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First Student Transportation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dispatcher

Memphis, TN · On-site

$20/hr

Assistant Location Manager/Assistant Transportation Manager Location: Memphis, TN Pay Rate: $20.00 Per hour At First Student, our Dispatchers are a constant reflection of our company's commitment to ...

While First Student is North America's leading school transportation provider-serving more than 1,250 school districts and completing over 5 million student journeys every day-our focus in New Haven ...

Monitor/Aide

Germantown, OH · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Diesel Mechanic

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

While First Student is North America's leading school transportation provider-serving more than 1,250 school districts and completing over 5 million student journeys every day-our focus in New Haven ...

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 ...

Diesel Mechanic

West Coxsackie, NY · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

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 ...

Diesel Mechanic

West Coxsackie, NY · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

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 ...

Diesel Mechanic

Wright City, MO · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

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 ...

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First Student Transportation information

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How much do first student transportation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for first student transportation in the United States is $16.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What happened to the First Student bus company?

First Student Transportation is a major school bus contractor that continues to operate across many regions. There have been no reports of the company ceasing operations; it remains a leading employer for school bus drivers and related roles, requiring commercial driver’s licenses and safety training. Any changes in local operations are typically managed at the regional level.

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

AspectFirst Student TransportationBus Driver
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), background check, drug testCDL, background check, drug test
Work EnvironmentSchool buses, transportation hubs, routes with studentsDriving school buses, transporting students on scheduled routes
Employer & IndustryFirst Student, school transportation servicesSchool districts, private transportation companies

Both roles require a CDL, background checks, and involve driving school buses in a school environment. First Student Transportation is a major employer providing bus services, while a bus driver is a job title held by individuals working for various companies or districts. The main difference lies in the employment context, with First Student being a specific employer and bus driver being the job role.

What are some common challenges faced by drivers working at First Student Transportation, and how does the company support employees in overcoming them?

Drivers at First Student Transportation often face challenges such as managing tight schedules, ensuring student safety during transit, and adapting to varying weather or traffic conditions. The company provides comprehensive training, ongoing safety education, and access to support staff to help drivers handle these situations effectively. Additionally, First Student promotes a collaborative environment where drivers can share experiences and solutions, and it offers mentorship programs to help new hires succeed in their roles.

How many hours do First Student bus drivers work?

First Student bus drivers typically work part-time or full-time hours, with shifts often ranging from 4 to 8 hours per day, depending on the route and school schedule. Many drivers work early mornings and afternoons to accommodate school hours, and overtime may be available for additional hours or special routes.

What is the highest paid school bus driver?

The highest paid school bus drivers are typically those with extensive experience, specialized certifications, or who work in high-cost-of-living areas. In some regions, senior drivers or those with additional responsibilities, such as special needs transportation, can earn higher wages, often exceeding $20 to $25 per hour. Salary varies based on location, union agreements, and employer policies.

How much do first bus drivers get?

First Student Transportation bus drivers typically earn an hourly wage that ranges from $14 to $20, depending on experience, location, and union agreements. They often receive benefits such as health insurance and paid training, and may work part-time or full-time schedules with a focus on student safety and vehicle operation skills.

What is First Student Transportation?

First Student Transportation is a company specializing in providing school bus transportation services across North America. They work with school districts to safely transport students to and from school, field trips, and other educational events. First Student is known for its focus on safety, driver training, and reliable service. The company operates one of the largest fleets of school buses and employs thousands of professional drivers. Their services are designed to ensure that students arrive at their destinations safely and on time.

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

To thrive as a School Bus Driver at First Student Transportation, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), clean driving record, and knowledge of safe vehicle operation. Familiarity with GPS navigation, vehicle inspection checklists, and basic reporting systems is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and reliability help drivers manage children’s behavior and interact positively with parents and school staff. These skills and qualifications are critical to ensure student safety, maintain punctual routes, and foster trust within the community.
More about First Student Transportation jobs
What cities are hiring for First Student Transportation jobs? Cities with the most First Student Transportation job openings:
What states have the most First Student Transportation jobs? States with the most job openings for First Student Transportation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching First Student Transportation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for First Student Transportation jobs are:
Infographic showing various First Student Transportation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,464 per year, or $16.6 per hour.
Dispatcher

Dispatcher

First Student

Memphis, TN • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


First Student rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 313 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 75 rated education support services


Job description

Now Hiring: Assistant Location Manager/Assistant Transportation Manager

Location: Memphis, TN

Pay Rate: $20.00 Per hour

At First Student, our Dispatchers are a constant reflection of our company's commitment to safety and customer service. The Dispatcher is responsible for dispatching all buses, ensuring on-time performance of routes, and counseling drivers and monitors on front line.

At First Student, we are proud to offer:

  • Tremendous Career Advancement Opportunities due to a strong presence across North America
  • Positive and rewarding work environment


Dispatcher Responsibilities:

  • Oversees all routes and scheduling of buses
  • Counsels and coaches drivers and monitors
  • Handles heavy phone and radio traffic
  • Takes all scheduling and driver complaints, report to Operations Supervisor/Contract Manager
  • Serves as primary communication liaison with major contracted customer
  • May handle charter reservations, billing, or driver payroll
  • Provides solutions to drop-off and pick-up problems
  • Handle back-up driver duties or perform miscellaneous clerical duties as needed
  • Completes assignment of special projects
  • Assists with supervision of day-to-day operations


Dispatcher Experience and Skills Required:

  • 3-5 years experience
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Basic knowledge of radio dispatch equipment
  • Excellent communication and customer service skills
  • Ability to deliver under time constraints and deadlines
  • Previous terminal operations, dispatch, or driver experience
  • Computer literate
  • Subject to DOT drug testing and physical. DOT Regulation 49 CFR Part 40 does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason.


First Students commitment to putting our customers first, dedication to safety, and an ambition to deliver dependable transportation makes for a working environment youll love. As a huge company with 120,000 staff and over 2.5 billion customers worldwide, youll also enjoy security, a brilliant future, and excellent training.
Apply today to join our team!


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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