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Commercial Bus Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Tanimura and Antle

Bus Driver

Salinas, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

The Farm Labor Bus Driver safely operates a commercial bus to transport employees to and from designated sites while adhering to all traffic laws, regulations, and company safety policies. This ...

Tanimura & Antle

Bus Driver

Salinas, CA · On-site

$20/hr

The Farm Labor Bus Driver safely operates a commercial bus to transport employees to and from designated sites while adhering to all traffic laws, regulations, and company safety policies. This ...

Tanimura & Antle

Bus Driver

Salinas, CA · On-site

$20/hr

The Farm Labor Bus Driver safely operates a commercial bus to transport employees to and from designated sites while adhering to all traffic laws, regulations, and company safety policies. This ...

hallcon

Bus Washer CDL Class B

Fremont, CA · On-site

Qualifications • Valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required. • Ability to safely ... bus wash equipment. • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally. We offer ...

Hallcon

Bus Washer CDL Class B

Fremont, CA · On-site

$32/hr

Qualifications • Valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required. • Ability to safely ... bus wash equipment. • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally. We offer ...

FIRST CLASS CHARTER INC

Bus Driver

Hayward, CA · On-site

$175/day

The ideal candidate has a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and previous experience as a bus driver or has completed bus driver training. If you have an impeccable driving record, high safety ...

FIRST CLASS CHARTER INC

Bus Driver

Hayward, CA · On-site

$175/day

The ideal candidate has a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and previous experience as a bus driver or has completed bus driver training. If you have an impeccable driving record, high safety ...

FIRST CLASS CHARTER INC

Bus Driver

Hayward, CA · On-site

$175/day

The ideal candidate has a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and previous experience as a bus driver or has completed bus driver training. If you have an impeccable driving record, high safety ...

First Class Charter

Bus Driver

Hayward, CA · On-site

$175/day

The ideal candidate has a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and previous experience as a bus driver or has completed bus driver training. If you have an impeccable driving record, high safety ...

Nyssa School District 26

Bus Driver

Ontario, CA · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

High School Diploma or GED equivalence Must have a CDL and be able to obtain bus driver certification Must complete a Fingerprint-Based Criminal History Verification and be approved Valid Medical ...

College of the Siskiyous

Bus Driver

Weed, CA · On-site

$38.53/hr

Commercial Driver's License (CDL): Must possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL), typically Class A or B, with a Passenger (P) endorsement (and a School Bus (S) endorsement for school ...

Poway Unified School District

Bus Driver

San Diego, CA

$23.71 - $30.34/hr

Valid California Class B or Class A commercial driver's license with passenger and air brake endorsements Valid California School Bus Driver Certificate. US Department of Transportation Medical ...

Keolis North America Inc.

Bus Driver

Pomona, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

S. and Canada, carrying millions of riders by train, bus, and ADA paratransit each year through ... Valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with appropriate passenger endorsements, and a clean ...

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All JobsCommercial Bus Driver JobsCommercial Bus Driver Jobs in California

Commercial Bus Driver information

See California salary details

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$34

How much do commercial bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for commercial bus driver in California is $22.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $24.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a commercial bus driver?

Commercial bus drivers are licensed professionals responsible for operating buses that transport passengers along scheduled routes or for chartered trips. Their duties include ensuring passenger safety, following traffic laws, assisting passengers as needed, and maintaining the cleanliness and basic upkeep of the bus. They may work for public transit agencies, private charter companies, schools, or tour operators. Commercial bus drivers must have a commercial driver's license (CDL) with the appropriate endorsements and often undergo background checks and regular safety training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a commercial bus driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Commercial Bus Driver, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), thorough knowledge of traffic laws, and a clean driving record. Familiarity with route navigation systems, ticketing machines, and safety inspection protocols is typically required. Excellent customer service, patience, and stress management help drivers handle passenger interactions and unexpected situations. These skills and qualities ensure safe, reliable transportation and a positive experience for passengers.

What are some common challenges commercial bus drivers face during their shifts, and how are they typically addressed?

Commercial bus drivers often face challenges such as maintaining schedules in heavy traffic, handling difficult passenger situations, and staying alert during long shifts. To address these, many companies provide drivers with real-time route updates, ongoing customer service training, and enforced rest breaks to prevent fatigue. Team supervisors and dispatchers are also available to support drivers, ensuring safety and efficiency are maintained throughout the workday.

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

AspectCommercial Bus DriverSchool Bus Driver
Required CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsementCDL with passenger endorsement, often specific to school buses
Work EnvironmentPublic transit, charter services, private companiesSchool campuses, student transportation
Employer & IndustryTransit agencies, private transportation companiesSchool districts, educational institutions

Both Commercial Bus Drivers and School Bus Drivers require a CDL with passenger endorsement and work in passenger transportation. However, Commercial Bus Drivers typically operate on public routes or private charters, while School Bus Drivers focus on transporting students for educational institutions. The certifications are similar, but the work environments and employer types differ.

Do you need a CDL to be a commercial bus driver?

Yes, a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required to be a commercial bus driver, as it certifies the driver to operate large passenger vehicles. The specific class of CDL needed depends on the size and type of bus, and additional endorsements may be required for transporting passengers or hazardous materials.

What disqualifies you from being a commercial bus driver?

Commercial bus drivers are disqualified if they have a criminal record involving serious offenses, a history of DUI or substance abuse, or a poor driving record with multiple violations or accidents. Additionally, they must meet age and health requirements, including passing a medical exam and obtaining a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with the appropriate endorsements.

What are popular job titles related to Commercial Bus Driver jobs in California?

For Commercial Bus Driver jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Commercial Bus Driver jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Commercial Bus Driver jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Commercial Bus Driver jobs?

Cities in California with the most Commercial Bus Driver job openings:

Commercial Bus Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Commercial Bus Driver job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,915 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Bus Driver

Tanimura and Antle

Salinas, CA • On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

The Role: The Farm Labor Bus Driver safely operates a commercial bus to transport employees to and from designated sites while adhering to all traffic laws, regulations, and company safety policies. This position is responsible for conducting pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure the bus is in good working condition and performs related work.

Location(s): Salinas, CA; Imperial, CA; Yuma, AZ

Key Responsibilities

Transportation & Safety

  • Drive a commercial farm labor bus to designated locations.
  • Perform pretrip and posttrip inspections.
  • Follow all traffic laws and company safety policies.
  • Maintain a professional, courteous environment and enforce passenger safety rules.

Daily Duties

  • Check tires, brakes, lights, fluids, and safety equipment.
  • Keep the bus clean and aisles clear; perform occasional deep cleaning.
  • Maintain portable toilets and water jugs; adjust shade and reposition bus as needed for crew access.
  • Occasionally operate other vehicles onsite.

Documentation & Reporting

  • Complete daily logs, passenger counts, and required paperwork.
  • Report delays, incidents, mechanical issues, or roadside inspections.

Compliance & Emergency Preparedness

  • Follow federal, state, and local transportation regulations.
  • Stay current with required licenses and certifications.
  • Know and follow emergency and evacuation procedures.

Additional Duties

  • May be required to relocate based on seasonal operational needs and business requirements.
  • May be required to perform duties outside the primary role to support operational needs.
  • May be required to operate equipment or perform other duties as assigned, with proper training and certification.

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Minimum 1 year of Class B driving experience.
  • Valid Class B license, clean driving record, Farm Labor Vehicle certification, Medical Certificate, and current T01 form.
  • Participation in DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Program.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills; bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
  • Ability to work at least six days per week with reliable attendance.

Physical & Work Environment

  • Extended sitting while driving; frequent walking, bending, and use of hands.
  • Requires close, distance, and color vision.
  • Exposure to outdoor weather, mechanical parts, and occasional chemicals; moderate noise levels.

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