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Handicap Bus Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... 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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How much do handicap bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 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 company hires the most people with disabilities?

Many government agencies and large transportation companies actively hire people with disabilities, including transit authorities and municipal bus services. These organizations often have dedicated programs and accommodations to support employees with disabilities, including handicap bus drivers. The specific employer varies by region, but public transit agencies are among the top employers in this field.

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 advanced training or those working in high-demand areas may also earn higher salaries. Experience, certifications, and the type of employer influence earning potential for bus drivers.

Do bus drivers get 40 hours a week?

Handicap bus drivers typically work around 40 hours per week, often with scheduled shifts that include mornings, afternoons, and some evenings. Overtime may be available or required depending on the employer and route needs, and drivers usually need a commercial driver's license (CDL) and passenger endorsements. Work hours can vary based on the employer and specific route demands.

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.

How much do school bus drivers make?

School bus drivers, including those who transport students with disabilities, typically earn an average hourly wage of around $15 to $20, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $40,000. Wages can vary based on experience, certifications, and the school district or employer.
More about Handicap Bus Driver jobs
What cities are hiring for Handicap Bus Driver jobs? Cities with the most Handicap Bus Driver job openings:
What states have the most Handicap Bus Driver jobs? States with the most job openings for Handicap Bus Driver jobs include:
Infographic showing various Handicap Bus Driver job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 16% Full Time, 71% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,198 per year, or $19.8 per hour.
GCS - Bus Driver in Training

GCS - Bus Driver in Training

Goshen Community Schools

Goshen, IN

$13.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

The following vacancy exists in Goshen Community Schools for the 2025-26 school year:

Goshen Community Schools

Bus Driver in Training

POSITION PURPOSE: Position is responsible for operating a school bus and transporting school-aged children and other authorized personnel safely and efficiently over specified routes to and from schools and various activities. Position conducts pre-trip and post-trip inspections; observes safety regulations and policies; enforces student discipline on the bus; and performs related work.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Drives a school transportation vehicle within a prescribed route(s) in accordance with time schedules, picking up and discharging students at designated stops
  • May operate a special needs bus; loads and unloads students in wheelchairs on and off bus, inspecting wheelchair for operational safety; operates ramp; positions and secures wheelchair in bus
  • Transports students and teachers on field and extra-curricular trips to various locations; planning necessary route(s) and stops as needed
  • Maintains order and proper discipline of student passengers according to GCS policy
  • Conducts safety and operational inspection of assigned vehicle daily
  • Reports needed mechanical repairs when necessary
  • Services buses with gas, diesel fuel, and oil; visually checks tire pressure and batteries and when necessary fills tires
  • Performs periodic safety drills as required by law; completing necessary reports upon request
  • Completes periodic mileage and other reports including passenger counts
  • Attends various meetings regarding safety, first aid, and training updates as required
  • Attends driver training programs to maintain current knowledge of Indiana Motor Vehicle Code and the Education Code as it applies to the operation of vehicles in the transportation of school children
  • Operates a two-way radio
  • Maintains cleanliness of vehicle. Washes bus as needed.
  • Checks email and other related corporation and department communications daily
  • Additional Duties: Bus Drivers will be required to do the following additional duties periodically. These duties are paid at the Additional Duties rate on the Transportation wage scale:
  • Bus Cleaning
  • Seat Repair
  • Mechanic’s Assistant
  • Fire Extinguisher Inspector
  • School Nutrition Delivery
  • Interoffice/Pony Delivery Driver
  • Corporation Delivery
  • Performs related duties as required

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • CDL License with valid passenger endorsement (paid training provided)
  • Candidates who have not completed requirements and obtained the proper credentials:
  • Will be hired as a Driver in Training and placed on a Training schedule
  • Under the supervision of the Training Specialist: learn federal and state regulations, complete driving exercises, practice driving routes, and prepare for the state mandated test.
  • Must complete all written tests and schedule the state driving test within 30 days from the start of training.
  • CDL Physical (passing of)
  • Must maintain a safe driving record

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Able to safely transport students to and from school
  • Can assist students and other passengers to enter and leave the vehicle as necessary
  • Keeps vehicles clean and in safe operating condition
  • Able to plan for needed services and mechanical repairs
  • Able to maintain order among the children transported
  • Operate the assigned bus on schedule routes on the time schedule fixed by the employer
  • Fills the bus with fuel as authorized; checks lights, tires and other parts of the bus on a regular basis to be sure they are in safe operating condition.

SALARY: $13.50 per hour (Schedule 23-DIT)


For questions regarding this position please contact:

Don Graves

Transportation Office

613 East Purl Street

Goshen, IN 46526

dgraves@goshenschools.org

The Goshen Community School's Board of School Trustees is an equal opportunity employer. Selection of the applicant will be made without reference to race, color, creed, sex, age, handicap, or national origin.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIVING APPLICATIONS IS: Until Filled