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Long Distance Bus Driver Jobs in Tacoma, WA (NOW HIRING)

Neighbors Relocation Services

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Driver, Mover!!

Seattle, WA · On-site

$21.10 - $27/hr

DELIVERY DRIVER, NON-CDL, *PAID WEEKLY* (This position is driver for moving a company) Employment ... Neighbors Moving and Storage is an award-winning leader in local and long-distance household and ...

NORTHWEST CARRIER EXPRESS LLC

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CDL Class a Truck Driver

Federal Way, WA · On-site

$1.2K - $1.8K/wk

... van trailers long-distance routes. * Conduct thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections of ... Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A. * Proven experience in truck driving . * No more ...

Neighbors Relocation Services

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Box Truck Driver, Non-CDL

Tukwila, WA · On-site

$21.10 - $26/hr

After you meet the requirements and become a "Certified" NAVL (NorthAmerican Van Lines) Driver, you will be qualified to drive for local and long-distance moves (inter and intra) state (NOT long haul)

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All JobsLong Distance Bus Driver JobsLong Distance Bus Driver Jobs in Tacoma, WA

Long Distance Bus Driver information

See Tacoma, WA salary details

$9

$21

$31

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

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for long distance bus driver in Tacoma, WA is $21.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.88 and $24.47 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 Tacoma, WA?

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

What job categories do people searching Long Distance Bus Driver jobs in Tacoma, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Long Distance Bus Driver jobs in Tacoma, WA are:

What cities near Tacoma, WA are hiring for Long Distance Bus Driver jobs?

Cities near Tacoma, WA 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 Tacoma, WA 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 $44,243 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

26/27 Substitute Bus Driver

Mercer Island School District 400

Mercer Island, WA • On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Bus Driver

Paid training begins in mid-summer for the next school year. Candidates hired are not eligible for health benefits unless they reach 630 work hours in the school year.

Purpose

Transport students to and from school and school-related events and activities in a school bus or van. This position is daily, on-call and hours will vary based upon the specific needs of the Transportation Department.

Essential Functions
  • Operates school bus safely and professionally
  • Perform and properly complete daily pre- and post-trip inspections and duties.
  • Complies with all traffic ordinances, OSPI regulations, school district procedures and all state and federal laws.
  • Complies with discipline and safety policies set forth by the district
  • Participates in periodic training
  • Maintain all required records
  • Create and maintain a safe environment for students on the buses
  • Follow discipline plan for students to ensure their safety
  • Instruct students on bus safety subjects
  • Duties directly related to purpose of job.
Supervisory Responsibilities
  • Supervises students while transporting them
Qualification Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • CDL for 1 years or Driver's License for 3 years
  • Prefer up to 6 months commercial driving experience
  • Satisfactory 5 year driving abstract
  • Clean WSP/FBI Background check
  • Satisfactory DOT Physical
  • Current 1st Aid/CPR card
  • 21 years of age
  • Satisfactory completion of SPI Bus Driver Training Course
  • Must meet all current OSPI minimum qualifications for school bus drivers
Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operation and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, other employees, and/or students.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to apply basic arithmetic calculations using units of American money, weight measurements, volume and distance.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

Other Skills and Abilities

Ability to manage children effectively. Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, staff and the community. Ability to work effectively under pressure and in stressful situations, and maintain control in emergency situations. Ability to read and follow maps, route schedules and instructions. Ability to perform duties in accordance with all district and State requirements and policies.

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.

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to drive on the job, handle machinery that is vibrating, meet deadlines with severe time constraints, work irregular or extended hours, see close work such as typed or handwritten material, communicate through speech, walk, bend or twist at the neck more than average, bend or twist at the trunk more than average, reach forward.
  • Occasionally, but essentially, the employee must be able to stand, squat/stoop/kneel, repeat the same hand, arm, or finger motion many times, climb, use manual dexterity (screw lid on jar ), use finger dexterity (putting on a nut or bolt), lift up to 26-50 pounds floor to waist, push/pull 25-50 pounds, (items pushed/pulled include – wheelchairs, tire chains), carry up to 50 pounds, The employee may occasionally reach above the head, use hand/grip strength, push or pull up to 90 pounds, and carry up to 90 pounds the length of a school bus.
  • Specific vision and hearing required by this job include seeing objects/persons at a distance, being able to tell the difference between colors, hearing conversation in a noisy environment, ability to tell where a sound is coming from, hearing the difference among bells, buzzers, beeps, horns, etc.
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 will frequently work outside, walk on slippery surfaces, be exposed to sunlight, exposed to infection, in contact with oils or other petroleum products, handle or be in machinery that is vibrating, meet deadlines with severe time constraints, work irregular or extended work hours. Occasionally, but essentially, the employee will work in temperatures below 32 degrees, work while soaking wet, work in loud noise areas (where you have to raise your voice to be heard), work where there are sudden temperature changes, there is risk of getting bitten by animals or insects, exposed to gases, fumes, sprays, etc. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position.

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