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Handicap Bus Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WARE COUNTY SCHOOL

BUS DRIVER SUB AS NEEDED

Waycross, GA · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Sub Bus Driver as Needed Qualifications: 1. Minimum of high school diploma or GED required 2. Must ... or handicap in educational programs and activities, admission to facilities, or employment ...

Clint ISD

Bus Driver- 40 hrs per work week

El Paso, TX

$18.51 - $22.17/hr

... driver's license (Class A or B) with Passenger and School Bus endorsements Acceptable driving ... handicap or age in its employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ...

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Handicap Bus Driver information

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$19

$28

How much do handicap bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for handicap bus driver in the United States is $19.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Handicap Bus Driver, and why are they important?

To excel as a Handicap Bus Driver, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger and, often, school bus endorsements, along with a clean driving record and knowledge of safety regulations. Familiarity with wheelchair lifts, securement systems, and basic vehicle maintenance is important, and some positions require first aid or CPR certification. Patience, strong communication skills, and empathy are vital for assisting passengers with diverse physical or cognitive needs. These skills ensure safe, reliable transportation while fostering trust and comfort for passengers with disabilities.

What are Handicap Bus Drivers?

Handicap bus drivers are professional drivers who operate specially equipped buses designed to transport passengers with disabilities or mobility challenges. Their responsibilities include safely assisting individuals onto and off the bus, ensuring wheelchairs and other mobility devices are securely fastened, and following specific routes and schedules. Handicap bus drivers also maintain a safe and comfortable environment for all passengers, often working for schools, public transit agencies, or private transportation companies. They are trained in safety protocols and may provide additional support to passengers as needed.

What is the difference between Handicap Bus Driver vs School Bus Driver?

AspectHandicap Bus DriverSchool Bus Driver
Required CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger and special needs endorsementsCDL with passenger endorsement, often with school bus certification
Work EnvironmentTransporting individuals with disabilities, often in specialized vehiclesTransporting students to and from school in standard or yellow school buses
Employer & Industry UsageSpecialized transportation services, school districts, healthcare facilitiesSchool districts, private schools, educational institutions

Handicap Bus Drivers and School Bus Drivers both require CDL licenses with passenger endorsements. Handicap Bus Drivers focus on transporting individuals with disabilities in specialized vehicles, while School Bus Drivers primarily transport students in standard school buses. Both roles are essential in the transportation industry, but they serve different populations and environments.

What type of bus driver makes the most money?

Among bus drivers, those who operate charter or tour buses tend to earn higher wages due to longer hours, specialized routes, and additional certifications. Additionally, school bus drivers with experience and seniority can earn more, especially if they work full-time or overtime. Factors such as location, employer, and required licenses also influence earning potential for bus drivers.

What are some common challenges faced by Handicap Bus Drivers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Handicap Bus Drivers often encounter challenges such as ensuring the safe boarding and disembarking of passengers with varying mobility needs, maintaining adherence to schedules while providing personalized assistance, and managing specialized equipment like wheelchair lifts. Effective communication, patience, and thorough training in the use of accessibility features are key to overcoming these challenges. Drivers are typically supported by ongoing professional development and a team environment that encourages collaboration with aides, dispatchers, and maintenance staff to ensure passenger safety and comfort.

What disqualifies you from being a bus driver?

Handicap bus drivers must meet specific health and safety requirements, including a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger and special vehicle endorsements. Disqualifications typically include a history of serious traffic violations, certain medical conditions that impair driving ability, a poor driving record, or failing background checks and drug tests. Additionally, drivers must pass a physical exam and may need specialized training for operating accessible vehicles.

What companies hire the most disabled people?

Many transportation companies and public transit agencies actively hire disabled individuals for roles such as handicap bus drivers, often providing accommodations and specialized training. These organizations may prioritize diversity and inclusion, and some offer programs specifically aimed at employing people with disabilities. Job seekers should look for companies with disability-friendly policies and certification programs like the ADA compliance.

How much money do you get for a bus driver?

Handicap bus drivers typically earn an average salary ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often receive benefits such as health insurance and paid time off, and must hold a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger and special endorsements.
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Handicap Bus Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Handicap Bus Driver job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% Full Time, 85% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $41,198 per year, or $19.8 per hour.
Activity Bus Driver 2026-2027

Activity Bus Driver 2026-2027

Southeast Polk Community School District

Altoona, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

Position Type:
Support Staff/Bus Driver
Date Posted:
6/10/2026
Location:
Transportation
Southeast Polk Community School District
Job Description
Job Title: Bus Driver
Qualifications:
Required:
  1. High School Diploma or GED
  2. Must be 21 years of age or older
  3. Commercial Driver's License (CDL) - (with passenger bus endorsement, S endorsement, and air break)
  4. State of Iowa school bus operators permit
  5. Ability to learn the operation of various buses and handicap equipment.
  6. Computer skills useful for maintaining routing and student database.
  7. Successful completion of physical, criminal background and child abuse registry check, and pre-work screening at time of hire.
  8. Successful experience and competency working in a culturally diverse learning environment.

Desired:
  1. American Heart or Red Cross First Aid/CPR certification.
  2. Practical knowledge of characteristics and needs of Special Education students.
  3. One year minimum experience operating a passenger bus.

Reports To: Transportation Director
Job Goal:
Operate a school bus in a safe and efficient manner to insure safety of passengers. This position requires continuous use of independent judgment. The performance responsibilities as show below represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific position requirements will vary depending on the needs of the transportation department.
Performance Responsibilities:
  1. Drive and operate a bus, van or passenger vehicle safely and in conformance with District policy and procedures as well as local, state and federal laws and regulations.
  2. Memorize bus routes, street and roads, and school locations keeping route information current at all times.
  3. Drive the routes as assigned without deviation unless authorized to do so or specific emergency and common sense dictates otherwise for that incident.
  4. Maintain good driving habits, practice defensive driving over city, county, and state streets and roads under all types of weather conditions and exercise extra caution when driving around school buildings where children are present.
  5. Provide support and instruction to students in order to understand school bus safety rules.
  6. Conduct safe and orderly loading and unloading of students.
  7. Provides guidance to bus associates in the performance of their respective assignments and duties; providing training as needed.
  8. Must be capable of maintaining discipline and control on the bus at stops, transfer stations, and while in operation.
  9. Report inappropriate student conduct to the Transportation Director immediately upon completion of route.
  10. Report to the mechanic or Transportation Director of any and all mechanical problems immediately.
  11. Report performance problems and bring workload, routing, pre-trip inspection sheets and scheduling problems to the attention of the Director of Transportation.
  12. Participate in all training pertaining to the job; including but not limited to mandatory bus evacuation drills as assigned by the Director of Transportation.
  13. Work with minimum supervision in accordance with published and verbal standards, guidelines, policies and procedures.
  14. Ensure that bus, van or passenger vehicle is clean inside and out, maintained and serviced; perform daily vehicle inspections; fuel vehicles and record usage on daily logs.
  15. Maintain up to date driver records such as physical, and school permits, pre-trip inspection paperwork and all other paperwork as required.
  16. Monitor radio and cell phones and provide radio/cell phone communication.
  17. Drug, tobacco and alcohol free at all times while working.
  18. Participate in all drug and alcohol testing.
  19. Dependability and reliability are essential.
  20. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, parents, and community members.
  21. Exhibit a positive attitude toward students.
  22. Meet with special education teachers to review the students' disabilities and how they might meet the students' needs as well as improve behavior on the bus.
  23. Attend annual Blood borne Pathogen Training and other staff development provided by the District.

Physical Demands
  1. Must have physical dexterity in limbs and digits and be free of impairment of the use of a foot, leg, hand, finger, or an arm or other structural defects of limitations likely to interfere with the ability to safely control a school bus, other motor vehicles used for transporting students and handicap lift equipment.
  2. Must be capable of assisting in the emergency evacuation of students riding the bus by extraction through emergency windows, doors and roof exits including:
    1. Stepping down 3.5 feet from the bus floor to the ground out the rear bus emergency door.
    2. Lifting students weighing up to 50 pounds.
    3. Must be capable of dragging 125 pounds for a distance of 100 feet.
  3. Must be capable of sitting up to 1 hour per setting.
  4. Must be capable of standing up to 30 minutes at a time.
  5. Must be capable of walking up to 150' to bus under adverse walking surface conditions.
  6. Must be capable of operating bus controls requiring up to 30 lbs. force.
  7. Must be capable of climbing 4 bus entry steps.
  8. Must be capable of trunk rotation and trunk bending for up to 3 minutes at a time.
  9. Must be capable of squatting for up to 2 minutes.
  10. Must be capable of operating handicap lift equipment, emergency window, door exits and opening engine hood with pull forces up to 60 lbs.
  11. Must present appropriate appearance and personal cleanliness suited to working in close proximity to school children and teachers.
  12. Must be capable of working with co-workers with different personalities.
  13. Must be capable of using flammable and combustible fuels, lubricants, and engine coolants and cleaning chemical with appropriate PPE's.
  14. Must be capable of working in extreme temperatures and humidity and other environmental conditions.
  15. Must be able to handle situations where contact with bodily fluids is possible. Bodily fluids may be feces, vomit, and urine, mucus from the nose or mouth.

Note: The physical demands described above represent real life tasks an employee may need to perform as part of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While the frequency may be low, the above stated physical demands may be required during the course of a daily work shift. Tasks that have physical demands that exceed the above stated limits should only be performed with sufficient manpower or material handling equipment.
Clothing:
  1. Street Clothes.
  2. Appropriate clothing and/or protective equipment required by the task; such as coats, hats and gloves and anti-slip footwear when walking on ice while operating the bus during cold winter periods.

Equipment / Tools
  1. Vacuum cleaner, brooms, mops, rags, buckets, garbage liners and cans, cleaning chemicals, and dust pan for cleanup operations.
  2. Two-way radio equipment and cellular telephones.
  3. High pressure spray washer, air compressor, fuel dispensing equipment.
  4. Shovels and ice scrappers for winter operations.

Terms of Employment:
  1. Employment based on need.
  2. Hours as assigned by Supervisor

Evaluation:
Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of Southeast Polk Board Policy.
Disclaimer:
The statements of this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this position. These statements are not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his or her supervision.
It is the policy of the Southeast Polk Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), genetic information (for employment), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact, Joseph M. Horton, Deputy Superintendent, Equal Opportunity Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator, Southeast Polk District Office, 8031 NE University Ave., Pleasant Hill, IA 50327, (515)-967-4294,joseph.horton@southeastpolk.org. Inquiries or grievances may also be directed to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Des Moines, IA, 50319-0201, (515) 281-4121; or the U.S. Department of Education, Region VII Office of Civil Rights, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1475, Chicago IL 60661.

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