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First Student Bus Driver Jobs in Hamden, CT (NOW HIRING)

Career advancement with paid CDL training if you choose to move to a big bus! For our Driver roles, First Student encourages applications from candidates who: * Do not have a college degree or high ...

Career advancement with paid CDL training if you choose to move to a big bus! For our Driver roles, First Student encourages applications from candidates who: * Do not have a college degree or high ...

Monitor/Aide

Fairfield, CT · On-site

$15.25 - $17/hr

Why Join First Student as a Bus Monitor? * $16.94 per hour. * $10 daily attendance bonus * Medical ... Communicate with the driver to maintain a safe, calm ride * Provide care and encouragement to ...

Diesel Technician

New Haven, CT · On-site

$38.13/hr

... bus is a skilled mechanic committed to safety, reliability, and excellence. While First Student is ... Company-paid CDL Class B training and licensing * Annual boot allowance * Annual prescription ...

Diesel Technician

New Haven, CT · On-site

$38.13/hr

... bus is a skilled mechanic committed to safety, reliability, and excellence. While First Student is ... Company-paid CDL Class B training and licensing * Annual boot allowance * Annual prescription ...

... bus is a skilled mechanic committed to safety, reliability, and excellence. While First Student is ... Company-paid CDL Class B training and licensing * Annual boot allowance * Annual prescription ...

Bus Driver

Farmington, CT · On-site

$18 - $24.75/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.

Diesel Technician

New Haven, CT · On-site

$38.13/hr

... bus is a skilled mechanic committed to safety, reliability, and excellence. While First Student is ... Company-paid CDL Class B training and licensing * Annual boot allowance * Annual prescription ...

Diesel Mechanic

Danbury, CT · On-site

$27 - $31/hr

First Student is hiring immediately for a Mechanic (Tech II) for our shop serving Danbury Public ... From our school bus drivers and location managers to routers, dispatchers and fleet technician ...

First Student is now hiring a Diesel Technician for our shop serving New Britain Public Schools in ... Company-paid CDL Class B training and licensing. * Excellent benefits package including medical ...

First Student is now hiring a Gas and Diesel Technician for our shop serving New Haven Public ... Company-paid CDL Class B training and licensing. * Excellent benefits package including medical ...

Diesel Mechanic

New Britain, CT · On-site

$30.08 - $31.28/hr

First Student is now hiring a Diesel Technician for our shop serving New Britain Public Schools in ... From our school bus drivers and location managers to routers, dispatchers and fleet technician ...

Diesel Mechanic

New Britain, CT · On-site

$30.08 - $31.28/hr

First Student is now hiring a Diesel Technician for our shop serving New Britain Public Schools in ... From our school bus drivers and location managers to routers, dispatchers and fleet technician ...

Gas and Diesel Mechanic

New Haven, CT · On-site

$34.23 - $38.13/hr

First Student is now hiring a Gas and Diesel Technician for our shop serving New Haven Public ... From our school bus drivers and location managers to routers, dispatchers and fleet technician ...

Gas and Diesel Mechanic

New Haven, CT · On-site

$34.23 - $38.13/hr

First Student is now hiring a Gas and Diesel Technician for our shop serving New Haven Public ... Company-paid CDL Class B training and licensing. * Excellent benefits package including medical ...

Diesel Mechanic

New Britain, CT · On-site

$30.08 - $31.28/hr

First Student is now hiring a Diesel Technician for our shop serving New Britain Public Schools in ... Company-paid CDL Class B training and licensing. * Excellent benefits package including medical ...

Showing results 41-60

First Student Bus Driver information

See Hamden, CT salary details

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

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for first student bus driver in Hamden, CT is $20.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $24.13 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 Hamden, CT?

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

What job categories do people searching First Student Bus Driver jobs in Hamden, CT look for?

The top searched job categories for First Student Bus Driver jobs in Hamden, CT are:

What cities near Hamden, CT are hiring for First Student Bus Driver jobs?

Cities near Hamden, CT with the most First Student Bus Driver job openings:

Infographic showing various First Student Bus Driver job openings in Hamden, CT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,557 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

School Van Driver

First Student

New Britain, CT • On-site

$21/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago


First Student rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 318 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 78 rated education support services


Job description

Now Hiring Part Time School Van Drivers for New Britain, CT!

Proudly serving New Britain Public Schools

As a First Student Part Time School Van Driver you will play a vital role in your community and the lives of the students you transport. You will be there at the start of the students' day with before-school pickup and at the end with an afternoon shift to bring students safely back home.

No experience as a van driver is required! We're proud to train you with our industry-leading technology to help you succeed.

Your day will include:

  • A split shift, which means an early morning before-school pickup and an after-school drop-off with a few free hours in between
  • A guaranteed shift of 4 hours per school day, no working nights or weekends unless you want to
  • Additional hours gained through trips and charters when available
  • School Holidays off! And even some paid holidays*

School Van Driver benefits:

  • $21.00 / hour starting wage*, based on school bus driver experience.
  • Medical, Dental, & Vision Benefits plus 401k Retirement Savings Plans (Benefits offered may vary by location or CBA)*
  • No experience necessary. No CDL needed!
  • Child-Ride-Along Program* - a perfect opportunity for working parents
  • Career advancement with paid CDL training if you choose to move to a big bus!

For our Driver roles, First Student encourages applications from candidates who:

  • Do not have a college degree or high school diploma
  • Have military experience
  • Are returning to the workforce or looking for a second job
  • Are retirees
  • Are looking to jump start a new career

You might be a good fit if you:

  • Are looking for a part-time schedule
  • Enjoy working with students
  • Are at least 21 years old
  • Have a valid driver's license for at least 3 years

This position is subject to DOT drug testing as a safety-sensitive employee. DOT Regulation 49 CFR Part 40 does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason.

*Conditions apply; see locations for details. Starting Wage effective 7/1/25

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.

Company Description

About us
An industry leader famous for our yellow school buses and service and safety excellence, we’ve provided student transportation services to schools for over 100 years. Continually investing in the services of the future, we’re proud to be part of FirstGroup America – the largest provider of safe, reliable and sustainable surface passenger transportation services in North America.

Industry leader
We safely operate more than one third of all contracted school buses in North America.
Together our 50,000 school buses travel nearly 600 million miles per year — the equivalent of 1,200 round trips to the moon.
We operate in around 550 locations throughout 38 U.S. states and 8 Canadian provinces.

Innovation
We were the first school bus company to utilize global positioning systems (GPS), so at any one time we know where all of our buses are and how fast they’re travelling.
Passionate about safety, we’ve installed Safety Crossing Gates on the front of all of our school buses and use the Child Check-MateTM electronic reminder system to make sure no sleeping children remain inside a bus at the end of each route.

Awards & recognition
We won the Occupational Excellence Achievement Award from the National Safety Council two years in a row.
Dedicated to safety, FirstGroup received the National Safety Council’s (NSC) Green Cross for Safety Medal - the highest award for safety in North America.

Teamwork and trust
It takes a diverse team of skilled professionals to provide a safe, effective and efficient student transportation system. From our school bus drivers and location managers to routers, dispatchers and fleet technician mechanics, the work we do every day makes a big impact on the daily lives of students, parents, local communities and school district partners.

We’re very proud of our elite team of over 55,000 dedicated, caring and diverse professionals. And they are the #1 reason we’re trusted by over 1,400 school districts - more than any other provider. Everybody here plays their part in creating a positive school bus experience.

Our culture
We live and breathe our vision and values. They are embedded in our culture and drive our commitment to our customers and communities. Our culture fosters growth and promotes respect, reliability, responsibility and safety. And we recruit people who share these values and will work together to build strong and trusting partnerships in the communities we serve.

Safety – Although our safety record is twice as safe as the industry average, we continually seek out opportunities to enhance our operational and safety initiatives.
Learning – Through our learning culture that spans over 550 locations, we receive and share insight from our people to enhance our service now and in the future.
Making a difference - By doing our job well, we make a positive impact on many lives – including the millions of students who travel with us every school day.
Careers for all – We’re an Equal Opportunity Employer and an Employer of Choice.
By consistently encouraging and supporting an open dialogue with our people and partners, we’re able to share new ideas and develop new ways to meet the needs of our customers and passengers. At First Student, you’ll feel empowered to serve your community. So join the team and start to make a difference.


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