1

City Bus Driver Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

... driver's license and a reliable, insured and registered personal vehicle (For some city assignments, representatives may choose alternate transportation, such as a bus or subway) * Must be at least ...

City Bus Driver information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$8

$19

$28

How much do city bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for city bus driver in Rochester, NY is $19.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges city bus drivers face during their daily routes?

City bus drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating heavy traffic, adhering to tight schedules, and managing diverse passenger needs. They must remain calm and professional in high-pressure situations, including handling disruptive passengers or unexpected route changes. Effective communication and strong problem-solving skills are essential, as drivers frequently coordinate with dispatchers and other transit staff to ensure safe and timely service for all riders.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a City Bus Driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a City Bus Driver, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), a clean driving record, and a solid understanding of local traffic laws. Familiarity with fare collection systems, GPS navigation tools, and basic vehicle maintenance procedures is commonly required. Excellent customer service, patience, and strong communication skills help drivers manage passenger interactions and respond calmly to unexpected situations. Together, these skills ensure the safe, timely, and courteous transport of passengers throughout the city.

What are city bus drivers?

City bus drivers are professional drivers responsible for operating buses along designated urban routes, picking up and dropping off passengers at scheduled stops. They ensure the safety of passengers, provide customer service, and adhere to a strict timetable. City bus drivers must have a commercial driver's license (CDL) with a passenger endorsement and are trained to handle various traffic conditions and emergency situations. Their role is essential in providing reliable public transportation within cities.

What is the difference between City Bus Driver vs School Bus Driver?

AspectCity Bus DriverSchool Bus Driver
Required CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsementCDL with school bus endorsement
Work EnvironmentUrban streets, public transit routesSchool zones, daytime hours, school campuses
Employer & IndustryPublic transit agencies, city transportationSchool districts, educational institutions
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for driving roles in urban transitCompared for driving roles in educational transportation

City Bus Drivers and School Bus Drivers both require CDL licenses with passenger endorsements and operate vehicles in different environments. City Bus Drivers focus on urban routes within city transit systems, while School Bus Drivers transport students to and from school. Despite similar certifications, their work settings and schedules differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to City Bus Driver jobs in Rochester, NY? For City Bus Driver jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for City Bus Driver jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most City Bus Driver job openings:
Infographic showing various City Bus Driver job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 21% Full Time, 75% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,648 per year, or $19.5 per hour.
Bus Driver - Continuous Recruitment

Bus Driver - Continuous Recruitment

Rochester City School District

Rochester, NY • On-site

$21.31/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Rochester City School District rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

400th of 615 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

(Resume and civil service application required.)This position is responsible for the safe and efficient operation and routine daily maintenance check of a school bus used in the transport of students on an assigned route to and from school and on athletic and field trips. Employees of this class may also work on a seasonal basis with a town recreation department, transporting program participants between facilities or on excursions. The employee operates a full-size or mini-size school bus or van, and/or transports passengers with or without disabilities. Employees may be required to physically assist passengers to and from the bus or to operate a hydraulic lift for this purpose. Employees are responsible for the safety and conduct of passengers while in transport and may be accompanied in transit by a Bus Attendant or other staff member. The employee reports directly to, and works under the general supervision of a more senior transportation employee or administrator. Direct supervision may be exercised over Bus Attendants and other staff. Does related work as required.

Minimum Salary: $21.31 per hour

Maximum Salary: $23.30 per hour

Possession of a valid New York State drivers license appropriate to the vehicle(s) operated.SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must meet all State and Federal pre-employment requirements of the position prior to employment including the appropriate drivers license for the vehicle being operated. It is the jurisdictions responsibility for insuring the employees possess valid licenses appropriate to the type of vehicle(s) being operated.(All need not be performed in a given position. Other related activities may be performed although not listed.) Drives a school bus/vehicle on a regular schedule on an assigned route or on special occasions; Performs a pre-trip inspection of the vehicle prior to departure and post-trip inspection after every route;Reports all defects, mechanical and other, of the bus/vehicle to the supervisor; Instructs or informs passengers about safety practices and procedures when embarking and disembarking bus/vehicle, while in transit, and throughout the year; Maintains safe and orderly conduct on the bus/vehicle, including student management;Assists passengers in boarding and exiting a bus/vehicle by providing physical assistance or operating a hydraulic lift;Cleans and fuels assigned vehicles daily;Operates a van, station wagon, or similar vehicle to transport objects.FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of vehicle and traffic law, regulations of the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, and regulations of the Commissioner of Education (New York State Education Part 156.3 Transportation Regulations) pertaining to pupil transportation; good knowledge of safe driving practices and defensive driving; good knowledge of the geography of the employing school district or municipality; ability to operate a bus under all driving and road conditions; ability to understand oral and written directions; ability to physically assist passengers on and off buses; ability to get along well with children/students/passengers and command their respect; mental alertness; visual and audio acuity; dependability; courtesy; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

What Rochester City School District employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom