ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Bus Operators Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Dickson County Schools

Bus Driver

Dickson, TN · On-site

$15 - $20.50/hr

Conduct daily pre-operative safety inspection on an assigned school bus or buses; and notifies the transportation coordinator and/or on-duty mechanic of any mechanical or safety problems. * Attend ...

Dickson County Schools

Bus Driver

Dickson, TN

$15 - $20.50/hr

Conduct daily pre-operative safety inspection on an assigned school bus or buses; and notifies the transportation coordinator and/or on-duty mechanic of any mechanical or safety problems. * Attend ...

Cocke County School District

Bus Driver

Newport, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $20/hr

Motor Vehicle Operator's (DMV) License. * Current Commercial Driver's License (CDL), class B with Passenger and School Bus endorsement. Education: * High School Diploma or GED. * Bilingual, both oral ...

Dickson County Schools

Bus Driver

Dickson, TN · On-site

$15 - $20.50/hr

Conduct daily pre-operative safety inspection on an assigned school bus or buses; and notifies the transportation coordinator and/or on-duty mechanic of any mechanical or safety problems. * Attend ...

Haywood County School District

Bus Driver

Brownsville, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $18.50/hr

Bus Driver REPORTS TO : Director of Transportation SUPERVISES : N/A TERM : 10 months JOB GOAL ... Maintains cleanliness of vehicle to ensure safe operating condition * Completes periodic mileage ...

Oneida School District #351

Bus Driver

Oneida, TN · On-site

$14.75 - $20/hr

Motor Vehicle Operator's (DMV) License. * Current Commercial Driver's License (CDL), class B with Passenger and School Bus endorsement. * Will train and help get CDL if needed. * Must have clean ...

Coffee County Schools

Bus Driver

Manchester, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $20/hr

Ensures safe, proper, and courteous motor vehicle operating procedures * Demonstrates positive customer service skills * Maintains a positive, safe, and peaceful environment on the school bus

Coffee County Schools

Bus Driver

Manchester, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $20/hr

Ensures safe, proper, and courteous motor vehicle operating procedures * Demonstrates positive customer service skills * Maintains a positive, safe, and peaceful environment on the school bus

Coffee County Schools

Bus Driver

Manchester, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $20/hr

Ensures safe, proper, and courteous motor vehicle operating procedures * Demonstrates positive customer service skills * Maintains a positive, safe, and peaceful environment on the school bus

KIPP

Bus Driver

Nashville, TN

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

This work requires operating a passenger bus or van on assigned routes or on a demand response system. Position Responsibilities : Responsibilities of a KIPP Nashville Bus Driver include, but are not ...

KIPP

Bus Driver

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

This work requires operating a passenger bus or van on assigned routes or on a demand response system. Position Responsibilities : Responsibilities of a KIPP Nashville Bus Driver include, but are not ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsBus Operators JobsBus Operators Jobs in Tennessee

Bus Operators information

See Tennessee salary details

$11

$20

$27

How much do bus operators jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for bus operators in Tennessee is $20.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.21 and $22.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

How hard is it to become a bus operator?

Becoming a bus operator typically requires a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and completion of a commercial driver's license (CDL) training program. Candidates often need to pass background checks, medical exams, and a skills test; some employers also require a high school diploma or equivalent. The process can take several weeks to months depending on training availability and certification requirements.

How to become a bus operator?

To become a bus operator, candidates typically need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger endorsement, a clean driving record, and a background check. Training programs are often provided by transit agencies, and applicants must pass written and road tests to qualify for the position.

Is being a bus operator a stressful job?

Bus operators often experience stress due to managing traffic, adhering to schedules, and ensuring passenger safety. The job requires good communication skills, focus, and the ability to handle difficult situations calmly, which can contribute to job-related stress.

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Bus Operators jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Bus Operators job openings:

Bus Operators jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bus Operators job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Full Time, 69% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $42,308 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Bus Driver

Dickson County Schools

Dickson, TN • On-site

$15 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Job Description:
School Bus Drivers
Reports To:
Transportation Director
Dept/School:
Transportation
Employment:
10 months, Flexible hours, Salary Schedule
Calendar:
200 days
Salary Grade:
8 (Classified scale)
Date Revised:
8/21/2025
Qualifications:
Must be 25 years of age or older
Must have High School Diploma or equivalent
Must possess a valid drivers' license and have not less than five years of driving experience with an unrestricted operators license
Must be willing to obtain and hold a CDL license with P and S endorsements with training
TBI/FBI background check is required, DCS background check is required
D.O.T. physical is required by State and Federal Guidelines
Pre-employment and random drug testing required
CPR and First Aid training, Annual MVR
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
The following responsibilities are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other responsibilities may be required and assigned.
Performance Responsibilities and Essential Functions:
  1. Transport students over specified routes according to established time schedules; transport students and faculty on various athletic and special event trips
  2. Observe legal and defensive driving practices; assuring compliance with applicable traffic and student transportation laws, codes, and regulations.
  3. Prepare and maintain records and reports regarding mileage, student counts, driving times, and fuel consumption.
  4. Supervise student conduct during transport to assure safe vehicle operation; instruct students in various aspects of passenger and pedestrian safety.
  5. Maintain order and discipline among students on the bus, and while waiting at student pick-up and delivery locations according to established policies.
  6. Maintain assigned buses in a clean and safe operating condition; sweeping, washing, and cleaning the bus, as well as refueling, and preparing the bus for use in transporting students.
  7. Conduct daily pre-operative safety inspection on an assigned school bus or buses; and notifies the transportation coordinator and/or on-duty mechanic of any mechanical or safety problems.
  8. Attend and participate in transportation safety and in-service training workshops and meetings.
  9. Full-time substitute drivers shall meet all requirements and qualifications for drivers.
  10. Part-time Substitute drivers shall meet all requirements and qualifications for drivers.
  11. Ability to load and unload wheelchairs, tie downs and seatbelts.
  12. Build positive relationships with students, parents, other drivers and other school district staff.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:
  1. Continual sitting, reaching, and repetitive hand/arm movements
  2. Ability to work indoors and outdoors.
  3. Moderate exposure to extreme temperatures.
  4. Occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs, typically assisting students into seats, and the ability to carry or drag a student in an emergency situation out of the bus to a safe area.
  5. Potential exposure to communicable diseases and contact with blood and other fluids---potential exposure to physical injury from aggressive behavior. Potential exposure to vehicle fumes and chemicals.
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Light work load
Tools/Equipment Used:
Operate school bus; two-way radio; safety equipment including but not limited to flares, reflective signs, and fire extinguisher; specialized and adaptive equipment used by students
Posture:
Prolonged sitting; frequent standing and twisting; occasional kneeling/squatting, bending, stooping, and pushing/pulling
Motion:
Prolonged driving; moderate walking; frequent climbing stairs, grasping/squeezing, wrist and shoulder flexion/extension, and reaching
Lifting:
Frequent heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting nonambulatory students, and lifting and moving adaptive equipment on a daily basis
Environment:
Frequent exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures, noise, and vehicle fumes; exposure to biological hazards (bacteria, communicable diseases); work around moving vehicles; regularly work irregular hours, and occasionally work prolonged hours
Mental Demands:
Maintain emotional control under stress
Notes:
The duties outlined are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or is a logical assignment for this classification.
This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list
of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Apply