1

Bus Operators Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

BUS OPERATOR

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$27.70 - $33.59/hr

Metro Rule Book for Bus Operators and Standard Operations Procedures * Metro Issued Route and Schedule Material * Basic money and time concepts Skill in (defined as the proficient manual, verbal, or ...

Bus Dispatcher

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $24.85/hr

Act as the Bowl liaison to bus operators at your Park & Ride/Shuttle location * Maintain ridership information for each departure and relay to supervisor in timely fashion * Interface with bus riders ...

Description Vivalon Rides is Hiring Shuttle Bus Operators in Solano County! Vivalon is a Marin-based nonprofit that has been serving the community for over 70 years. Recognized 10 times as one of the ...

Vivalon Rides is Hiring Shuttle Bus Operators in Solano County! Vivalon is a Marin-based nonprofit that has been serving the community for over 70 years. Recognized 10 times as one of the Best Places ...

Shuttle Bus Operator

Fairfield, CA · On-site

$24.75/hr

Vivalon Rides is Hiring Shuttle Bus Operators in Solano County! Vivalon is a Marin-based nonprofit that has been serving the community for over 70 years. Recognized 10 times as one of the Best Places ...

Shuttle Bus Operator

Fairfield, CA · On-site

$24.75/hr

Vivalon Rides is Hiring Shuttle Bus Operators in Solano County! Vivalon is a Marin-based nonprofit that has been serving the community for over 70 years. Recognized 10 times as one of the Best Places ...

Shuttle Bus Operator

Fairfield, CA · On-site

$22.50 - $24.75/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Vivalon Rides is Hiring Shuttle Bus Operators in Solano County! Vivalon is a Marin-based nonprofit that has been serving the community for over 70 years. Recognized 10 ...

Motorcoach Bus Driver

Orange, CA

$22.75 - $30.25/hr

Hit the Road with Us! We're hiring Motorcoach Bus Operators. Full-time and part-time positions available with excellent pay and a $2500 sign-on bonus. Apply now! Sign-on Bonus $2500 | Referral Bonus ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Bus Operators information

See California salary details

$12

$22

$29

How much do bus operators jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for bus operators in California is $22.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $24.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 clean driving record, and knowledge of traffic laws and safety regulations. Familiarity with fare collection systems, route mapping technology, and vehicle inspection procedures is typically required. Strong customer service skills, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help Bus Operators effectively handle passengers and challenging situations. These competencies ensure safe transportation, reliable service, and positive interactions with the public.

What is the difference between Bus Operators vs Bus Drivers?

AspectBus OperatorsBus Drivers
Required CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL), passenger endorsementCommercial driver's license (CDL), passenger endorsement
Work EnvironmentPublic transit, school buses, tour busesPublic transit, school buses, tour buses
Employer & IndustryTransit agencies, private bus companiesTransit agencies, private bus companies
Job FocusOperating buses, ensuring passenger safety, route adherenceOperating buses, ensuring passenger safety, route adherence

Bus Operators and Bus Drivers often share similar roles, credentials, and work environments. Both require a CDL with passenger endorsements and work in transit or private bus services. The main difference lies in terminology; 'Bus Operator' is often used in public transit agencies, emphasizing the operational aspect, while 'Bus Driver' is a more general term. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right opportunities in the transit industry.

What are bus operators?

Bus operators are professional drivers responsible for safely transporting passengers along designated routes using buses. They follow schedules, pick up and drop off passengers at stops, collect fares, and provide customer service by answering questions about routes and schedules. In addition to driving, bus operators ensure the safety of all passengers, adhere to traffic laws, and perform basic vehicle inspections before and after trips. They may work for public transit agencies, schools, or private companies, and often have to deal with a variety of road, weather, and passenger situations.

What are some common challenges Bus Operators face during their shifts, and how can they effectively manage them?

Bus Operators often encounter challenges such as adhering to tight schedules, managing unpredictable traffic conditions, and ensuring passenger safety and comfort. They may also deal with difficult situations involving passengers or sudden route changes. Effective communication, strong time management, and staying calm under pressure are key to overcoming these challenges. Many transit agencies offer training and support resources to help bus operators handle these scenarios professionally.
What cities in California are hiring for Bus Operators jobs? Cities in California with the most Bus Operators job openings:
Infographic showing various Bus Operators job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,004 per year, or $22.1 per hour.
BUS OPERATOR, RELIEF (PART-TIME)

BUS OPERATOR, RELIEF (PART-TIME)

City of Torrance

Torrance, CA

$25.81 - $27.11/hr

Other

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

DESCRIPTION WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION. The City of Torrance recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to the City of Torrance today.

The City of Torrance is recruiting for Relief Bus Operators to be part of the Torrance Transit Team. Torrance Transit is a municipally operated public transportation agency in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County. The agency directly operates a fleet of 63, 40-foot buses and a network of twelve (12) fixed-route bus lines.

The mission of Torrance Transit is to provide safe, reliable, inexpensive, and courteous transportation to our customers - the people who live, work, and do business in the City of Torrance and the region. Torrance Transit is currently hiring for experienced Relief Bus Operators with good driving records who are safety conscious and people oriented. Relief Bus Operators are responsible for the safe and timely operation of a transit bus over an assigned route with a focus on the safety and comfort of our Torrance Transit passengers.

As part of Torrance Transit, a Relief Bus Operator will be part of a team that prides itself on providing excellent customer service and reliable, on-time service to our community. Relief Bus Operators perform pre-trip inspection of buses, safety check equipment, and inform dispatch when adjustments or repairs are necessary. This position safely operates a bus on an assigned route by following defensive driving practices; and maintains schedules for pull-out time and en-route service.

Relief Bus Operators provide schedules, routes, and fare information to passengers seeking assistance. Relief Bus Operators follow all rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of Torrance Transit customers and employees. For more information about the duties of the position, click here.

Hours: The number of hours and days per week will vary with a minimum of 20 hours a week. Relief Bus Operators typically work various shifts, weekends and holidays. Overtime work is also regularly available.

After completing a year of service as a Relief Bus Operator promotional opportunities to become a full-time Bus Operator may be available. The pay range for full-time Bus Operator is $27.24 to $33.11 per hour plus full benefits. QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would have provided the knowledge and skills required is qualifying

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be: Minimum 6 months of driving with a Class A or B license with Passenger endorsement; at least 21 years of age and a satisfactory driving record for the past three years. License and/or Certificates: Possess and maintain a current California Class A or B Driver's License with a P endorsement and air brakes. Current Verification of Transit Training (VTT), School Pupil Activity Bus Certificate (SPAB) card, or School Bus Driver's Certificate is preferred.

Ten (10) years complete work history must be shown on application. Ideal Candidate: Successful candidates will possess the following: Strong work ethic and customer service orientation; Work history demonstrating stability, reliability, dependability, punctuality, and flexibility; Safe-driving record; and Genuine interest in working for a mid-size transit agency that serves the public. HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis and reviewed every Monday until positions are filled. A current DMV K-4 record showing a 10-year driving history is required at time of application. Driving records will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis within the guidelines listed below: NO more than one (1) moving violation.

NO arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs that result in a criminal conviction. NO administrative suspension or revocation of driver's license for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. NO traffic accidents reported on the DMV K-4 printout.

If a traffic accident reported on your DMV K-4 printout was not your fault, you must attach acceptable proof to your application to be given further consideration. Your DMV driving record must be dated within the last 30 days. To obtain a California DMV Driving record (K4), go to: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/online/dr/welcome

Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the examination process, which will consist of the following components: Performance Assessment: Pass/Fail Interview Panel: 100% NOTE: If you have NO experience operating a commercial passenger vehicle/bus, please apply for the Apprentice Relief Bus Operator position by clicking here. SPECIAL NOTES Visit www.TorranceCA.Gov to find out more information about our community. Positions under this classification perform "Safety Sensitive" functions as defined by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and are subject to Federal drug and alcohol testing

Pursuant to the US DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations - 49 CFR Part 40, Federal Regulations do not authorize the use of Schedule 1 drugs, including marijuana and CBD products, for any reason. As a condition of employment, applicants will be required to pass a pre-employment medical examination, a DOT drug and alcohol test, and a background check. The background check will include the requirement for a signed release of information to obtain DOT regulated drug and alcohol testing records from previous employers to be provided to the City of Torrance in accordance with DOT Regulation 49 CFR Part 40, Section 40.25

In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between TME-AFSCME and the City of Torrance, new employees covered under that memorandum shall become members in good standing and pay the required service fee to said Local. Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the examination date(s). The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

City of Torrance Diversity and Inclusion Statement The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally-rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees!