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Cta Bus Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Caregiver

Chicago, IL

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Reliable transportation and a valid IL driver's license/state ID. * Must be able to successfully ... CTA Bus Route 68). Ready to start a rewarding career where you make a difference every single day?

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... Bus for Bus shifts and vans for Street Medicine and/or the CTA. * Familiarity with referral sources. * Current driver's license. * Proven capability to manage the organization's website and all ...

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Cta Bus Driver information

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$28

How much do cta bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for cta bus driver in the United States is $19.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical shift look like for a CTA Bus Driver and how are routes assigned?

CTA Bus Drivers usually work in shifts that can vary by seniority and operational needs, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Routes are typically assigned through a bidding process based on seniority, where more experienced drivers get first choice of routes and schedules. Daily responsibilities include conducting pre-trip vehicle inspections, keeping to scheduled stops, assisting passengers as needed, and maintaining communication with dispatch. Drivers collaborate closely with supervisors, maintenance staff, and sometimes law enforcement to ensure safety and service reliability. Adapting to different traffic conditions and handling passenger inquiries or issues are common aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Cta Bus Driver vs Cta Transit Operator?

AspectCta Bus DriverCta Transit Operator
Required CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), passenger endorsementCommercial Driver's License (CDL), passenger endorsement
Work EnvironmentDriving buses on scheduled routes, passenger interactionDriving transit vehicles, passenger interaction, often in urban areas
Employer & IndustryChicago Transit Authority, public transportationChicago Transit Authority, public transportation

Both Cta Bus Drivers and Cta Transit Operators require a CDL with passenger endorsements and work in urban public transit environments. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Cta Bus Driver' specifically emphasizes driving buses, while 'Cta Transit Operator' can include various transit vehicles. Both roles focus on safe driving, customer service, and adherence to schedules within the public transportation industry.

What are CTA Bus Drivers?

CTA Bus Drivers are professional operators employed by the Chicago Transit Authority to drive buses along designated routes throughout the city. They are responsible for safely transporting passengers, collecting fares, assisting riders with disabilities, and adhering to schedules and traffic regulations. CTA Bus Drivers also ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers while maintaining a courteous and professional demeanor. Their role is essential in keeping Chicago's public transportation system running efficiently.

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

To thrive as a CTA Bus Driver, you need a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a clean driving record, and thorough knowledge of traffic laws and city routes. Familiarity with fare collection systems, communication devices, and vehicle safety inspection tools is typically required. Excellent customer service, patience, and stress management are crucial soft skills for handling diverse riders and challenging situations. These skills ensure safe, reliable transportation and a positive experience for passengers and the community.
More about Cta Bus Driver jobs
What cities are hiring for Cta Bus Driver jobs? Cities with the most Cta Bus Driver job openings:
What states have the most Cta Bus Driver jobs? States with the most job openings for Cta Bus Driver jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cta Bus Driver jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cta Bus Driver jobs are:
Infographic showing various Cta Bus Driver job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 22% As Needed, 74% Full Time, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,198 per year, or $19.8 per hour.
FULL TIME BUS OPERATOR

$28.15/hr

Other

Posted 20 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

STARTING SALARY

$28.152

POSITION SUMMARY
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.

Qualifications

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.

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.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Required to work most of the time with activities performed inside of bus.
  • Required to work under extreme cold when the temperature control is malfunctioning or undeSaver extreme heat when does not work in winters, air conditioning, wet and/or humid conditions when not working in summers, driving in rain/fog and noise and vibration for traffic noises, passengers street conditions, normal bus operation.
  • Required to work with various mechanical malfunctions of vehicle breakdowns, electrical, burns, explosives, chemicals, heights and other exposed to possibility of injury related to traffic accidents.
  • Required to work under atmospheric conditions like fumes, exposure to diesel fumes, exhaust, toxic fumes in garage prior to pull out, odors like acid battery, dust like blowing dirt/dust through open windows, mist, gases and other
Additional Details Employees and/or union members will be given priority consideration in the hiring process, per the applicable labor contracts.
Rate to be determined by applicant's entered service date and service date in union jurisdiction of this classification.
CTA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, unfavorable military discharge, disability or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws; except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for our workforce and supporting the communities we serve. CTA will make reasonable accommodations for the known disabilities of otherwise qualified applicants for employment as well as its employees, unless undue hardship would result. If you require an accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact arc@transitchicago.com prior to the submission of your application or upon notification of your actual test date. CTA will work with you to determine if an accommodation can be provided.
TO BE CONSIDERED APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED IN THEIR ENTIRETY INCLUDING:
  • UPLOADED RESUME / WORK HISTORY
  • QUALIFICATIONS
  • JOB ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS
INFORMATION PROVIDED MUST BE ACCURATE AND TRUTHFUL.
Failure to respond to correspondences during the hiring process in a timely fashion may result in your application being closed out for non-responsiveness.
CTA Benefits

https://www.transitchicago.com/hrbenefits/

Primary Location: USA-Illinois-Chicago
Job: Bus Operations
Job Posting: Feb 12, 2026, 6:06:55 PM
Position Type: Full-time Permanent (FTP)

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