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First Student Bus Driver Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Van Driver

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$20.25/hr

... bus Van Driver Qualifications * Good verbal communication skills * At least 25 years old * Valid driver's license for at least 3 years * Be subject to a drug screen and physical Join First Student ...

Bus Driver

Brownsville, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $18.50/hr

May operate a special ramp bus; loads and unloads students in wheelchairs on and off bus ... Attends various meetings regarding safety, first aid and training updates as required * Attends ...

Bus Driver

Dickson, TN · On-site

$15 - $20.50/hr

... CPR and First Aid training, Annual MVR Knowledge, Skills & Abilities : The following ... Transport students over specified routes according to established time schedules; transport ...

Bus Driver

Dickson, TN · On-site

$15 - $20.50/hr

... CPR and First Aid training, Annual MVR Knowledge, Skills & Abilities : The following ... Transport students over specified routes according to established time schedules; transport ...

Bus Driver Substitute

Greeneville, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $19.75/hr

Bus Driver (Substitute) Flexible work hours needed? Not a problem. GCS will work with your schedule ... students. The part time position will work no more than 29.5 hours per week and does not include ...

Bus Driver

Dickson, TN · On-site

$15 - $20.50/hr

... CPR and First Aid training, Annual MVR Knowledge, Skills & Abilities : The following ... Transport students over specified routes according to established time schedules; transport ...

Bus Driver

Oneida, TN · On-site

$14.75 - $20/hr

Transports students, teachers and others on school field or activity trips. * Inspects assigned bus ... Inventories bus emergency and first aid supplies and equipment; reports needs to the Director.

Bus Driver

Newport, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $20/hr

Transports students, teachers and others on school field or activity trips. * Inspects assigned bus ... Inventories bus emergency and first aid supplies and equipment; reports needs to the Director.

Bus Driver

Altamont, TN · On-site

$19K - $19K/yr

School Bus drivers should possess a Class B commercial license with school bus and passenger ... Provide safe efficient transportation of students over established bus * Be neat in appearance ...

Showing results 21-40

First Student Bus Driver information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$19

$27

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

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for first student bus driver in Tennessee is $19.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $22.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a First Student bus driver?

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a First Student bus driver?

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 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 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 disqualifies you from being a First Student Bus Driver?

First Student Bus Driver applicants are typically disqualified if they have a valid driver's license with a poor driving record, including recent accidents or violations, or if they fail background checks and drug screenings. Additionally, candidates must meet age requirements and pass a physical exam; failure to do so can disqualify them from the position.

What are popular job titles related to First Student Bus Driver jobs in Tennessee?

For First Student Bus Driver jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various First Student Bus Driver job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,764 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

$20.25/hr

Part-time

Posted 4 days ago


First Student rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 318 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 77 rated education support services


Job description

First Student - Chattanooga is proudly serving the Hamilton County School district:
Why join as a Van Driver?
For many reasons
  • $20.25/HR starting wage
  • No experience necessary! We train!
  • No nights or weekends

About the Van Driver Position
  • Join our team of professional drivers dedicated to getting students to and from school safely
  • Drivers enjoy the support of our industry leading technology to guide them through their daily routes
  • Prioritize vehicle maintenance by conducting pre and post trip vehicle inspections
  • Provide support to students by assisting with boarding and exiting the bus

Van Driver Qualifications
  • Good verbal communication skills
  • At least 25 years old
  • Valid driver's license for at least 3 years
  • Be subject to a drug screen and physical

Join First Student and get more than a paycheck. We offer perks and incentives designed to support you on and off the job, from early wage access and loyalty rewards to employee discounts, recognition programs, growth opportunities, and appreciation events. If you're ready to be part of a team that Fosters Teamwork and makes a real difference every day, First Student is the place to be.
#startup
Language Requirement
This role requires English proficiency. Federal, state, and local requirements, including U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, require training, safety communications, company policies, employment documents, and other job-related communications be conducted in English.
First for a reason:
At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer.
In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia's Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request https://www.phila.gov/media/20210423160847/Fair-Chance-Hiring-law-poster.pdf.

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