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Cota Bus Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pay ranges between $15.00/hr - $17.00/hr as well as FREE COTA Bus Transportation and the ability to earn tips! WHO IS OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE? * Someone who can spot dust from a mile away * "There's a ...

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Cota Bus information

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$17

$32

$46

How much do cota bus jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for cota bus in the United States is $32.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.40 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a COTA Bus job?

A COTA Bus job typically refers to a position with the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), which operates public transportation in the Columbus, Ohio area. These jobs often include roles such as bus operators, maintenance technicians, customer service representatives, and administrative staff. Bus operators are responsible for safely transporting passengers along designated routes, following schedules, and ensuring a positive rider experience. Employees may receive benefits such as competitive pay, health insurance, and retirement plans. Training is usually provided for new hires, particularly for those without prior commercial driving experience.

What are the typical responsibilities of a COTA working on a bus?

A COTA working on a bus is responsible for supporting students or individuals with disabilities during transport, ensuring their comfort and safety, and implementing therapeutic strategies as needed. This includes assisting with transfers, monitoring behavior or medical needs, and collaborating closely with bus drivers and school staff to maintain a safe environment. Additionally, COTAs may communicate with families or caregivers and keep detailed documentation of daily interactions. This unique role allows COTAs to make a direct impact on students’ well-being and independence during their daily commute.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Cota Bus position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a COTA (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant) in a school bus or transit setting, candidates typically need a COTA certification, knowledge of occupational therapy practices, and experience working with children or individuals with disabilities. Familiarity with assistive devices, therapeutic equipment, and specialized documentation software is often required. Strong communication, patience, and collaboration skills help COTAs work effectively with students, families, bus drivers, and educational teams. These abilities are vital to ensure safe and effective support for individuals with special needs during transportation.

More about Cota Bus jobs
What cities are hiring for Cota Bus jobs? Cities with the most Cota Bus job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cota Bus jobs? The most popular types of Cota Bus jobs are:
Infographic showing various Cota Bus job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,531 per year, or $32.5 per hour.
Bus Operator

$40.08/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted just now


Job description

PAY: Onboard Pay: $30.06/hour; Training Pay: $23.00/hour; Top Pay 5 Years of Service: $40.08/hour

LOCATION: Various COTA locations, Columbus, OH

BENEFITS:

  • Medical, Vision, Dental, Supplemental and Life Insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Employee Discounts
  • COTA Bus Pass
  • Wellness Initiatives
  • On-Site Chair Massage
  • On-Site Health Coach
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Student Loan Repayment Program
  • Public Pension through OPERS & Ohio Deferred Compensation

SCHEDULE:

Application is for our 2026 training classes.

Candidates must attend mandatory, paid, 9 (nine) week training period.

After training, variable shifts at any time of COTA service. Schedules are based on seniority, new operators must be willing to work any shift and day or night as required.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is accountable for operating a motor coach and transporting COTA customers in a safe, courteous and on-time manner. Performs duties that advance COTA's Strategic Plan and reflect the organization's core values of safety, empowerment, accountability, teamwork, and service, and support the mission of Moving Every Life Forward.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Operates a motor vehicle safely and courteously, transporting customers over the various lines in COTA's system while complying with all state and local traffic laws.
  • Performs work in accordance with operating rules and regulations.
  • Speaks coherently and plainly, in order to call out stops and provide customers with any
    necessary information.
  • May operate any motor vehicle of 30 feet or less on the Neighborhood Circulator Route Board when required.
  • Conduct Pre-Trip, bicycle rack and engine compartment inspections.
  • Assist Passengers utilizing wheelchairs to enter/exit bus and assist with wheelchair tie-downs per ADA guidelines.
  • May serve as a training instructor, training student bus operators in the safe operation of a motor coach over prescribed routes. Training instructors are chosen by driving ability and overall performance.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

  • Must be at least 21 years old.
  • Must have a valid Ohio Driver's License and able to obtain/maintain a Commercial Driver's License.
  • Must have a high school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.).
  • Must have proof of U.S. citizenship or authorization to work in the U.S.
  • Must have one year's experience in a public contact job, preferably as a sales clerk, waiter waitress, customer service, etc.
  • Must have a steady work history.
  • Must have reliable transportation.
  • Must have a clean criminal record. Some convictions may result in disqualification.
  • Must satisfactorily complete all pre-employment testing.
  • Must meet the physical requirements outlined in the attached Job Task Analysis.
  • Must successfully pass the post-offer physical capability testing.
  • Must verify the past three (3) years' driving record and meet the following criteria:
    • No more than one moving violation within 1 year.
    • No more than 2 moving violations in last 3 years.
    • No revocation/suspension in last 3 years.
    • No OMVI or DUI in last 3 years.
    • No hit and skips in last 3 years.
    • No ACDA (Assured Clear Distance Accident) in last 3 years.
    • Must be able to work mandatory overtime to include, but not limited to, early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

COTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on job needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.