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Independent Contractor School Bus Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

School Bus Driver

Sewickley, PA · On-site

$26.88/hr

Industry leader We safely operate more than one third of all contracted school buses in North ... From our school bus drivers and location managers to routers, dispatchers and fleet technician ...

School Bus Driver

Austin, TX · On-site

$26.50/hr

Industry leader We safely operate more than one third of all contracted school buses in North ... From our school bus drivers and location managers to routers, dispatchers and fleet technician ...

School Bus Driver

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$20 - $22.20/hr

Industry leader We safely operate more than one third of all contracted school buses in North ... From our school bus drivers and location managers to routers, dispatchers and fleet technician ...

Industry leader We safely operate more than one third of all contracted school buses in North ... From our school bus drivers and location managers to routers, dispatchers and fleet technician ...

Industry leader We safely operate more than one third of all contracted school buses in North ... From our school bus drivers and location managers to routers, dispatchers and fleet technician ...

Industry leader We safely operate more than one third of all contracted school buses in North ... From our school bus drivers and location managers to routers, dispatchers and fleet technician ...

Industry leader We safely operate more than one third of all contracted school buses in North ... From our school bus drivers and location managers to routers, dispatchers and fleet technician ...

Industry leader We safely operate more than one third of all contracted school buses in North ... From our school bus drivers and location managers to routers, dispatchers and fleet technician ...

School bus drivers pick up students at a designated location, such as street corners or private ... on an independent basis and on a team. Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with a wide ...

Industry leader We safely operate more than one third of all contracted school buses in North ... From our school bus drivers and location managers to routers, dispatchers and fleet technician ...

School Bus Driver

New Roads, LA · On-site

$19.45/hr

Industry leader We safely operate more than one third of all contracted school buses in North ... From our school bus drivers and location managers to routers, dispatchers and fleet technician ...

Industry leader We safely operate more than one third of all contracted school buses in North ... From our school bus drivers and location managers to routers, dispatchers and fleet technician ...

School Bus Driver

Harborcreek, PA · On-site

$24.50 - $26/hr

Industry leader We safely operate more than one third of all contracted school buses in North ... From our school bus drivers and location managers to routers, dispatchers and fleet technician ...

School Bus Driver School Bus drivers are responsible for safely transporting students to and from ... on an independent basis and on a team. Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with a wide ...

Industry leader We safely operate more than one third of all contracted school buses in North ... From our school bus drivers and location managers to routers, dispatchers and fleet technician ...

School Bus Driver

Edinboro, PA · On-site

$24.50 - $26/hr

Industry leader We safely operate more than one third of all contracted school buses in North ... From our school bus drivers and location managers to routers, dispatchers and fleet technician ...

School Bus Driver

Edinboro, PA · On-site

$24.50 - $26/hr

Industry leader We safely operate more than one third of all contracted school buses in North ... From our school bus drivers and location managers to routers, dispatchers and fleet technician ...

School Bus Driver

Dalton, GA · On-site

$21.85 - $25.20/hr

Industry leader We safely operate more than one third of all contracted school buses in North ... From our school bus drivers and location managers to routers, dispatchers and fleet technician ...

Showing results 41-60

Independent Contractor School Bus Driver information

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How much do independent contractor school bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent contractor school bus driver in the United States is $21.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does being an independent contractor school bus driver differ from being a district-employed driver?

As an independent contractor school bus driver, you typically have more control over your schedule and may operate your own vehicle or lease one through a company. Unlike district-employed drivers, you are responsible for maintaining your bus, securing necessary insurance, and managing your business expenses. However, you must still adhere strictly to all safety regulations and district requirements. This role offers greater flexibility but also requires strong self-management skills and a proactive approach to communication with school staff, parents, and students.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor school bus driver?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor School Bus Driver, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) with proper endorsements, a clean driving record, and knowledge of safe driving practices. Familiarity with route planning software, GPS navigation systems, and vehicle inspection protocols is important. Strong communication, patience, and a calm demeanor help in managing student behavior and interacting with parents or school staff. These skills ensure safe, reliable student transportation and foster trust between the driver, students, and the school community.

What cities are hiring for Independent Contractor School Bus Driver jobs?

Cities with the most Independent Contractor School Bus Driver job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of School Bus Driver jobs?

The most popular types of School Bus Driver jobs are:

What states have the most Independent Contractor School Bus Driver jobs?

States with the most job openings for Independent Contractor School Bus Driver jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Independent Contractor School Bus Driver jobs?

For Independent Contractor School Bus Driver jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Independent Contractor School Bus Driver job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Full Time, 88% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $43,812 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

School Bus Driver

Sewickley, PA • On-site

First Student
School and Employee Bus Transportation • 10K+ employees

$26.88/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Transport students safely to and from school during scheduled routes and trips.

  • Perform before-school pickup and after-school drop-off for students, including additional trips and charters when available.

  • Follow safety procedures and participate in training to ensure compliance with DOT regulations and company standards.


First Student rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

First Student

Based on 321 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at First Student

  • 89%

    89% of students say it’s good

    of students say it’s good

  • 88%

    88% say they enjoy their job

    say they enjoy their job

  • 87%

    87% of parents and care-givers say it’s good

    of parents and care-givers say it’s good

Featured by First Student, based on 321 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees


Job description

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers for Sewickley, PA!

As a First Student Part Time School Bus Driver you will play a vital role in your community and the lives of the students you transport. You will be there at the start of the students' day with before-school pickup and at the end with an afternoon shift to bring students safely back home.

No experience as a bus driver is required! We're proud to train you with our industry-leading technology to help you succeed.

Your day will include:

  • A split shift, which means an early morning before-school pickup and an after-school drop-off with a few free hours in between.
  • No working nights or weekends unless you want to.
  • Additional hours gained through trips and charters when available.

School Bus Driver benefits:

  • Up to $26.88/ HR Starting Wage
  • $7,500 sign on bonus for all bus drivers*
  • Medical, Dental, & Vision Benefits plus 401k Retirement Savings Plans (Benefits offered may vary by location or CBA)
  • No experience necessary. We offer paid CDL training!
  • Child-Ride-Along Program - a perfect opportunity for working parents.

For our bus Driver roles, First Student encourages applications from candidates who:

  • Do not have a college degree or high school diploma.
  • Have military experience.
  • Are returning to the workforce or looking for a second job.
  • Are retirees.
  • Are looking to jump start a new career.

You might be a good fit if you:

  • Are looking for a part-time schedule.
  • Enjoy working with students.
  • Are at least 21 years old.
  • Have a valid driver's license for at least 3 years.

This position is subject to DOT drug testing as a safety-sensitive employee. DOT Regulation 49 CFR Part 40 does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason.

*Conditions apply; see locations for details. Bonus offer expires 12/31/26.


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.


Working at First Student

Perks for frontline workers

From First Student, via Breakroom

  • Competitive pay and paid training

  • Paid holidays, sick time, and paid time off

  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage options

  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match

  • Career advancement opportunities, including operational, maintenance, management, and leadership roles

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including counseling and support services for personal and work-related issues

  • Community impact: Be a trusted figure for students and families

About First Student, in their own words

From First Student

At First Student, we are a team of 66,800 employees dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and efficient student transportation. As the leading student transportation provider in North America, we operate over 530+ locations across the U.S. and Canada. Our family of brands includes Transco, Total Transportation, Maggie’s Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation, helping create and implement the advanced training, technology, and transportation solutions our industry has to offer. Our company’s history is rooted in industry innovation, operational excellence, and a shared commitment to putting students first.

Company values

From First Student

• Focus on safety: Safety is at the heart of everything we do

• Foster teamwork: Work together, act with integrity, respect each other, and champion diversity and inclusion

• Care for our students: Ensure our vehicles are welcoming and trusted places where students feel comfortable and secure

• Surpass customer expectations: Go the extra mile to deliver an extraordinary experience for our customers and communities

• Set the highest standards: Continually seek a better way to do things with innovation, sustainable practices, financial discipline, commercial excellence, and operational excellence


What First Student employees say

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Benefits

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Workplace

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