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Long Distance Bus Driver Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®

Driver / Laborer

Camden, SC

$15 - $17/hr

OPTIONAL** long distance move opportunities • Work with an awesome team and help make a difference in our customers' lives every day Who We're Looking For • 21 years or older, have a valid driver ...

Professional Transportation Inc.

Driver

Columbia, SC · On-site

$13/hr

No heavy lifting or long-distance walking * Room for growth and advancement within the company ... Have a valid driver's license and clean driving record * Have a minimum of 3 years driving ...

Professional Transportation Inc

Driver

Columbia, SC

$13/hr

No heavy lifting or long-distance walking * Room for growth and advancement within the company ... Have a valid driver's license and clean driving record * Have a minimum of 3 years driving ...

PROFESSIONAL TRANSPORTATION INC

Driver

Columbia, SC · On-site

$12 - $13/hr

No heavy lifting or long-distance walking * Room for growth and advancement within the company ... Have a valid driver's license and clean driving record * Have a minimum of 3 years driving ...

Ruby Tuesday

Catering-Driver

Lexington, SC · On-site

Flexible and long hours required at times. * Ability to stand frequently, exerting up to 50 pounds ... Specific vision abilities required by this job include, distance vision, color vision, peripheral ...

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All JobsLong Distance Bus Driver JobsLong Distance Bus Driver Jobs in Columbia, SC

Long Distance Bus Driver information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$7

$18

$26

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

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for long distance bus driver in Columbia, SC is $18.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What disqualifies you from being a bus driver?

Long distance bus drivers are typically disqualified if they have a poor driving record, including multiple traffic violations or DUIs, or if they fail background checks. Additionally, they must meet age requirements, pass medical exams, and hold a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with the appropriate endorsements. Substance abuse issues or inability to meet physical and mental health standards can also disqualify candidates.

What is the longest a bus driver can drive?

Long-distance bus drivers are typically limited to driving no more than 10 hours per shift, with a maximum of 15 hours including rest periods, according to federal regulations. Drivers must also take mandatory rest breaks to ensure safety and compliance with hours-of-service rules.

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.

How much do long distance bus drivers get paid?

Long distance bus drivers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, company, and region. They often work long hours and may receive additional pay for overnight trips or overtime, with some positions offering benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

What are long distance bus drivers?

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, and why are they important?

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 is the highest paying bus driver job?

Long distance bus drivers who operate for private charter companies, luxury tour services, or specialized transportation firms tend to earn the highest salaries, often exceeding the average for standard bus drivers. Factors such as experience, certifications, and the complexity of routes can also influence pay rates in this field.
What are popular job titles related to Long Distance Bus Driver jobs in Columbia, SC? For Long Distance Bus Driver jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Long Distance Bus Driver jobs in Columbia, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Long Distance Bus Driver jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Long Distance Bus Driver jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC 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 Columbia, SC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,113 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Bus Driver with Commercial Drivers License (CDL) - Part Time

Hammond School

Columbia, SC • On-site

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Hammond School is an independent pre-kindergarten through 12th grade school located in Columbia, SC. A Hammond School Bus Driver interacts with students as well as employees and serves as their trusted transportation to and from athletic events, field trips, and other school activities. Overnight travel as well as weekend work may be required depending on the transportation assignments.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Transport students, employees, and other passengers to and from events
  • Obey all traffic laws
  • Maintain a clean and mechanically sound bus at all times
  • Ensure the safety of all passengers
  • Assist with loading and unloading of bus as needed
  • Perform inspections of the bus before and after each trip
  • Attend safety meetings as required
  • Maintain acceptable driving record and commercial drivers license
  • Submit to random alcohol and drug testing
  • Meet all physical, mental, and moral requirements

Skills and Qualifications / Required Experience:

  • High school diploma or GED is required
  • Valid South Carolina driver's license
  • Valid South Carolina Class B or Clas C CDL license with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements
  • At least 18-years old to drive in SC
  • At least 21-years old to drive out of state
  • Must undergo and pass a criminal background check
  • One or more years of experience, preferred
  • Clean driving record with no at-fault accidents or traffic citations within the last five years
  • Ability to carry out assigned route safely and on time
  • Department of Transportation physical

Salary and Incentive Package Highlights:

  • Guaranteed stipends based on the type of trip and distance
  • $100 Sign On Bonus to be paid upon completion of 90-day probation period
  • CDL Driver-Performance Bonus - Upon completion of the 90-day probation period, drivers with perfect attendance and no at-fault accidents can earn an additional $100 stipend each month, assuming at least two routes are completed within the month.
  • Longevity Retention Incentive - Hammond offers annual anniversary driver incentive bonuses. After completing 12 months of employment as a Bus Driver with Hammond and on each annual anniversary thereafter, drivers with perfect attendance, no at-fault accidents and / or traffic citations, an active CDL license, and not declining a shift more than 3 times in a calendar year are eligible for annual bonuses as outlined below. Years of experience applies to employment through Hammond School in the capacity of a CDL Bus Driver.
  • 0 - 3 years of experience: $500
  • 4 - 7 years of experience: $750
  • 8 - 10 years of experience: $1,000
  • 11 - 15 years of experience: $1,250
  • 16- 20 years of experience: $1,500
  • 20 plus years of experience: $2,000

A completed application will include the following components:

  • Cover letter expressing interest and related experience
  • Resume
  • Names of three references and contact information
  • Certified 10-Year Driving Record
  • Pre-Employment Drug Screening
  • Current TB Test on DHEC Form 1420

The completed application and other required documents should be submitted via the website and will be directed to Monique Thomas, Director of Security and Transportation.

Hammond School is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Hammond School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.