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First Student Driver Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

First Student

Diesel Mechanic

Schaumburg, IL

$23.75/hr

Are looking for hourly (not flat-rate) jobs Get your career on the road with First Student! In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers ...

First Student

School Van Driver

Libertyville, IL

$22/hr

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

First Student

School Van Driver

Skokie, IL

$21/hr

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

First Student

School Van Driver

Mount Prospect, IL

$21.50/hr

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

First Student

School Van Driver

Northbrook, IL

$22.50/hr

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

First Student

School Van Driver

Glen Ellyn, IL

$19.50 - $21/hr

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

First Student

Van Driver

Crestwood, IL · On-site

$22.75/hr

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

First Student

Van Driver

Lockport, IL · On-site

$22.75/hr

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

First Student

School Van Driver

Chicago, IL

$21/hr

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

First Student

School Van Driver

Addison, IL

$23/hr

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

First Student

School Van Driver

Maywood, IL

$20/hr

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

First Student

Van Driver

Romeoville, IL

$22.75/hr

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

First Student

School Van Driver

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$20/hr

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

First Student

Diesel Mechanic

Glen Ellyn, IL

$28/hr

Are looking for hourly (not flat-rate) jobs Get your career on the road with First Student! In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers ...

First Student

School Van Driver

Northbrook, IL

$20/hr

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

First Student

School Van Driver

Lincolnshire, IL

$20/hr

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and professional First Student school van driver. Sign on bonus: $1000 School Van Driver benefits: * Pay ...

First Student

Van Driver

Aurora, IL · On-site

$22.75/hr

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

First Student

School Van Driver

Arlington Heights, IL

$22/hr

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and professional First Student school van Sign On Bonus - $1000 School Van Driver benefits: * Pay Details:

First Student

School Bus Driver

Westmont, IL · On-site

$26 - $30/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 ...

First Student

Van Driver

Crestwood, IL

$22.75/hr

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

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFirst Student Driver JobsFirst Student Driver Jobs in Chicago, IL

First Student Driver information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$15

$21

$40

How much do first student driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for first student driver in Chicago, IL is $21.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $22.31 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.
First Student Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Student Driver job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,479 per year, or $21.9 per hour.
Diesel Mechanic

Diesel Mechanic

First Student

Schaumburg, IL

$23.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 hours ago

First Student rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 315 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 78 rated education support services

Job description

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.

First Student is hiring immediately for a Mechanic for our shop serving Schaumburg IL!

Now Offering $1000 Sign on Bonus (Conditions Apply)!

As a Technician at First Student, you will play an integral role in ensuring the safety of the children who count on us for a ride to and from school in those classic yellow buses.

Why join First as a Mechanic?

In addition to a health benefits package, 401k with company matching, paid vacations, paid holidays, and tremendous growth opportunities, we are also proud to offer our technicians:

  • $23.75 per hour or more based on experience and qualifications (NOT flat-rate)
  • $1000 Sign on Bonus (Expires 12/31/2024)
  • ASE incentive of $0.50/hour for each relevant ASE obtained (we pay for the training materials and exams!)
  • Monday-Friday full-time shift
  • Annual allowances for boots and prescription safety glasses
  • State-of-the-art training programs
  • Discounts on cell phone plans, cars, and more through the Perk Spot program!


About First Student's Mechanic Position

At First Student, our technicians perform maintenance to ensure our fleet of newer vehicles is safe for road travel. They also use their diagnostic skills to troubleshoot issues needing repair work. As a technician at First Student, your day will include the tasks mentioned above and the following:

  • Performing maintenance on brakes, suspensions, drivetrains, & transmissions
  • Completing work orders
  • Assisting with mobile emergency services

Mechanics and technicians are 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.

You might be a fit for our Mechanic role if:

  • You want to work in a position that meaningfully impacts your community
  • You have 1 year of experience working with automotive, diesel, electric, or CNG vehicles
  • You have a valid driver's license and a willingness to obtain a CDL (don't worry, we will train you for this!)
  • You have a mechanic's tool set
  • You want to grow, learn, and develop your skillset through ASE testing

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

  • Do not have a college degree
  • Have military experience
  • Are returning to the workforce
  • Are looking for hourly (not flat-rate) jobs


Get your career on the road with First Student!

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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