skills or previous experience)

1.       Possession of a valid driver's license, CDL endorsement preferred, and an ODE school bus driver's certificate.

2.       Past driving record must meet the minimum requirements established by the State Department.

3.       Ability to work with students, staff, administration, and the general public in a harmonious way.

4.       Bilingual applicants desired, but not required.

5.       Must demonstrate excellent attendance and punctuality.

6.       Able to accept full responsibility for students they are transporting.

NUMBER OF HOURS PER DAY: VARIES  (MINIMUM 5 HOURS PER DAY FOR AM/PM ROUTES)

RATE OF PAY: $27.51 - $38.70 PER HOUR (RANGE 13T)

NUMBER OF DAYS WORKED PER SCHOOL YEAR: 186 DAYS PER YEAR

POSITION START DATE: 2026/2027 SCHOOL YEAR

Applicants recommended for conditional employment are required to be fingerprinted and have a criminal record check at their own expense (presently $12.50 per employee).

Oregon City School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We hire and promote without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, age, veteran status, familial status, genetic information, and/or disability of employee, with or without reasonable accommodations, is able to perform the essential functions of the position.