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First Student Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

First Student

School Van Driver

Buffalo, NY

$20/hr

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 student's day with ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

Gulfport, MS · On-site

$19.67/hr

At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more ... Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers for Gulfport, MS As a First Student Part Time School Bus ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

Blue Bell, PA · On-site

$27.17/hr

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. You will be there at the start of the student's day with ...

First Student

School Van Driver

Glen Rock, PA · On-site

$19.50/hr

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. You will be there at the start of the students' day with ...

First Student

School Trip Driver

Nampa, ID · On-site

$21.50 - $30.75/hr

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. You will be there at the start of the students' day with ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

Sewickley, PA

$25.60/hr

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. You will be there at the start of the students' day with ...

First Student

School Van Driver

Waldport, OR

$21.35 - $25.53/hr

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 ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$28.65 - $33.38/hr

At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more ... Now Hiring Part-Time School Bus Drivers for Oxnard, CA As a Part Time School Bus Driver, you will ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$28.65 - $33.38/hr

At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more ... Now Hiring Part-Time School Bus Drivers for Oxnard, CA As a Part Time School Bus Driver, you will ...

First Student

Non-CDL Driver

Ebensburg, PA

$73.76/day

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. You will be there at the start of the students' day with ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

Irwin, PA

School Bus Driver - $3,000 Sign-On Bonus + 25-Hour Guaranteed Work Week (No Experience Needed ... First Student About the Opportunity Begin a meaningful part-time career with a $3,000 sign-on bonus ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

Ebensburg, PA · On-site

$90/day

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. You will be there at the start of the students' day with ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

Houston, TX

$24.93/hr

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers for Houston, TX 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. You ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

Ellwood City, PA · On-site

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers for Elwood City, PA 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.

First Student

School Bus Driver

Soldotna, AK · On-site

$23.85/hr

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers for Soldotna, AK 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. You ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

New Castle, PA · On-site

$26/hr

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. You will be there at the start of the students' day with ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

Erie, PA · On-site

$22.50 - $23.50/hr

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. You will be there at the start of the students' day with ...

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First Student Driver information

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$15

$21

$39

How much do first student driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for first student driver in the United States is $21.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do school bus drivers make?

School bus drivers in North Carolina typically earn an average hourly wage of around $14 to $16, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $25,000 to $33,000. Wages can vary based on experience, school district, and whether the driver works full-time or part-time, often requiring a commercial driver's license (CDL) and background checks.

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.

Does First Student pay for your CDL?

First Student typically does not pay for your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training; drivers are usually responsible for obtaining their CDL independently. However, some training programs or partnerships may offer assistance or reimbursement, so it's important to check specific job postings or contact the company directly.

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.

How much does First bus pay?

First Student drivers typically earn an hourly wage that ranges from $15 to $20, depending on experience, location, and seniority. Starting pay may be lower, with opportunities for increases as drivers gain skills and certifications such as a commercial driver's license (CDL).

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.

How many hours do first student bus drivers work?

First Student bus drivers typically work full-time or part-time hours, with shifts often ranging from 4 to 8 hours per day. The schedule usually includes morning and afternoon routes, and drivers may work during school days, with some positions offering flexible or seasonal hours. Overtime may be available depending on the route and district needs.
What cities are hiring for First Student Driver jobs? Cities with the most First Student Driver job openings:
What states have the most First Student Driver jobs? States with the most job openings for First Student Driver jobs include:
First Student Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Student Driver job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,113 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
CDL Licensed School Bus Driver

CDL Licensed School Bus Driver

First Student

Rochelle Park, NJ • On-site

$31.50/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago

First Student rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 308 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 72 rated education support services

Job description

Now Hiring Licensed CDL School Bus Drivers in Rochelle Park, NJ!

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. 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.

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 (5) hours per school day, no working nights or weekends unless you want to
  • Additional hours gained through trips and charters when available

School Bus Driver benefits:

  • Pay rate is $31.50/HR
  • Medical, Dental, & Vision Benefits plus 401k Retirement Savings Plans
  • Travel opportunity available!

For our bus 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:

  • Hold a CDL class B with P and S endorsements
  • Availability to travel out of the state
  • Enjoy working with students
  • Are at least 21 years old

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.


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.

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