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First Student Bus Driver Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Bus Driver

Somerville, TN · On-site

$14.75 - $20.25/hr

The responsibilities of a bus driver are: transport students to and from school and other sites within designated route(s), ensure the safety of the student passengers while in a school vehicle.

Van Driver

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$19.57/hr

First Student - Chattanooga is proudly serving the Hamilton County School district: Why join as a ... Provide support to students by assisting with boarding and exiting the bus Van Driver ...

Bus Driver

Humboldt, TN · On-site

$21.55 - $26.27/hr

... Student Services, On-site (work in-person at business location) Position Description Bus Driver Facilities Management - Support Services Job 55412 First Review Date: 10/30/2025 Intermittent Hourly At ...

Why Join First Student? * $20.00 per hour * Medical, dental, and vision insurance * 401(k) with ... van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are ...

Bus Driver

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

Through the KIPP Forward program, our team helps students identify their career of highest ... Responsibilities of a KIPP Nashville Bus Driver include, but are not limited to: * Performs routine ...

Bus Driver

Nashville, TN

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

Through the KIPP Forward program, our team helps students identify their career of highest ... Responsibilities of a KIPP Nashville Bus Driver include, but are not limited to: * Performs routine ...

Bus Driver

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

BUS DRIVER BASIC FUNCTION/PURPOSE Provides for the safe operation of the assigned bus and control of the students while transporting to and from their assigned school or school-related function ...

BUS DRIVER

Nashville, TN · On-site

$22.75/hr

The Bus Driver will be assigned to transport kindergarten through high school age students, coaches, teachers, and other adults using 96, 60, and/or 55 passenger buses to athletic events, field trips ...

COFFEE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM Bus Driver Responsible to: Director of Transportation Qualifications ... Safely transports students on an assigned route according to a definite schedule, which may require ...

Bus Driver

Manchester, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $20/hr

COFFEE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM Bus Driver Responsible to: Director of Transportation Qualifications ... Safely transports students on an assigned route according to a definite schedule, which may require ...

Dispatcher

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$21/hr

... drivers and monitors on front line. Why Join First Student? * $21.00 per hour * Medical, dental ... Innovation We were the first school bus company to utilize global positioning systems (GPS), so at ...

Bus Driver

Lawrenceburg, TN

$16 - $21.75/hr

LCSS is taking applications for bus drivers for the 2026-2027 school year who will operate school bus and related equipment to provide safe and orderly transportation of students and other authorized ...

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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 Jun 15, 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 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.

Do school bus drivers get paid for the entire day?

First Student bus drivers are typically paid for the hours they work, which usually include morning and afternoon routes. They are generally not paid for the entire day if they are not scheduled to work beyond their driving shifts. Pay may also include time for pre-trip inspections and other duties related to their route.

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.

How many hours do first student bus drivers work?

First Student bus drivers typically work part-time or full-time schedules that range from 20 to 40 hours per week, often aligned with school start and end times. Overtime may be available, and schedules can vary based on routes and district needs. Drivers are usually required to complete safety training and hold a valid commercial driver's license (CDL).

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.

Does First Student pay for your CDL?

First Student bus drivers are typically responsible for obtaining their Commercial Driver's License (CDL) before starting. The company may offer training programs or assistance with CDL costs, but policies vary by location. It's best to check with your local branch for specific support options related to CDL expenses.

How much does First Student pay bus drivers in California?

First Student bus drivers in California typically earn an hourly wage ranging from $16 to $22, depending on experience, location, and shift. Starting pay may be lower, with opportunities for raises and benefits such as health insurance and paid training. Wages are often aligned with industry standards for school bus drivers in the state.

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 Tennessee? For First Student Bus Driver jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Student Bus Driver jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for First Student Bus Driver jobs in Tennessee are:
Infographic showing various First Student Bus Driver job openings in Tennessee as of June 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.
Bus Driver

$15 - $18/hr

Other

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Description

SALARY: $15.00 - $18.00 hr 


DESCRIPTION OF BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • To transport students from a variety of school sites to the Boys & Girls Clubs and to assure their safety while passengers are in the school bus. Employees in this classification receive general supervision within a framework of standard policies and procedures. This Job class is responsible for ensuring the safety of all passengers including special education students while operating the assigned bus and for ensuring the assigned bus is in a safe operating condition at all times. Drivers may be assigned to drive wheelchair or ambulatory buses.

SALARY: $15.00 - $18.00 hr

TYPICAL DUTIES

  • Drives a school bus safely in accordance with time schedules; transporting students to and from their homes, a variety of school sites, and on field trips as assigned
  • Oversees the loading and unloading of students, releasing students to authorized individual; assures that safety belts are fastened
  • May operate a special ramp bus; loads and unloads students in wheelchairs on and off bus; inspecting wheelchair for operational safety and permitting only properly functioning wheelchairs to load; operates ramp, assuring seat belts are fastened, positioning the wheelchairs in bus, and securing the wheelchair
  • Maintains order and proper discipline of passengers; resolving disputes, documents and reports severe disciplinary cases
  • Conducts established safety and operational inspection of assigned vehicles daily
  • Assures maintenance of bus in safe and clean operating condition; reporting needed mechanical repairs, installing special safety belts, sweeping interior of the bus and washing windows daily, services the bus with gas and oil, follows established security procedures
  • Establishes drop off and pickup order of assigned students; conferring with parents, supervisors, schedulers, and other staff regarding transportation needs, plotting route on map, documenting route, and adjusting route for new and/or dropped students
  • Monitors students with special health problems while in bus; receiving written or oral instructions, being aware and alert to any signs of difficulty following prescribed instructions and procedures, administering first aid, and calling for emergency assistance
  • Maintains a variety of records and reports including but not limited to mileage, routing, maintenance, and time schedules
  • Attends meetings, programs, and in-service training as assigned
  • Maintains current required licenses and certificates
  • Notifies appropriate individuals of any delays in scheduled route
  • Assists with other routes when breakdown or other unusual circumstances occur as assigned
  • Performs other related duties as assigned

Equal Employment Opportunity Title VI Policy Statement: 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis is committed to ensuring that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or any other protected status as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 (PL 100.259), be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity, whether those programs and activities are federally funded or not. This Policy extends to all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, as well as the use of all Club facilities. 

Consistent with its commitment to equal employment, the Club will work to accommodate disabled employees in keeping with applicable law. If an employee believes he needs an accommodation because of a disability, he should make a request to Human Resources and the Club will engage in an interactive dialogue with the employee to determine the best course of action.

No form of unlawful discrimination, including unlawful harassment, will be tolerated




Requirements

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Possession of:

  • a valid and appropriate Tennessee Commercial Driver License
  • a safe driving record which meets the Boys & Girls Club's insurance requirements

Knowledge of:

  • the proper application of first aid practices and procedures

Ability to:

  • read and interpret a map
  • establish and maintain proper conduct and safety of passengers on school bus
  • accept/relate to students with a variety of exceptional needs
  • exercise good judgement and extreme caution while operating a school bus
  • remain calm in an emergency situation
  • read and write in English at a level sufficient to successfully perform required duties
  • understand and carry out both oral and written instructions in an independent manner
  • recognize mechanical safety hazards in bus
  • learn to designate order of pickup and drop off, modify bus routes, and prepare related reports
  • meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform the required duties
  • establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of duties

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Demonstrate BGCM mission driven values of integrity, excellence and inclusion and integrate into work environment and ways of work.
  • Adhere to organizational policies and procedures as described in BGCM's Employee Handbook, Ethics Policy and elsewhere.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.

http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/ofccpost.htm

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

High energy level, comfortable performing multi-faceted projects in conjunction with day-to-day activities. Superior interpersonal abilities. Ability to get along with diverse personalities, at all times displaying tact, maturity and flexibility. Must have good reasoning abilities and sound judgment. Physical requirements include sight, hearing, sitting for four plus hours per day. Must be physically able to travel by car, bus, or other modes of transportation. Skills essential for successful communications include speaking and writing.