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Bus Operators Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Liberty University

Bus Operator (FT)

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$19.25 - $24.75/hr

The Bus Operators are responsible for driving Cars, Trucks, and buses to 60-foot articulated buses (with two connected sections) that can carry more than 100 passengers. Must Operate vehicles in a ...

Palm Tran

Bus Operator

Delray Beach, FL · On-site

$20/hr

Bus Operators have the responsibility for the safety of their passengers, the vehicle operated, and for completing the assigned route within the prescribed time schedule. Assigned schedules are based ...

JAUNT, Inc.

PT-CDL BUS OPERATORS

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$25.44 - $33.07/hr

Jaunt is hiring part-time Bus Operators for the following areas, days, and times: Areas: * Charlottesville and surrounding areas * Greene County * Nelson County * Buckingham County Commuter ...

Bi-State Development

Bus Operator Part-Time

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$19 - $24.75/hr

Metro Bus Operators do far more than simply drive customers to their destinations; they take the ride with them, from greeting to goodbye. Our Operators connect with customers every day to assure ...

Bi-State Development

Bus Operator Part-Time

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$19 - $24.75/hr

Metro Bus Operators do far more than simply drive customers to their destinations; they take the ride with them, from greeting to goodbye. Our Operators connect with customers every day to assure ...

Bi-State Development

Bus Operator Part-Time

Brentwood, MO

$18.50 - $23.75/hr

Metro Bus Operators do far more than simply drive customers to their destinations; they take the ride with them, from greeting to goodbye. Our Operators connect with customers every day to assure ...

Bi-State Development

Bus Operator Part-Time

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$19 - $24.75/hr

Metro Bus Operators do far more than simply drive customers to their destinations; they take the ride with them, from greeting to goodbye. Our Operators connect with customers every day to assure ...

Bi-State Development

Bus Operator Part-Time

Brentwood, MO · On-site

$18.50 - $23.75/hr

Metro Bus Operators do far more than simply drive customers to their destinations; they take the ride with them, from greeting to goodbye. Our Operators connect with customers every day to assure ...

Go Metro

Bus Operator

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$22/hr

New Bus Operators are eligible to earn a $2000 hiring bonus, less applicable taxes, paid out in two installments. Comprehensive Health, Vision & Dental Insurance (90 days after employment), Free ...

Metro

Bus Operator

Cincinnati, OH

$24.76/hr

New Bus Operators are eligible to earn a $2000 hiring bonus, less applicable taxes, paid out in two installments. Comprehensive Health, Vision amp; Dental Insurance (90 days after employment), Free ...

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Bus Operators information

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$12

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$30

How much do bus operators jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for bus operators in the United States is $22.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $24.52 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 are hiring for Bus Operators jobs? Cities with the most Bus Operators job openings:
What states have the most Bus Operators jobs? States with the most job openings for Bus Operators jobs include:
Bus Operators jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bus Operators job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,614 per year, or $22.4 per hour.
Part-Time Bus Operator

Part-Time Bus Operator

Chicago Transit Authority

Chicago, IL • On-site

$27.60/hr

Other

Posted 25 days ago

Chicago Transit Authority rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

539th of 644 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Description - Internal

This position is classified as PART TIME. Candidates hired into Part-Time Bus Operator will remain part-time for the duration of their employment at CTA. In order to become Full-Time Bus Operators, part-time bus operators will be required to submit an application on CTA's career page when the position is posted and complete any outstanding hiring processes.
 

POSITION SUMMARY

Salary - $27.60

Operates a bus over an established route adhering to predetermined schedule in a safe, efficient and courteous manner to allow passengers to board, travel and alight at scheduled stops.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Drives bus and announces stops along routes.
  • Announces cross streets and intersecting transit stops.
  • Inspects passes; ascertains appropriate fares.
  • Ensures that customers deposit only appropriate coins and bills into fare-box.
  • Issues and receives transfer cards (collects invalid transfer cards) and receives and returns fare-cards.
  • Contacts Control Center regarding all problems.
  • Operates lift to board and discharge disabled passengers.
  • Inspects vehicle for lost articles.
  • Prepares daily trip sheets and bus for service.
  • Removes refuse and prepares bus for pull-out.
  • Tallies various categories of boarding passengers by manually operating a recording device.
  • Enters tally numbers from recording device at beginning and end of run.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 

  • Required to submit to and pass drug and alcohol testing as mandated by the Federal Transportation Administration.

  • Required to be at least 21 years of age.

  • Required to have an acceptable driving record and a valid State of Illinois Class "B" Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or a valid State of Illinois CDL permit with the following three endorsements: KNOWLEDGE, PASSENGER and AIR BRAKES.  

  • High school diploma or GED preferred. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

  • Required to be standing changing destination and bus numbers, signs, helping people board bus, to walk to relief points, checking bus and sitting while driving bus.
  • Required to lift, to carry and to push of brake pedal and accelerator, windows and to pull door control latch.
  • Required to climb into vehicle and adjustment of mirrors, to balance, to stoop to adjust driver's seat, to kneel, to crouch and to crawl.
  • Required to reach accepting and validating transfer cards and fare cards, adjusting mirror, to handle transfer and fare cards; steering wheel, to finger operating fare box, horn, punching transfers, to feel distributing and receiving transfer and fare cards, to talk announcing streets and answering passenger inquiries, to hear listening to traffic sounds, signal requesting stops, emergency vehicles, passenger questions and radio monitor.
  • Required to see near and far watching stopped vehicles, checking passes/cards and general traffic conditions viewing of traffic signals and riding passes.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Possess customer service experience or skills to provide outstanding customer service to passengers.
  • Must possess a comprehensive knowledge of the rules, regulations and procedures relative to the operation of surface vehicles.
  • Must possess a comprehensive knowledge of pertinent state and municipal traffic laws.
  • Must possess the skills necessary to accurately read and interpret bus schedules. Must possess a thorough knowledge of the fare structure, transfer regulations and the rules and procedures governing Bus Operators.
  • Required to possess a knowledge of arithmetic.
  • Required to speak in a clear and accurate manner.
  • Must possess a thorough knowledge of the preparation and usage of applicable transportation forms.

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