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Bus Operators Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Bus Operator

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$25.95/hr

If so, LBT wants YOU to join our team as a Professional Bus Operator! What you'll do: * Transport customers safely and comfortably. * Assist passengers with important travel decisions. * Enjoy the ...

Bus Operator

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$25.95/hr

If so, LBT wants YOU to join our team as a Professional Bus Operator! What you'll do: * Transport customers safely and comfortably. * Assist passengers with important travel decisions. * Enjoy the ...

If so, LBT wants YOU to join our team as a Professional Bus Operator! What you'll do: * Transport customers safely and comfortably. * Assist passengers with important travel decisions. * Enjoy the ...

Bus Operator

Merced, CA

$22.34 - $34.20/hr

Bus Operator We are currently on the lookout for an experienced Bus Driver to join our elite team in Merced, CA. As a key member, you will be entrusted with ensuring safe and comfortable ...

Bus Operator

Merced, CA

$22.34 - $34.20/hr

Bus Operator We are currently on the lookout for an experienced Bus Driver to join our elite team in Merced, CA. As a key member, you will be entrusted with ensuring safe and comfortable ...

Bus Operator

Merced, CA ยท On-site

$22.34 - $34.20/hr

Bus Operator We are currently on the lookout for an experienced Bus Driver to join our elite team in Merced, CA. As a key member, you will be entrusted with ensuring safe and comfortable ...

Bus Operator

Merced, CA

$22.34 - $34.20/hr

Bus Operator We are currently on the lookout for an experienced Bus Driver to join our elite team in Merced, CA. As a key member, you will be entrusted with ensuring safe and comfortable ...

Bus Operator

Chico, CA ยท On-site

$23 - $29/hr

We are currently on the lookout for an experienced Bus Driver to join our elite team in Chico ... As an operator and global integrator of mobility, we are driven by our purpose. Transdev - the ...

Bus Operator

Chico, CA ยท On-site

$23 - $29/hr

We are currently on the lookout for an experienced Bus Driver to join our elite team in Chico ... As an operator and global integrator of mobility, we are driven by our purpose. Transdev - the ...

CDL Bus Driver

Union City, CA ยท On-site

$26.50/hr

Responsibilities MV Dumbarton Express located in Union City, CA is immediately hiring Bus Operators! PREVIOUS BUS DRIVER EXPERIENCE IS NOT REQUIRED! Full-time and Part-time Positions Available! Off ...

CDL Bus Driver

Union City, CA ยท On-site

$26.50/hr

Responsibilities MV Dumbarton Express located in Union City, CA is immediately hiring Bus Operators! PREVIOUS BUS DRIVER EXPERIENCE IS NOT REQUIRED! Full-time and Part-time Positions Available! Off ...

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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 9, 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-SLO Regional Transit Authority (SLORTA)

County of San Luis Obispo, CA

San Luis Obispo, CA โ€ข On-site

$25.25 - $33.33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Salary: $25.25 - $33.33 Hourly
Location : San Luis Obispo, CA
Job Type: Permanent - Hourly
Job Number: 1024RT-040006-01
Department: Regional Transit Authority
Opening Date: 10/25/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
About the Position
Bus Operator San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority (RTA)
Our Bus Operators are the most important part of our transit system. You are the first face our passengers see and the most important contact to RTA. Driving a bus is a skilled profession but it is really a job about helping people in your community. RTA is offering a $2,000 signing incentive to bus operators who fulfill the program requirements.
You could be operating any one of the following vehicles: Buses, Paratransit Vehicles, Vans and Trolleys. A Class-B license with passenger and air brake endorsements is required.
No experience, no problem! RTA offers a 40 hour a week comprehensive paid training program to get your Class B license and endorsements Upon successful completion of the 6-7 week training program, operators will be assigned to part-time or full-time bids, as available.
Benefits for Full-Time: Full-time(35+ hours per week) employees receive a benefit package that includes full health coverage insurance for the employee (family medical coverage available at employee's expense), Personal Time Off, six (6) paid holidays, an RTA-funded 457 Plan and term life insurance.
for a complete job description.
The Ideal Candidate
Some of the requirements to consider: You must have a good driving record and a valid California Driver's license. We provide study classes to help you get your Class B driver's permit. Please note that a Class B does require you to be at least 21 years of age. You will learn to apply proper driving procedures, which are trained, learn the transit routes and schedules, and be able to read, understand, and interpret transit system operating rules, regulations, and policies. A background check and health screening take place before an applicant's start date.
We would love to add you as an addition to our team! When applying please use a valid email address as this will be used to communicate through the hiring process and thereafter.
How to Apply
Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. To apply for this position, click "apply" at the top of this page. This recruitment requires you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.
An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.
Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.
If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.
(RTA) The Regional Transit Authority is a Joint Powers Agency serving residents and visitors of: Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Grover Beach, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, and The County of San Luis Obispo. For further information regarding the San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority, visit our website at .
Supplemental Information
THIS RECRUITMENT AND THE POSITION FOR WHICH YOU ARE APPLYING IS WITH THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY (RTA), WHICH IS AN INDEPENDENT JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO.
RTA has contracted the services of the San Luis Obispo County Human Resources Department for administering and processing employment applications.
RTA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. RTA does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. RTA is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through application of its equal employment opportunity plan in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. RTA's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Plan is available online at www.slorta.org. If you have a disability or special need that requires reasonable accommodation, please contact RTA directly at (805) 781-4472.
Reasonable Accommodation Notice
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-781-5959 for assistance or e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us for more information.
Veteran's Preference Points
If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veteran's preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points. for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit. Please note that Veteran's credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees. For more information contact the Human Resources Department at (805)781-5959.
Full-time (35+ hours per week) employees receive a benefit package that includes full health coverage insurance for the employee (family medical coverage available at employee's expense), Personal Time Off, six (6) paid holidays, an RTA-funded 457 Plan and term life insurance.