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Entry Level Bus Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Edina Public Schools

School Bus Driver

Edina, MN · On-site

$26.64 - $27.76/hr

Transportation/Bus Driver Date Posted: 4/30/2026 Location: Bus Garage Date Available: As soon as ... Most candidates will start at the entry-level rate of $26.64 per hour. Benefits: Edina Public ...

Gobeacon

School Bus Driver

Huntington Station, NY

$29.46/hr

Join Huntington Coach Bus Corp as a School Bus SUV (entry level), Van or School Bus Driver and enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the flexibility to maintain a work-life balance. Plus ...

Beacon Mobility

School Bus Driver

Port Washington, NY · On-site

$30.97/hr

Join Huntington Coach Bus Corp as a School Bus SUV (entry level), Van or School Bus Driver and enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the flexibility to maintain a work-life balance. Plus ...

Gobeacon

School Bus Driver

Bayville, NY

$25.59/hr

Join Huntington Coach Bus Corp as a School Bus SUV (entry level), Van or School Bus Driver and enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the flexibility to maintain a work-life balance. Plus ...

Gobeacon

School Bus Driver

Northport, NY · On-site

$29.46/hr

Join Huntington Coach Bus Corp as a School Bus SUV (entry level), Van or School Bus Driver and enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the flexibility to maintain a work-life balance. Plus ...

Beacon Mobility

School Bus Driver

Bayville, NY · On-site

$25.59/hr

Join Huntington Coach Bus Corp as a School Bus SUV (entry level), Van or School Bus Driver and enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the flexibility to maintain a work-life balance. Plus ...

Edina Public Schools

School Bus Driver

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$26.64 - $27.76/hr

School Bus Driver Location: Transportation Center | Status: Non-Exempt | Schedule: Full-time, ... Most candidates will start at the entry-level rate of $26.64 per hour. Benefits: Edina Public ...

Gobeacon

School Bus Driver

Port Washington, NY · On-site

$30.97/hr

Join Huntington Coach Bus Corp as a School Bus SUV (entry level), Van or School Bus Driver and enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the flexibility to maintain a work-life balance. Plus ...

Gobeacon

School Bus Driver

Plainview, NY · On-site

$24.37/hr

Join WE Transport as a SUV (entry level), Van or School Bus Driver and enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the flexibility to maintain a work-life balance. Plus, you'll make a positive ...

Gobeacon

School Bus Driver

Blue Point, NY · On-site

Join WE Transport as a SUV (entry level), Van or School Bus Driver and enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the flexibility to maintain a work-life balance. Plus, you'll make a positive ...

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All JobsBus Driver JobsEntry Level Bus Driver Jobs

Entry Level Bus Driver information

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How much do entry level bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Bus Driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Bus Driver, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), safe driving skills, and a good driving record. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, basic vehicle maintenance, and compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations are typically required. Strong communication, patience, and customer service skills help in managing passenger interactions and maintaining a positive environment. These skills ensure passenger safety, efficient operations, and a high standard of service on every route.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level bus drivers during their first year on the job?

Entry level bus drivers often face challenges such as learning complex routes, managing schedules, and adapting to traffic conditions. Additionally, they need to develop strong customer service skills to handle passenger inquiries and resolve conflicts calmly. Navigating the safety protocols and maintaining punctuality can also be challenging at first, but most employers provide thorough training and support to help new drivers succeed. Building confidence and familiarity with the job typically comes with experience and ongoing feedback from supervisors.

What is the difference between Entry Level Bus Driver vs School Bus Driver?

AspectEntry Level Bus DriverSchool Bus Driver
Required CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsementCDL with passenger endorsement, often specific to school buses
Work EnvironmentPublic transportation, private companies, or shuttle servicesSchool campuses, student transportation
Employer & Industry UsageTransit agencies, private transport servicesSchool districts, educational institutions
Common Search & ComparisonEntry Level Bus Driver vs School Bus Driver

Both roles require a CDL with passenger endorsement and involve transporting passengers. The main difference is that School Bus Drivers specifically transport students within school districts, often following school schedules, while Entry Level Bus Drivers may work in various public or private transportation settings. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right position aligned with their certifications and work environment preferences.

What are entry level bus drivers?

Entry level bus drivers are individuals who have recently started working in the bus driving profession, typically with minimal or no prior professional driving experience. They are responsible for safely operating buses along designated routes, picking up and dropping off passengers, and adhering to traffic laws and schedules. Entry level drivers usually undergo training to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) and learn about safety procedures, route navigation, and customer service. These positions are ideal for those looking to begin a career in transportation. Entry level bus drivers often work for public transit agencies, schools, or private companies.
More about Entry Level Bus Driver jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Bus Driver jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Bus Driver job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Bus Driver jobs? The most popular types of Bus Driver jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Bus Driver jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Bus Driver jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Bus Driver jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Bus Driver jobs are:
Entry Level Bus Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Bus Driver job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% Full Time, 85% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $41,198 per year, or $19.8 per hour.
TRANSPORTATION BUS DRIVER - Bus Driver, Transportation I, II

TRANSPORTATION BUS DRIVER - Bus Driver, Transportation I, II

TriValley Medical Group

Thief River Falls, MN • On-site

$21.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY OF PRIMARY FUNCTION
The Bus Driver position has primary responsibility for the safety of passengers transported by the Tri-Valley Heartland Express Bus. The Bus Driver position has considerable contact and interaction with the public, requiring exceptional positive and professional customer service skills. Other duties include but are not limited to inspecting and maintaining the safety and cleanliness of the bus, applicable paperwork, marketing program services, answering customer questions and collecting fares.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Daily Operations
  1. Positively and professionally represents Tri-Valley Heartland Express and Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc., showing respect and appreciation to clients and the general public.
  2. Acts as a positive and professional role model for peers; working as a team to help each other learn and succeed. Is respectful of co-workers; appreciating their contribution to the success of daily operations and Transportation programs overall.
  3. Mentors substitute and new drivers; training and assisting with daily and monthly forms.
  4. Safely transports passengers to their destination; maintaining specified routes and destinations as scheduled. Adheres to passenger pick-ups and drop-offs as closely as possible.
  5. Safely operates the wheelchair lift as needed; properly securing passengers in wheelchair securement area, as trained.
  6. Safely assists ambulatory passengers with walkers or folding carts on and off the bus as needed.
  7. Assists passengers on and off the bus as needed.
  8. Advises all passengers to be seated and use seatbelts provided.
  9. Respectfully enforces passenger policies, maintaining a safe and positive environment.
  10. Effectively operates the communication equipment, maintaining positive, respectful, and appropriate communication at all times.
  11. Immediately reports delays of any kind to the Route Coordinator or designee to adapt route and/or communication with customers as appropriate.
  12. Completes records and reports on a daily and monthly basis, as required.
  13. Completes training, paperwork and attends meetings as requested by supervisor.

Public Relations and Marketing
  1. Performs public relations and marketing duties to increase ridership and public awareness.
  2. Responsible for depositing fare boxes, weekly, at designated drop spots.
  3. Sells tickets and collects fees

Safety - Compliance
  1. Remains alert and always focused on driving; is aware of potential weather and/or driving conditions that may affect the safety of passengers and route schedule.
  2. Performs Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Vehicle Safety Inspections according to checklist before each starting route and again when route is finished. Promptly reports vehicle problems to the Transportation Fleet Supervisor.
  3. Immediately reports vehicle accidents, regardless of damage, break downs, and passenger accident/incidents to the Transportation Program Manager, and Transit Route Coordinator to minimize disruption to scheduled services.
  4. Immediately reports employee injuries of any kind to Transportation Program Manager and completes a worker's compensation accident report form as soon as possible, no later than the end of the shift.
  5. Participates in mandatory Drug and Alcohol training; complies with required and requested testing. Ensures vehicle is compliant with MN/DOT regulations regarding; fire extinguisher, spill kit, first aid kit, flashlight and securements in addition to the pre/post trip inspection. Is aware of safety equipment on bus and responsible to safely use as needed.
  6. Complies with traffic laws and regulations.
  7. Safely performs Tri-Valley Transportation Driver Certification criteria to maintain employment.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
  1. Current Medical Examination Card; upon hire and maintain thereafter.
  2. Minimum age of 21 years, if required to drive bus across state line.
  3. Pass pre-employment drug screening and background search requirements as listed on Conditional Job Offer; upon hire and continuously meet requirements thereafter. Participate in subsequent drug/alcohol testing and background searches as appropriate.
  4. Acceptable MVR results upon hire, and annually thereafter.
  5. Minimum of three years of driving experience.
  6. Pass Tri-Valley Transportation Driver Certification training and observation provided upon hire; must pass to continue employment.

Bus Driver I: Valid Driver's License; upon hire and maintain thereafter.
Bus Driver II: Valid Commercial Driver's License with Passenger Endorsement; upon hire and maintain thereafter.
Don't Meet the Requirements
Tri-Valley will work with unqualified bus drivers and provide the following to help obtain CDL with passenger endorsement within 90 days from employment:
  • Up to 10 hours of entry level driver training and classroom instruction to pass the written CDL with passenger endorsement test and to administer the ELDT knowledge test.
  • Up to 30 hours of 1:1 training time to learn and practice driving with a Tri-Valley bus.
  • Up to 15 hours of ride along training time to observe qualified drivers on the job.
  • Bus and driver to take the behind the wheel test.

Wage for an unqualified bus driver: $21.75/hour
Tri-Valley is a non-profit community action agency. We believe in the value of all human beings. It is that belief that drives our efforts to identify needs, seek resources and provide opportunities for people to thrive.
Our work is committed to strengthening our communities so that its citizens have better places to live, work, worship and enjoy.
The mission of Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. is to provide opportunities to improve the quality of life for people and communities.
If you are an applicant with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources at 218-281-0536 or hr@tvoc.org.
Application Deadline: Until Filled
Employee Type: 12-Month
Hours per Week: 40
Shift Schedule: M - F 12:pm - 9:00pm
Service Area Coverage: Thief River Falls, MN
Benefits: 401K/Roth, PTO Accrual, Paid Holidays, ESST, and Employer Paid Life/LTD, Optional benefits such as Health, Dental, Vision, HSA, FSA, Aflac/Colonial Life and Short-Term Disability
If any questions about the position, please contact: Michael Beedy, MICHAEL.BEEDY@TVOC.ORG

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