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First Transit Bus Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Marin Airporter

Transit Bus Driver

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$32/hr

We train new drivers who need upgrading to Air Brakes and Verification of Transit Training (VTT ... All bus passengers and drivers are required to wear a mask. Job Types: Full-time, Part-time Pay:

Transdev

Public Transit Bus Driver

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$40.50/hr

Bus Driver We are currently on the lookout for an experienced Bus Driver to join our elite team in Santa Rosa, CA . As a key member, you will be entrusted with ensuring safe and comfortable ...

Transdev

Public Transit Bus Driver

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$40.50/hr

Bus Driver We are currently on the lookout for an experienced Bus Driver to join our elite team in Santa Rosa, CA . As a key member, you will be entrusted with ensuring safe and comfortable ...

WeDriveU

Transit CDL Driver - Part time

Fresno, CA · On-site

$23.02/hr

... bus and rail passengers on four continents. Visit wedriveu.com to learn more about our company ... Note: All interested applicants for a Transit Driver position begin with us as a Driver Trainee.

Covina-Valley Unified School District

BUS DRIVER

Covina, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

... First Aid test is waived at CHP, a valid DL-51 Medical Card, able to qualify for and maintain ... Applicants may be considered for hire without a Transit Type I school bus certificate with ...

New

Ventura Unified School District

Bus Driver

Ventura, CA · On-site

$27.65 - $33.49/hr

... transit school bus with air brakes. * Valid First Aid Certification issued by an authorized agency. * Valid DOT medical Examiners Certificate. THE DETAILS TESTING INFORMATION Step 1: Application ...

Placer County California

Bus Driver - Senior

Tahoe City, CA · On-site

$30.72 - $38.38/hr

Tahoe Area Regional Transit (TART) is currently accepting applications for a permanent, full-time ... Possession of valid CPR and First Aid certificate is desirable. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES ...

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All JobsFirst Transit Bus Driver JobsFirst Transit Bus Driver Jobs in California

First Transit Bus Driver information

See California salary details

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$19

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

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for first transit bus driver in California is $19.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a First Transit bus driver?

First Transit Bus Drivers are professional drivers employed by First Transit, a leading provider of transportation services across North America. Their primary responsibilities include safely operating buses along designated routes, picking up and dropping off passengers, and ensuring that all riders have a safe and pleasant experience. Drivers also assist passengers with disabilities, adhere to traffic laws, and maintain accurate records of their routes and schedules. Customer service and a strong safety focus are key aspects of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a First Transit bus driver?

To thrive as a First Transit Bus Driver, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), a clean driving record, and knowledge of traffic laws and safety regulations. Familiarity with route management systems, fare collection devices, and vehicle inspection protocols is typically required. Excellent customer service, patience, and strong communication skills help drivers interact positively with passengers and handle stressful situations. These skills and qualities ensure safe, reliable transportation and a positive experience for riders and the community.

What are some common challenges First Transit bus drivers face and how are they supported in overcoming them?

First Transit Bus Drivers often encounter challenges such as managing schedules during peak traffic, ensuring passenger safety, and handling unexpected route changes or difficult weather conditions. To help drivers succeed, First Transit provides comprehensive training, regular safety briefings, and access to support from dispatch and maintenance teams. Drivers also benefit from established communication channels with supervisors to address issues as they arise, ensuring a safe and efficient work environment.

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

AspectFirst Transit Bus DriverSchool Bus Driver
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsementCDL with school bus endorsement
Work EnvironmentPublic transit buses, urban/suburban routesSchool campuses, student transportation
Employer & IndustryTransit agencies, public transportationSchool districts, educational institutions

Both roles require a CDL with passenger or school bus endorsement and involve transporting passengers. First Transit Bus Drivers typically operate on public transit routes, while School Bus Drivers focus on student transportation. The main differences lie in the work environment and specific endorsements needed, but both roles are essential for safe passenger or student transit services.

How much do First Transit Bus Drivers get paid?

First Transit Bus Drivers typically earn an hourly wage that ranges from $15 to $25, depending on experience, location, and union agreements. They often work full-time shifts that include evenings, weekends, and holidays, and may receive benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

What disqualifies you from being a First Transit Bus Driver?

First Transit Bus Drivers are disqualified if they have a valid driver's license with a poor driving record, including recent traffic violations or accidents, or if they fail background checks and drug screenings. Additionally, candidates must meet age requirements, have a clean criminal record, and possess the necessary certifications such as a commercial driver's license (CDL).

What cities in California are hiring for First Transit Bus Driver jobs?

Cities in California with the most First Transit Bus Driver job openings:

First Transit Bus Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Transit Bus Driver job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,658 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Transit Bus Driver

Marin Airporter

San Rafael, CA • On-site

$32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Job description

Marin Airporter is looking for enthusiastic and dependable people to join our team.

On our transit service, we operate 30 and 40-foot Gilligs hybrid transit buses, as well as 20-seat Ford/Eldorado cutaway buses. We train new drivers who need upgrading to Air Brakes and Verification of Transit Training (VTT), on our equipment and routes.

Our starting rate of $32.00 per hour.

Qualifications for the Job:

Currently, we are looking for people with No (or minimal) moving violations, who have or are willing to obtain all of the following:

  • A Class A or B California commercial license with passenger endorsement and air brakes
  • A valid and current Verification of Transit Training (VTT) certificate

You also need to be able to demonstrate that you share our core values of safety, courtesy, and professionalism. You must have a track record of personal integrity, as well as consistent punctuality and reliability in your work attendance.

A positive attitude and a sense of humor are also pluses!

Pay and Benefits:

We offer a Kaiser health plan, which is free for the employee, as well as a dental plan, vision plan.

In addition, we have an ESOP retirement plan in which employees automatically acquire an ownership interest in the company at no cost to them. When you work here, you're not only an employee, but also, in effect, a part owner of the business.

Other Details:.

Minimum age 21. Pre-employment physical, drug test, and background check required.

We are a friendly, collegial, and professionally-run company with low employee turnover and a growing business. We hire entirely on the basis of individual merit and ability to do the job well, and therefore we have a diverse and inclusive workforce that is welcoming to all.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Paid holidays

Pay: $32.00 per hour

COVID-19 considerations:
All bus passengers and drivers are required to wear a mask.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From $32.00 per hour

COVID-19 considerations:
To keep our drivers as safe as possible, we are currently providing a variety of PPE items to drivers. Buses are sanitized and cleaned on daily basis. In addition, distancing and passenger capacity limits apply on all buses.