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First Student Driver Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

First Student is now hiring a Diesel Technician / Driver for our shop serving Orono in Long Lake, Minnesota! Hours/Schedule: Monday-Friday, Full-time This is a hybrid driver/technician role with a ...

Now Hiring Part Time, Spare School Bus Drivers for Plymouth, MN As a First Student Part Time School Bus Driver you will play a vital role in your community and the lives of the students you transport.

Diesel Technician/Driver

Orono, MN · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

First Student is now hiring a Diesel Technician / Driver for our shop serving Orono in Long Lake, Minnesota! Hours/Schedule: Monday-Friday, Full-time This is a hybrid driver/technician role with a ...

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and professional First Student school bus driver. School Bus Driver benefits: * Pay Details: Dependent on ...

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and professional First Student school bus driver. School Bus Driver benefits: * Pay Details: Dependent on ...

School Bus Driver

Champlin, MN · On-site

$28 - $30.25/hr

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and professional First Student school bus driver. School Bus Driver benefits: * Pay Details: Dependent on ...

Diesel Technician/Driver

Long Lake, MN · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

First Student is now hiring a Diesel Technician / Driver for our shop serving Orono in Long Lake, Minnesota! Hours/Schedule: Monday-Friday, Full-time This is a hybrid driver/technician role with a ...

Diesel Technician/Driver

Orono, MN · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

First Student is now hiring a Diesel Technician / Driver for our shop serving Orono in Long Lake, Minnesota! Hours/Schedule: Monday-Friday, Full-time This is a hybrid driver/technician role with a ...

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and professional First Student school bus driver. School Bus Driver benefits: * Pay Details: Dependent on ...

School Bus Driver

Orono, MN · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and professional First Student school bus driver. School Bus Driver benefits: * Pay Details: Dependent on ...

School Bus Driver

Champlin, MN · On-site

$28 - $30.25/hr

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and professional First Student school bus driver. School Bus Driver benefits: * Pay Details: Dependent on ...

School Bus Driver

Brooklyn Park, MN · On-site

$28 - $33/hr

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and professional First Student school bus driver. School Bus Driver benefits: * Pay Details: Dependent on ...

School Bus Driver

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and professional First Student school bus driver. School Bus Driver benefits: * Pay Details: Dependent on ...

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and professional First Student school bus driver. School Bus Driver benefits: * Pay Details: Dependent on ...

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and professional First Student school bus driver. School Bus Driver benefits: * Pay Details: Dependent on ...

School Bus Driver

Rochester, MN · On-site

$26 - $29/hr

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and professional First Student school bus driver. School Bus Driver benefits: * Pay Details: Dependent on ...

School Bus Driver

Tonka Bay, MN · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and professional First Student school bus driver. School Bus Driver benefits: * Pay Details: Dependent on ...

School Bus Driver

Anoka, MN · On-site

$28 - $30.60/hr

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and professional First Student school bus driver. School Bus Driver benefits: * Pay Details: Dependent on ...

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and professional First Student school bus driver. School Bus Driver benefits: * Pay Details: Dependent on ...

School Bus Driver

Oakdale, MN · On-site

$31.50 - $35/hr

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and professional First Student school bus driver. School Bus Driver benefits: * Pay Details: Dependent on ...

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First Student Driver information

See Minnesota salary details

$14

$20

$38

How much do first student driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for first student driver in Minnesota is $20.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $21.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by new First Student Drivers, and how can they be overcome?

New First Student Drivers often face challenges such as managing large vehicles in busy traffic and maintaining student discipline during routes. To overcome these, drivers receive thorough training in vehicle operation, route navigation, and student management techniques. Support from experienced drivers, supervisors, and ongoing safety meetings also help new drivers build confidence and handle issues effectively. Staying proactive about communication with dispatch and practicing regular self-assessment can further ease the transition into the role.

What is a First Student Driver?

A First Student Driver is a professional bus driver employed by First Student, a major provider of school transportation services in North America. These drivers are responsible for safely transporting students to and from school, field trips, and other activities. They must maintain a high standard of safety, follow specific routes and schedules, and ensure the well-being of all passengers on board. First Student provides comprehensive training and support to help drivers meet licensing and safety requirements.

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

AspectFirst Student DriverSchool Bus Driver
Required CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), passenger endorsementCDL with passenger endorsement, background check
Work EnvironmentSchool campuses, bus routes, transportation hubsSchool zones, residential areas, bus stops
Employer & Industry UsageFirst Student, school transportation servicesSchool districts, private transportation companies

Both First Student Drivers and School Bus Drivers require a CDL with passenger endorsement and work in school transportation environments. The main difference lies in branding and employer, with First Student Drivers working specifically for First Student, a major school transportation provider, while School Bus Drivers may work for various school districts or private companies. Both roles focus on safely transporting students to and from school.

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

To thrive as a First Student Driver, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) with appropriate endorsements, a clean driving record, and knowledge of safe driving practices. Familiarity with vehicle inspection protocols, basic maintenance, and the use of GPS or routing systems is typically required. Strong communication skills, patience, and the ability to manage student behavior are important soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure student safety, maintain schedule reliability, and foster a positive environment during transportation.
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for First Student Driver jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most First Student Driver job openings:
Infographic showing various First Student Driver job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,205 per year, or $20.8 per hour.
Diesel Technician/Driver

Diesel Technician/Driver

First Student

Long Lake, MN

$28 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

First Student is now hiring a Diesel Technician / Driver for our shop serving Orono in Long Lake, Minnesota!

Hours/Schedule: Monday-Friday, Full-time
This is a hybrid driver/technician role with a consistent daily schedule:

  • AM Route: 6:30 AM - 9:05 AM
  • Midday Shop Work
  • PM Route: 2:26 PM - ~4:30 PM

You'll spend part of your day safely transporting students and the remainder supporting fleet maintenance in the shop-making a direct impact on both safety and operations.

If you take pride in serving your community, this is your chance to do both behind the wheel and in the shop. At First Student, our team plays a critical role in getting students to and from school safely every day.

Why Join First Student?
  • Pay Details: Dependent on experience and qualifications.
  • Hourly Rate: $28 - $32 per hour (NOT flat rate).
  • Bonus rate increase available for each ASE School Bus Series test passed and maintained (up to $2/hour more).
  • Monday-Friday day shift schedule with consistent, year-round work.
  • Company-paid ASE testing and training materials.
  • Company-paid CDL Class B training and licensing.
  • Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match.
  • Career Advancement Opportunities: Advance into operational, maintenance, management, and leadership roles in over 540 locations across the U.S. & Canada!
  • Paid holidays and vacation time.
  • Annual allowances for boots and prescription safety glasses.
  • Discounts on cell phone plans, vehicles, and more through the PerkSpot program.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Counseling and support services for personal and work-related issues.
What You'll Do
  • Safely operate a school bus on assigned AM and PM routes
  • Perform routine maintenance and repairs on diesel vehicles
  • Conduct inspections and preventative maintenance
  • Complete work orders and support shop operations
Qualifications
  • 3+ years diesel or automotive experience (or equivalent training)
  • Valid driver's license (CDL B or ability to obtain - training provided)
  • Strong mechanical and troubleshooting skills
  • Must have basic tool set
  • Willingness to obtain ASE certifications
  • Note: 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.

Take the wheel and drive your career forward with First Student! Make an impact in your community while enjoying day shift schedules, great pay, and unmatched support.


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.