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Long Distance Bus Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Tanimura & Antle

Bus Driver

Salinas, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

Bus Driver The Farm Labor Bus Driver safely operates a commercial bus to transport employees to and ... Requires close, distance, and color vision. * Exposure to outdoor weather, mechanical parts, and ...

Long Beach School District

Bus Driver

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

School Bus Driver Job Summary: The purpose of the School Bus Driver is to be responsible for transporting students on a school bus. The School Bus Driver is the first person to greet students on ...

Tanimura & Antle

Bus Driver

Salinas, CA · On-site

$20/hr

The Farm Labor Bus Driver safely operates a commercial bus to transport employees to and from ... Requires close, distance, and color vision. * Exposure to outdoor weather, mechanical parts, and ...

Tanimura & Antle

Bus Driver

Salinas, CA · On-site

$20/hr

The Farm Labor Bus Driver safely operates a commercial bus to transport employees to and from ... Requires close, distance, and color vision.Exposure to outdoor weather, mechanical parts, and ...

Tanimura and Antle

Bus Driver

Salinas, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

The Farm Labor Bus Driver safely operates a commercial bus to transport employees to and from ... Requires close, distance, and color vision. * Exposure to outdoor weather, mechanical parts, and ...

Tanimura and Antle

Bus Driver

Salinas, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

The Farm Labor Bus Driver safely operates a commercial bus to transport employees to and from ... Requires close, distance, and color vision. * Exposure to outdoor weather, mechanical parts, and ...

Simpson University

Bus Driver

Redding, CA · On-site

$22/hr

Bus driver will drive university vehicles and will transport passengers to a specific destination ... Must be able to sit for long periods, while safely operating the vehicle General Expectations:

Pioneer Elementary School

Bus Driver

Hanford, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $23/hr

Become life-long learners. Effectively communicate. Become contributing citizens of the community ... Under the direction of the Operations/Transportation Director, the Bus Driver I operates a school ...

New

Los Olivos School District

Bus Driver

Los Olivos, CA · On-site

$21.84 - $26.54/hr

... as long distances, operate mobile motorized equipment and drive a vehicle. WORK ENVIRONMENT ... Bus Driver's law and be insurable by the District's liability insurance carrier; must pass pre ...

GovernmentJobs.com

Bus Driver

City Of Industry, CA · On-site

$17 - $23.50/hr

Bus Driver Make a difference in the community and start your new career as a Bus Driver with ... for long distances, operating mobile motorized equipment, driving a vehicle. Work environment ...

Ventura Unified School District

Bus Driver

Ventura, CA

$27.11 - $32.84/hr

Bus Driver at Ventura Unified School District Share on X Print Application Deadline 8/31/2026 11:55 ... has long enjoyed a legacy as an outstanding place to live, work and raise a family. Our public ...

First Class Charter

Bus Driver

Hayward, CA · On-site

$175/day

Your driving times can vary but won't ever exceed 4-6 hours per day since the distance to the ... All Drivers must have a valid commercial class A or B licenses with passenger & AirBrake ...

College of the Siskiyous

Bus Driver

Weed, CA

$38.53/hr

Bus Driver at College of the Siskiyous Share on X Print Application Deadline Continuous Date Posted ... In Yreka, a variety of transfer, general education, vocational, continuing education, distance ...

First Class Charter

Bus Driver

Hayward, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Your driving times can vary but won't ever exceed 4-6 hours per day since the distance to the ... All Drivers must have a valid commercial class A or B licenses with passenger & AirBrake ...

FIRST CLASS CHARTER INC

Bus Driver

Hayward, CA · On-site

$175/day

Your driving times can vary but won't ever exceed 4-6 hours per day since the distance to the ... All Drivers must have a valid commercial class A or B licenses with passenger & AirBrake ...

Ventura Unified School District

Bus Driver

Ventura, CA · On-site

$27.11 - $32.84/hr

About the Employer For the future of every student Ventura Unified has long enjoyed a legacy as an ... driver's license with passenger, school bus and air brake endorsements and a valid California ...

FIRST CLASS CHARTER INC

Bus Driver

Hayward, CA

$175/day

Your driving times can vary but won't ever exceed 4-6 hours per day since the distance to the ... All Drivers must have a valid commercial class A or B licenses with passenger & AirBrake ...

FIRST CLASS CHARTER INC

Bus Driver

Hayward, CA · On-site

$175/day

Your driving times can vary but won't ever exceed 4-6 hours per day since the distance to the ... All Drivers must have a valid commercial class A or B licenses with passenger & AirBrake ...

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All JobsLong Distance Bus Driver JobsLong Distance Bus Driver Jobs in California

Long Distance Bus Driver information

See California salary details

$8

$19

$28

How much do long distance bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for long distance 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 are some common challenges faced by long distance bus drivers, and how are they managed?

Long distance bus drivers often encounter challenges such as fatigue from extended hours on the road, maintaining passenger safety, and adapting to varying weather or traffic conditions. To manage these, companies typically enforce regulated rest breaks, provide training on safe driving practices, and support drivers with real-time route updates. Drivers also work closely with dispatch and customer service teams to address passenger needs and ensure a smooth journey.

What is a long distance bus driver?

Long distance bus drivers are professional drivers responsible for transporting passengers safely over extended routes that often span cities, states, or even countries. They operate large motorcoaches or buses, following specific schedules and making stops along the way. Their duties include ensuring passenger safety, adhering to traffic laws, assisting with luggage, and sometimes providing customer service during the journey. Long distance bus drivers may work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. They are required to hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) and often undergo additional training for passenger transport.

What is the difference between Long Distance Bus Driver vs School Bus Driver?

AspectLong Distance Bus DriverSchool Bus Driver
Required CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsementCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsement
Work EnvironmentLong hours on highways, traveling between cities or statesDaily routes within local areas, primarily on school grounds and city streets
Employer & IndustryTransportation companies, charter services, or school districts for long-haul tripsSchool districts or private schools for daily student transportation
Common Search & ComparisonLong Distance Bus Driver vs School Bus Driver

While both roles require a CDL with passenger endorsement and involve transporting passengers, Long Distance Bus Drivers typically travel longer distances across states or countries, often working on scheduled routes for extended periods. School Bus Drivers focus on daily local routes, primarily transporting students within a school district. The work environment, schedule, and travel scope are the main differences between these two roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a long distance bus driver?

To thrive as a Long Distance Bus Driver, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), a clean driving record, and strong knowledge of road safety regulations. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, electronic logging devices, and vehicle inspection procedures is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and customer service skills help drivers manage passenger needs and handle unexpected situations on the road. These competencies ensure the safe, timely, and comfortable transport of passengers over long distances while maintaining compliance with industry standards.

What disqualifies you from being a long distance bus driver?

Long distance bus drivers are typically disqualified if they have a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with the appropriate endorsements, a history of serious traffic violations or DUI, or medical conditions that impair driving ability. Additionally, a clean driving record and the ability to pass background checks and drug tests are usually required; failure to meet these standards can disqualify candidates.

How much do long distance bus drivers make?

Long distance bus drivers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, employer, and region. They often work long hours and may need commercial driver's licenses (CDL) and safety certifications.
What are popular job titles related to Long Distance Bus Driver jobs in California? For Long Distance Bus Driver jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Long Distance Bus Driver jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Long Distance Bus Driver jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Long Distance Bus Driver jobs? Cities in California with the most Long Distance Bus Driver job openings:
Long Distance Bus Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Long Distance Bus Driver job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,658 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Bus Driver

Tanimura & Antle

Salinas, CA • On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

Other

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Bus Driver

The Farm Labor Bus Driver safely operates a commercial bus to transport employees to and from designated sites while adhering to all traffic laws, regulations, and company safety policies. This position is responsible for conducting pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure the bus is in good working condition and performs related work.

Location(s): Salinas, CA; Imperial, CA; Yuma, AZ

Key Responsibilities

Transportation & Safety

  • Drive a commercial farm labor bus to designated locations.
  • Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
  • Follow all traffic laws and company safety policies.
  • Maintain a professional, courteous environment and enforce passenger safety rules.

Daily Duties

  • Check tires, brakes, lights, fluids, and safety equipment.
  • Keep the bus clean and aisles clear; perform occasional deep cleaning.
  • Maintain portable toilets and water jugs; adjust shade and reposition bus as needed for crew access.
  • Occasionally operate other vehicles onsite.

Documentation & Reporting

  • Complete daily logs, passenger counts, and required paperwork.
  • Report delays, incidents, mechanical issues, or roadside inspections.

Compliance & Emergency Preparedness

  • Follow federal, state, and local transportation regulations.
  • Stay current with required licenses and certifications.
  • Know and follow emergency and evacuation procedures.

Additional Duties

  • May be required to relocate based on seasonal operational needs and business requirements.
  • May be required to perform duties outside the primary role to support operational needs.
  • May be required to operate equipment or perform other duties as assigned, with proper training and certification.

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Minimum 1 year of Class B driving experience.
  • Valid Class B license, clean driving record, Farm Labor Vehicle certification, Medical Certificate, and current T‑01 form.
  • Participation in DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Program.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills; bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
  • Ability to work at least six days per week with reliable attendance.

Physical & Work Environment

  • Extended sitting while driving; frequent walking, bending, and use of hands.
  • Requires close, distance, and color vision.
  • Exposure to outdoor weather, mechanical parts, and occasional chemicals; moderate noise levels.

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