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First Transit Bus Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

First Student

School Bus Driver

Richmond, CA · On-site

$30.48 - $40/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

School Bus Driver

Porterville, CA · On-site

$24 - $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

School Bus Driver

Victorville, CA · On-site

$26.02 - $34/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

School Bus Driver

Victorville, CA · On-site

$26.02 - $34/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

School Bus Driver

Oxnard, CA

$29.51 - $34.39/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

School Bus Driver

Santa Maria, CA

$27.99 - $35.15/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

School Bus Driver

Tulare, CA

$22.28 - $28.11/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

School Bus Driver

Porterville, CA · On-site

$24 - $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

School Bus Driver

Victorville, CA · On-site

$26.02 - $34/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

School Bus Driver

Tulare, CA · On-site

$22.28 - $28.11/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

School Bus Driver

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$29.51 - $34.39/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

School Bus Driver

Porterville, CA · On-site

$24 - $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

School Bus Driver

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$33.04 - $44.03/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

School Bus Driver

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$33.04 - $44.03/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

School Bus Driver

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$27.99 - $35.15/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

School Bus Driver

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$29.51 - $34.39/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

School Bus Driver

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$27.99 - $35.15/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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All JobsFirst Transit Bus Driver JobsFirst Transit Bus Driver Jobs in California

First Transit Bus Driver information

See California salary details

$8

$19

$28

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

As of Sep 8, 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 September 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.

Bus Driver (Part-Time)

San Diego, CA • On-site

Francis Parker School
Elementary and Secondary Schools • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Francis Parker Schoolexternal

$32.30/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Part-time
Description
About Francis Parker School :
Francis Parker School (Parker) is a coeducational independent day school in San Diego, California with 1,330 students in Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12. Founded in 1912, the school's mission is "to create and inspire a diverse community of independent thinkers whose academic excellence, global perspective and strength of character prepare them to make a meaningful difference in the world." Parker has two campuses: one in Mission Hills (Lower School, Junior Kindergarten - Grade 5), and a second in Linda Vista (Middle and Upper School, Grades 6 - 12).
Job Description :
The primary goal of the Transportation Department is to promote safety, ensuring all students receive the safest transportation possible. School bus drivers will transport students to and from school and other activities. On school days, drivers pick up students in the morning and return them home or to the designated bus stop in the afternoon. School bus drivers also drive students on field trips and to sporting events and other activities.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Follow procedures to ensure the safety of all students, including watching traffic and people carefully to ensure the safety of children getting on and off the bus and assisting students with getting on and off the bus when required
  • Keep order and safety on the school bus
  • Understand and enforce the school system's rules regarding student conduct and report disciplinary problems to the Director of Transportation
  • Maintain a clean and mechanically-sound bus at all times, including keeping the bus clean and free of debris
  • Perform pre-trip inspections of the bus (as prescribed by law) before leaving the yard, including: checking the braking systems; all belts, hoses & clamps, fluid levels; all lighting systems; suspension, leaf springs & shaft guards; seats tight & secure; tires; heating & cooling systems
  • Obey all traffic laws and state and federal transit regulations
  • Map directions to extra trips
In addition, must be able to:
  • Evacuate students from all exits, including windows, doors, and roof vents
  • Take appropriate action during a vehicle breakdown or collision (securing bus, attending to injured students, preparing accident reports, etc.)
  • Converse with parents in a friendly and professional manner
  • Maintain a given route schedule
  • Maintain a clean bus
  • Maintain proper fuel levels

Requirements
Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or GED strongly preferred
  • California Driver's License required
  • Commercial (Class B) Driver's License with School Bus Certification and Passenger Endorsement
  • Minimum one-year experience driving a school bus strongly preferred
  • No at-fault traffic accidents in the last 5 years
  • Clean driving record (no traffic citations in the last 5 years)
  • Ability to carry out assigned route on time
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Two years experience working with children preferred
  • Must be at least 21 years of age

In addition:
  • A school bus driver's background is checked by the Department of Justice and/or the FBI prior to receiving a license to drive a school bus.
  • School bus drivers must have a current Department of Transportation Medical Certificate
  • School bus drivers must pass (and maintain throughout the course of their employment) commercial driver's license medical requirements, including vision and hearing tests
  • School bus drivers must maintain minimum training hours as required by law to retain School Bus Certification
  • School bus drivers must pass the written CHP First Aid Test or have a current First Aid Card
  • School bus drivers must participate in a pre-employment drug and alcohol test and are randomly tested thereafter (school bus drivers may never get behind the wheel of a school vehicle with .01 or greater blood alcohol level)
  • All school bus drivers must attend regularly scheduled safety meetings and attend additional training sessions to maintain the skills needed to safely transport students
  • School bus drivers must have and maintain a clean driving record, both professionally and personally
  • School Bus Drivers are required to maintain their required yearly in-service hours and/or renewal hours

Salary and Benefits :
This is a Part-Time Substitute position and is not eligible for benefits. The hourly rate of pay will be based on school bus driving experience.
Starting Rate: $32.30/hour
Non-Discrimination :
Parker values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty, and staff from different backgrounds. All employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.
Salary Description
Starting Salary $32.30/hour

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