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First Student Bus Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Bus Driver

Los Olivos, CA ยท On-site

$21.84 - $26.54/hr

... and procedures; first aid practices and procedures; student management; basic preventive ... school bus drivers. Ability to: 1. Drive a Type-2 or Type-1 passenger school bus safely and ...

Bus Driver

Hayward, CA ยท On-site

$175/day

Pick up and drop off students at designated bus stops * Follow all traffic laws and safety ... day About Us The First Class Charter Inc is a family-owned business in Hayward, California ...

Trainer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$43/hr

First Student is now hiring a Delegate Trainer or State Instructor! At First Student, our Trainers ... Must possess current school bus credentials required to provide school bus driver training in the ...

Monitor/Aide

Merced, CA ยท On-site

$17/hr

Why Join First Student as a Bus Monitor? * Pay Details: Dependent on experience and qualifications ... Communicate with the driver to maintain a safe, calm ride. * Provide care and encouragement to ...

Bus Driver

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

The School Bus Driver is the first person to greet students on their journey to school each day, and they are the last person the students see in the afternoon. It is imperative for this person to ...

Bus Driver

Hayward, CA ยท On-site

$175/day

As the School Bus Driver, you will be responsible for the safe operation of the school bus while ... Pick up and drop off students at designated bus stops * Follow all traffic laws and safety ...

Bus Driver

Hayward, CA ยท On-site

$175/day

As the School Bus Driver, you will be responsible for the safe operation of the school bus while ... Pick up and drop off students at designated bus stops * Follow all traffic laws and safety ...

Bus Driver

Hayward, CA ยท On-site

$175/day

As the School Bus Driver, you will be responsible for the safe operation of the school bus while ... Pick up and drop off students at designated bus stops * Follow all traffic laws and safety ...

Trainer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$43/hr

First Student is now hiring a Delegate Trainer or State Instructor! At First Student, our Trainers ... student transportation system. From our school bus drivers and location managers to routers ...

Bus Driver

Camarillo, CA ยท On-site

$25.72 - $28.37/hr

... students as necessary; perform first aid or emergency assistance as required. * Maintain records ... Possession of a valid California School Bus Driver Certificate. Class B driver's license with ...

BUS DRIVER

Bellflower, CA ยท On-site

$26.32 - $31.99/hr

You are often the first friendly face students see each morning. * Specialized Professional: A role ... California School Bus Driver Certificate * First Aid & CPR certification (must obtain within 6 ...

Bus Driver

Roseville, CA ยท On-site

$26.99 - $32.81/hr

Bus Driver DESCRIPTION OF BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES To operate a school bus over designated routes for ... students; - methods of maintaining order in a diplomatic manner; - knowledge of first aid practices.

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First Student Bus Driver information

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How much do first student bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for first student bus driver in California is $20.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a First Student Bus Driver, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsements, a clean driving record, and basic vehicle safety knowledge. Familiarity with vehicle inspection protocols, route navigation systems, and compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations is essential. Strong communication, patience, and situational awareness are standout soft skills for managing student behavior and ensuring safety. These skills and qualifications are crucial to provide reliable, safe transportation for students and to uphold company and legal standards.

What is the difference between First Student Bus Driver vs School Bus Driver?

AspectFirst Student Bus DriverSchool Bus Driver
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsementsCDL with passenger and school bus endorsements
Work EnvironmentSchool campuses, bus depots, routes with studentsSchool routes, student pick-up/drop-off points
Employer & IndustryFirst Student, school transportation servicesSchool districts, private transportation companies

Both First Student Bus Drivers and School Bus Drivers require a CDL with passenger endorsements and operate in similar environments. The main difference lies in branding and employer, with First Student being a large transportation provider, while School Bus Drivers may work directly for school districts or other companies. Both roles focus on student safety and reliable transportation services.

What are First Student Bus Drivers?

First Student Bus Drivers are professional drivers employed by First Student, a leading provider of school transportation services in North America. Their main responsibility is to safely transport students to and from school, field trips, and other school-related activities. They are trained to follow strict safety protocols, manage student behavior on the bus, and perform routine vehicle inspections. First Student Bus Drivers also maintain communication with school officials and parents to ensure the well-being of students during transit.

What are some common challenges First Student Bus Drivers face during their daily routes, and how are they supported?

First Student Bus Drivers often encounter challenges such as managing student behavior, adapting to varying traffic conditions, and adhering to strict schedules. They receive comprehensive training in student management and defensive driving, and have access to ongoing support from dispatchers and supervisors. The company fosters a team environment, where drivers regularly communicate with each other and staff to share tips and resolve issues. This support system helps drivers maintain safety and efficiency on their routes.
What are popular job titles related to First Student Bus Driver jobs in California? For First Student Bus Driver jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Student Bus Driver jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for First Student Bus Driver jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for First Student Bus Driver jobs? Cities in California with the most First Student Bus Driver job openings:
Infographic showing various First Student Bus Driver job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 26% Full Time, 71% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $43,238 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

$21.84 - $26.54/hr

Part-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

SCHOOL BUS DRIVER
Job Description
DEFINITION
Under the direction of the assigned supervisor, operate a school bus to transport students to and from a variety of school and work sites, and other school-related activities, in a safe and efficient manner, adhering to all traffic laws and safe school bus driving practices and procedures. Ensure passenger safety while on the school bus. Ensure assigned bus is in a safe operating condition at all times. Prepare and maintain records and documentation as it relates to bus operations, bus maintenance and student behavior.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
1. Operate a variety of school buses to transport students safely and timely to and from a variety of school sites, according to established routes and time schedules.
2. Maintain discipline, order and safety on the bus.
3. Conduct daily vehicle inspections and report defects, malfunctions, and need for repairs.
4. Make minor repairs and report needed mechanical repairs.
5. Maintain vehicle operation records.
6. Communicate with students, school staff and parents, regarding student behavior issues.
7. Prepare documentation related to bus operation and student behavior and distribute as appropriate.
8. Maintain cleanliness of assigned vehicle; support duties may include cleaning and washing buses.
9. Assist students on and off the bus as necessary to ensure their safety.
10. Report emergencies and administer first aid as needed.
11. Attend meetings, programs, and in-service trainings as assigned.
12. Carry out extensive daily safety and mechanical checks of buses.
13. Perform other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Must have all licenses/certifications and qualifications per State and Federal School Bus Driver's law and be insurable by the District's liability insurance carrier; must pass pre-employment drug screening and random drug screenings for continued employment.
Certificates & Licenses:
Class A or B license with a passenger endorsement issued by the DMV
School Bus Certificate Issued by the DMV
DL-51 Medical Card
First Aid Certificate
Knowledge of:
Safe school bus driving practices and techniques; provisions of the Motor Vehicle Code and Education Code as it pertains to student bus transportation and school buses; district policies and procedures; first aid practices and procedures; student management; basic preventive maintenance requirements; basic record-keeping techniques and requirements to maintain all required licenses and certificates for school bus drivers.
Ability to:
1. Drive a Type-2 or Type-1 passenger school bus safely and efficiently.
2. Maintain appropriate student behavior on school bus.
3. Follow oral and written directions.
4. Read maps.
5. Perform bus safety inspections and maintenance.
6. Read, write, and speak English.
7. Understand and carry out verbal and written directions.
8. Operate a district vehicle in accordance with safe driving practices and provisions of the California Motor Vehicle Code.
9. Maintain accurate documentation and reports.
10. Maintain vehicle in good working order.
11. Suggest route changes
12. Maintain cooperative working relationships.
13. Make basic arithmetic calculations.
14. Exercise good judgment, use discretion, and maintain confidentiality.
15. Communicate courteously with staff and those contacted in the course of work.
16. Perform duties in a manner that follows accepted safety standards for student transportation.
PHYSICAL ABILITY
Employees in this classification sit, pull, climb stairs, stoop/bend, use fingers repetitively, twist or apply pressure with wrists or hands repetitively, use both hands and/or legs simultaneously, have rapid mental/muscular coordination, speak clearly, hear, have depth perception, have color vision/distinguish shades, see small details as well as long distances, operate mobile motorized equipment and drive a vehicle.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Employees in this classification operate a vehicle and work both indoors and outdoors in changing temperatures to over 90 degrees Fahrenheit; gas, exhaust; cleaning solvent fumes; dust (moderate to high concentrations of silica or allergenic dust); odors; moving vehicles; exposure to minor and severe contagious illnesses/diseases (colds, flu, tuberculosis, measles, mumps, chicken pox, hepatitis) and in direct contact with the public, students, and district personnel.
Requirements / Qualifications
Comments and Other Information
Driver must have all licenses/certifications and qualifications per State and Federal School Bus Driver's law and be insurable by the District's liability insurance carrier; must pass pre-employment drug screening and random drug screenings for continued employment.