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First Student Bus Driver Jobs in Springfield, IL

Bus Assistant

Taylorville, IL

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

To support the safe and reliable transportation of students by assisting the bus driver with the movement, management and care of students while they are being transported to an assigned destination ...

Bus Monitor

Springfield, IL · On-site

$16.50/hr

The Bus Monitor is responsible for assisting the School Bus Driver in notifying parents of ... Must be able to obtain a CPR Certification and First Aid Certification. * Must be able to lift at ...

... bus driver, courier, or gig-economy worker to apply. While employees learn and develop their ... Benefits starting 1st day of month following your start. * Paid training * Fast track career ...

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First Student Bus Driver information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$9

$20

$30

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

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for first student bus driver in Springfield, IL is $20.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $24.04 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 Springfield, IL? For First Student Bus Driver jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Student Bus Driver jobs in Springfield, IL look for? The top searched job categories for First Student Bus Driver jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for First Student Bus Driver jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most First Student Bus Driver job openings:
Infographic showing various First Student Bus Driver job openings in Springfield, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 23% Full Time, 74% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $43,422 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
Bus Assistant

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


National Express rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 81 rated public transport


Job description

Summit School Services companies share a strong commitment to provide the highest level of transportation safety, quality transportation, outstanding customer service and positive employee relations. Our corporate headquarters, located in Warrenville, Illinois, houses the administrative and corporate support functions for the organization. Our 250 local customer service centers (CSCs) are supported by regional operations teams located throughout North America.

 
To support the safe and reliable transportation of students by assisting the bus driver with the movement, management and care of students while they are being transported to an assigned destination as well as when they are boarding or leaving the vehicle.
 
 
Responsibilities Include:
  • Assist students with entering or exiting the bus in a safe manner.
  • Exhibits the highest ethical best practices and personal integrity; Shares concerns about suspicious or inappropriate behavior with their supervisor or manager

  • Seat students safely using needed seat belts, car seats or wheel chair restraints, etc.
  • Serve as a role model for students in demonstrating a positive attitude, good moral character, and integrity.
  • Monitor passengers at all times to ensure safety regulations and student conduct rules are followed.
  • Exercise student management through communication and discipline per Company policy.
  • Document and report any violations or conduct concerns to appropriate authority.
  • Physically assist passengers in evacuation of the vehicle in case of emergency.
  • Ensure that children take their belongings with them when leaving the bus.
  • Assist Driver in keeping the interior of the assigned vehicle clean and presentable.
  • Complete all required paperwork and submit to the appropriate employee/department in a timely manner.
  • Display the highest ethical and professional behavior in working with fellow employees, supervisors, parents, and school personnel; always promoting company goodwill.
  • Present a neat and professional appearance at all times.
  • Report to duty on time and perform all responsibilities in a safe manner.
  • Attend all assigned training, safety meetings, and in-service meetings.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements Include:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age; for New York School Bus Assistants, must be at least 19 years of age per state law. 
     
  • Must meet physical and medical requirements.
  • Must satisfactorily complete and pass all training and attend safety meetings and in-service meetings in order to remain qualified.
  • Must have a high degree of attention to detail and considerable dexterity to safely use various types of restraints, secure wheelchairs, etc.
  • Ability to relate to and work well with children.
  • Ability to maintain effective pupil behavior management.
  • High level of professionalism and diplomacy skills to work with students, fellow employees, parents, and school district personnel.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to lift and assist students when necessary.

Company name is : Durham School Services

Summit School Services has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with its policies and values, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. Summit School Services is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children and passengers.

 

We offer medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance coverage, holiday pay, and PTO accrual. Additionally, employees are able to enroll in a retirement savings plan.

At Summit School Services our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Summit School Services LLC's independent subsidiaries and affiliates are an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer

The pay rate range, along with most all of the other terms and conditions of employment, vary between different sites, geographical markets, customer/ contractual terms and positions. 

Company name is : Durham School Services


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