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Bus Operators Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Cocke County School District

Bus Driver

Newport, TN

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Bus Operators information

See Tennessee salary details

$11

$20

$27

How much do bus operators jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 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 top pay for a bus operator?

The top pay for bus operators varies by location and experience but can reach around $25 to $30 per hour or higher in some regions. Experienced operators with additional certifications or seniority may earn higher wages, often supplemented by benefits and overtime opportunities.

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.

How much do school bus drivers make?

School bus drivers typically earn an average hourly wage ranging from $14 to $22, depending on experience, location, and employer. Annual salaries generally range from $25,000 to $45,000, with part-time or seasonal schedules common in the profession.

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.

Is a CDL required to be a bus operator?

Yes, bus operators typically need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsement to operate commercial buses legally. Requirements may vary by region, but obtaining a CDL is generally a standard qualification for this role, along with a clean driving record and passing a background check.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

Most jobs that pay $2000 a day are high-level positions such as specialized medical professionals, senior corporate executives, or certain skilled trades like pilots or legal consultants. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced certifications, or specialized skills, and often involve long hours or high responsibility. For bus operators, such earnings are uncommon unless working overtime, long shifts, or in private or charter services with premium pay structures.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 28% Full Time, 70% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,308 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Bus Driver

Washington County TN School District

Jonesborough, TN • On-site

$14 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Safely drives a school bus over designated routes in accordance with time schedules, loading and unloading students at designated locations.

  • Inspects, cleans, and refuels the bus daily to ensure it is in good, clean, and safe working order.

  • Maintains order and discipline among students on the bus in accordance with district policies and procedures.

Job description

Position Type:
Transportation/Bus Drivers
Date Posted:
1/6/2025
Location:
Bus GarageRole: School Bus Driver
Summary: Under the general supervision of the Director of Transportation, to ensure the safe transportation of students, staff, and others to and from school, residential neighborhoods, and field trips.
Salary Schedule: Based on route(s) and paid on a per day scale.
Education/Experiences:
Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:
Certification/License:
  • Motor Vehicle Operator's (DMV) License.
  • Current Commercial Driver's License (CDL), class B with Passenger and School Bus endorsement.
  • Up to date DOT Physical within one year.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Safely drives a school bus on days when school is in session over designated routes in accordance with time schedules, loading and unloading students at designated locations.
  • Transports students, teachers and others on school field or activity trips.
  • Inspects assigned bus on a daily basis prior to transporting of passengers to ensure that bus is in good, clean and safe working order.
  • Cleans and refuels bus as needed.
  • Ensures that a communication device is in proper working order before each trip.
  • Reports all mechanical deficiencies, traffic violations, or accidents, promptly.
  • Arranges for and ensures completion of routine maintenance of bus (e.g., oil change); transporting the bus to and from maintenance and/or repair facilities.
  • Maintains order and discipline in an effective and courteous manner among students being transported in accordance with district policies and procedures; reports any incidents involving student discipline.
  • Observes and tracks route timing, such as total time en-route, time between stops, loading and unloading times or any other requested information for the purpose of establishing route efficiency, as requested.
  • Maintains and submits records and reports as required.
  • Follows procedures to ensure that no child is left alone on bus without adult supervision at any time, and that all children have departed bus at the end of all bus routes (morning, evening and during field trips or other special trips).
  • Inventories bus emergency and first aid supplies and equipment; reports needs to the Director.
  • Prepares aides and children for bus drills and ensures bus evacuation drills are held as required.
  • In case of accidents/emergencies, evacuates children according to written and practiced procedures, ensures that medical emergency procedures are followed; completes a written report as required.
  • Attends and participates in trainings, and other continuing education, career and professional development opportunities.

Additional Duties
  • Performs other related tasks as assigned.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Equipment:
  • Uses standard automotive and bus equipment, and telephone.

Travel Requirements:
  • Travels to and from school district buildings, to vehicle service stations, field trip locations and other destinations are required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of all traffic laws, regulations, road signs and related information.
  • Manual dexterity sufficient to operate the bus, conduct pre-trip inspections, and clean the bus.
  • Visual and auditory acuity within professionally determined normal ranges, with correction if needed.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Effective organizational, problem solving, and time management skills.
  • Ability to learn and comprehend information from procedures manuals and other materials. Ability to comprehend and follow traffic signs required.
  • Ability to physically move through the bus, center and classrooms.
  • Ability to maintain composure and perform responsibilities under pressure and in cases of accidents or other emergencies.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:
  • Works in standard school bus environment.

Washington County Schools governed by the Washington County Board of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the school system may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

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