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Long Distance Bus Driver Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

IL

$16 - $18/hr

```html Van/Bus Driver - Iroquois County Location: Iroquois County The Van/Bus Driver provides safe ... Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and ...

Driver

Madison, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

MCS is a steel fabrication/construction company that has an immediate opening for local and long distance CDL driver. What we do: Our company works in Millwright, Rigging, Turnkey Installations ...

Driver

Madison, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

MCS is a steel fabrication/construction company that has an immediate opening for local and long distance CDL driver. What we do: Our company works in Millwright, Rigging, Turnkey Installations ...

Role Summary We are hiring commercial-licensed truck drivers (CDL) to support a long-distance mapping and data-collection program within the transportation sector. This role involves frequent travel ...

Role Summary We are hiring commercial-licensed truck drivers (CDL) to support a long-distance mapping and data-collection program within the transportation sector. This role involves frequent travel ...

Part - Time Bus Driver

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

We are looking to hire a Part-Time Driver to join our team. The Life Enrichment Driver is ... You will be required to regularly sit for long periods of time and communicate with residents ...

Part - Time Bus Driver

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

We are looking to hire a Part-Time Driver to join our team. The Life Enrichment Driver is ... You will be required to regularly sit for long periods of time and communicate with residents ...

Paratransit Bus Driver

Dekalb, IL · On-site

$19.20/hr

The employee is generally subjected to long periods spent sitting, typing, or looking at a computer ... Driver/Operator - Bus, Paratransit, Taxi, Limo, Shuttle Job Type: Full Time Req ID: 7456 Pay Group:

Showing results 41-60

Long Distance Bus Driver information

See Illinois salary details

$8

$19

$27

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

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for long distance bus driver in Illinois is $19.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $21.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

How much does a long distance bus driver make?

A long distance bus driver typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, employer, and region. They often work long hours and may need a commercial driver's license (CDL) and safety training to qualify.

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 clean driving record, and pass medical and background checks. Factors such as a history of DUI, drug violations, or serious traffic offenses can also disqualify candidates. Additionally, they must meet age requirements and be able to handle long hours and overnight schedules safely.

What are popular job titles related to Long Distance Bus Driver jobs in Illinois?

For Long Distance Bus Driver jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Long Distance Bus Driver jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Long Distance Bus Driver jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Long Distance Bus Driver jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Long Distance Bus Driver job openings:

Infographic showing various Long Distance Bus Driver job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,922 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

$16 - $18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

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Van/Bus Driver - Iroquois County

Location: Iroquois County

Job Description

The Van/Bus Driver provides safe and efficient operation of agency vehicles for the purpose of transporting individuals served by the Agency. The Van/Bus Driver reports and is directly supervised by the Transportation Coordinator. The Van/Bus Driver will also communicate directly with the Vehicle Maintenance Technician regarding any needed service repair.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Provide transportation to and from the agency or place of employment for those individuals served by the Agency who require transportation assistance.
  • Adhere to the principles established by the Organization’s Guiding Values and Code of Professional Conduct.
  • Complete all necessary paperwork for billing and data keeping purposes.
  • Emphasize safety to all individuals who ride the bus/van. Must ensure that agency staff are present when returning residents to homes owned or operated by Futures or Mosaic.
  • Conduct daily pre and post trip inspections to ensure that the vehicle is in proper working condition. Immediately notify the Vehicle Maintenance Technician of any deficiencies.
  • In cold months, ensure that vehicles are turned on and warmed up before all routes.
  • Notify the appropriate Service Coordinator/Facilitator of any issues involving passengers.
  • Complete CPR, CPI, First Aid, Vehicle Safety and any recommended training provided by the Rural Transit Assistance Program.
  • Be alert to individual medical needs, provide first aid and contact the Agency nurse or the appropriate Program Director where indicated.
  • Obey all traffic laws and cell phone policies.
  • Actively participate on the Transportation Agency Management Team, assisting in the development of vehicle policies and procedures and review/revision of route list to better serve the needs of our clients.
  • Ensure that vehicle is maintained and cleaned on a regular basis.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts or in outside weather conditions. The employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes, toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately noisy.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Frequently required to walk and use hands.
  • Occasionally required to stand; sit; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, or crouch.
  • Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus.
  • Work is performed while standing, sitting and/or walking.
  • Requires ability to communicate effectively using speech, vision and hearing.
  • Requires use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations.
  • Involves being around moving machinery, exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity, and exposure to dust, fumes and gases.
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or its equivalent.
  • Valid Illinois Driver’s License and clean driving record.
  • Maintain minimum insurance requirement.
  • Pass physical function/Commercial Driver Fitness Determination test.
  • Solid communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Must be willing to obtain CDL within 3 months of employment; if required.

This position is a Full-time, hourly, non-exempt position, with some flexibility required to meet job duties as outlined. This individual reports directly to the Transportation Coordinator.

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