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Motor Coach Bus Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Coach Bus drver

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

The Coach Bus Driver plays a crucial role in ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable transportation for passengers on both local and interstate routes. This independent position requires adherence to ...

Bus Driver

Hayward, CA · On-site

$175/day

As the School Bus Driver, you will be responsible for the safe operation of the school bus while ... Our current fleet of 20 luxury Motor coaches is utilized to provide services for all transportation ...

Bus Driver

Hayward, CA · On-site

$175/day

All our vehicles are 45 foot motor coaches and we prefer experienced drivers but its not a ... We provide Shuttle bus services to casinos 24/7 and we are also contracted with major Fortune 500 ...

Bus Driver Extra Help Part-Time

Clovis, CA · On-site

$17 - $23/hr

Examples of Duties Drives a motor coach on general public fixed-route system and/or the demand ... Possession of a valid California Commercial Driver's License with Passenger (P) endorsement and a ...

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Motor Coach Bus Driver information

See California salary details

$13

$24

$33

How much do motor coach bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for motor coach bus driver in California is $24.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $26.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a motor coach bus driver?

Motor coach bus drivers are professional drivers responsible for operating large, long-distance buses that transport groups of passengers between cities, to tourist destinations, or for private charters. They ensure the safety and comfort of passengers, assist with luggage, and may provide information about the route or destinations. Motor coach bus drivers must follow strict schedules, comply with traffic laws and regulations, and perform routine safety checks on their vehicles. They often work for tour companies, transportation firms, or charter services, and may be required to stay overnight during longer trips.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a motor coach bus driver?

To thrive as a Motor Coach Bus Driver, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) with passenger endorsements, a clean driving record, and knowledge of traffic laws and safety regulations. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, vehicle inspection protocols, and electronic logging devices is typically required. Excellent customer service, patience, and strong communication skills help drivers manage passenger interactions and resolve issues calmly. These qualifications and skills are essential for ensuring passenger safety, maintaining schedules, and delivering high-quality transportation services.

What are some common challenges motor coach bus drivers face when transporting large groups on long-distance trips?

Motor Coach Bus Drivers often encounter challenges such as managing tight schedules, ensuring passenger safety and comfort, and adapting to changing road and weather conditions. They are also responsible for handling unexpected situations, such as mechanical issues or last-minute route changes, while maintaining professionalism and clear communication with passengers and dispatch. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential to successfully navigate these challenges.

What is the difference between Motor Coach Bus Driver vs School Bus Driver?

AspectMotor Coach Bus DriverSchool Bus Driver
Required CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsementCDL with passenger endorsement, school bus endorsement
Work EnvironmentTraveling long distances, charter trips, toursTransporting students on daily routes, school campuses
Employer & IndustryCharter companies, tour operators, transportation servicesSchool districts, educational institutions

Both Motor Coach Bus Drivers and School Bus Drivers require a CDL with passenger endorsements. Motor Coach Bus Drivers typically operate long-distance or charter trips in a travel or tourism setting, while School Bus Drivers focus on daily student transportation within school districts. Despite differences in work environment, the certifications and licensing requirements are similar, making them closely related roles in passenger transportation.

How much do motor coach bus drivers make?

Motor coach bus drivers typically earn an average annual salary of around $45,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, employer, and route complexity. They often require a commercial driver's license (CDL) and may work irregular hours, including nights and weekends.

How to become a motor coach bus driver?

To become a motor coach bus driver, candidates typically need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger and air brake endorsements, along with a clean driving record. They often complete a training program on safety, vehicle operation, and customer service, and must pass a background check and medical exam. Experience driving large vehicles and good communication skills are also important for this role.

What disqualifies you from being a motor coach bus driver?

Motor coach bus drivers are typically disqualified if they have a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger and air brake endorsements, a history of serious traffic violations, or a criminal record that includes offenses related to safety or driving. Additionally, they must pass medical and background checks, and any history of substance abuse or driving under the influence can disqualify a candidate.

What are popular job titles related to Motor Coach Bus Driver jobs in California?

For Motor Coach Bus Driver jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Motor Coach Bus Driver jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Motor Coach Bus Driver jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Motor Coach Bus Driver jobs?

Cities in California with the most Motor Coach Bus Driver job openings:

Infographic showing various Motor Coach Bus Driver job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,248 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Motor Coach Operator Trainee

City of Santa Monica

Santa Monica, CA

$25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Job Summary Join Big Blue Bus - We are looking for customer service and safety-minded Motor Coach Operators to join our growing team. Blue Awaits You. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ra3l6EAo4BA Looking to steer your career in a new direction

Driving for Big Blue Bus can be a long-lasting career with company-covered benefits and training opportunities. Every day, Big Blue Bus connects thousands of people to new opportunities that await them. As a Motor Coach Operator, you will have a unique opportunity to enrich the lives of our customers, by ensuring they arrive safely and on time to their destinations.

Further, you'll meet new people, be an ambassador for the City of Santa Monica, and experience growth opportunities at every stop. If you enjoy driving, seek real opportunities for career advancement, and are passionate about making a difference in the community, then we invite you to drive Blue. A Motor Coach Operator operates a motor coach (bus) on an assigned route and schedule.

In order to become a Motor Coach Operator, successful candidates must complete an eight-week formal training program as a Motor Coach Operator Trainee after which they are eligible to be promoted from a part-time Motor Coach Operator to a Motor Coach Operator. The training program is administered by the Santa Monica Department of Transportation. During the 8-weeks of training, the hourly rate is $25.00

Upon successful completion of the training program, the candidate will advance to the classification of part-time Motor Coach Operator at salary Step 1 ($27.58) and will serve a one-year probationary period. Motor Coach Operator - Hourly Salary Step 1: $27.58 Step 2: $29.55 Step 3: $31.52 Step 4: $33.49 Step 5: $35.46 Step 6: $39.40 DEFINITION: Participates in a formal classroom and motor coach operation training program. Motor Coach Operator Trainee is expected to successfully complete the training program as prescribed by the Santa Monica Big Blue Department to be eligible to become a Motor Coach Operator

SUPERVISION: Works under close supervision of a Motor Coach Operator Training Coordinator. Detailed instructions are provided. Routine work is performed under direction of a Motor Coach Operator Training Coordinator and/or designee.

Representative Duties Participates in a formal training program to learn techniques and safety procedures for operating a motor coach. Learns and observes traffic laws, vehicle code regulations, and appropriate safety rules and regulations. Learns pre-operation vehicle preparation and inspection procedures.

Learns and practices defensive driving techniques. Follows department standards and procedures for maintaining motor coach appearance and cleanliness while in service. Operates wheelchair lift and bike rack equipment.

Provides directions and information to the public concerning routes, schedules, and transfers. Makes stops announcements. Assists passengers, when needed.

Prepares various reports, including detailed accident reports, daily operation reports, forms for lost articles, and witness/courtesy cards. Performs various duties related to fare collection, tariff acceptance, fare box reading and recording, and transfer issuance and receipt. Performs other duties, as assigned.

Requirements Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: Knowledge of: Effective customer service techniques Basic mathematics Driver and vehicle safety rules and regulations Ability to: Learn to operate a motor coach safely and properly Respond to inquiries from the public in a courteous and tactful manner Deal effectively with the public Work with others in a cooperative, patient, and professional manner Follow written and oral instructions Perform simple mathematical computations Prepare simple reports Read maps Conduct safety checks Communicate on a two-way radio Work with persons from diverse social, cultural and economic backgrounds as well as a variety of work styles, personalities, and approaches Skill in: Reading, and writing and communicating in English at an appropriate level Driving a passenger vehicle Education, Training and Experience: Education Graduation from high school or the equivalent. Minimum 21 years of age at time of application. Experience: One year of recent, paid customer service work experience assisting and providing information to the public.

Licenses and Certificates: Possession of a valid California Class C driver license with a minimum of two (2) years of continuous safe driving. If hired, and prior to the first day of training, must possess a California Class A or B commercial driver permit with appropriate medical certification, passenger endorsement, and with no restrictions for weight, number of passengers or air brakes. Must also be able to obtain a Verification of Transit Training Document at the conclusion of training.

Additional Requirements: In order to qualify for the position of Motor Coach Operator Trainee and to complete probation as a Motor Coach Operator, you must not have any of the following convictions, violations, and/or causes: (1) Within the preceding 12 months from the date of application, been involved as a driver in three or more accidents in which the driver caused or contributed to the accidents. (2) Within the preceding three years from the date of application, had committed any violation that resulted in a conviction with a DMV 2 Point count or more. (3) Within the preceding three years from the date of application, had committed three or more DMV 1 Point count violations.

(4) Within the preceding three years from the date of application, had driving privileges revoked, suspended, or placed on probation. WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed sometimes indoors but regularly outside in seasonal climate and weather conditions. Work may require exposure to odors, fumes, oil and fuel.

Drives for prolonged periods of time with no rest period. Heavy city traffic conditions are encountered on a daily basis. Follows a schedule to leave and pick up passengers.

Noise from traffic and a two-way radio, slippery surfaces and dust are conditions often encountered. Position requires availability to work variable shifts, weekends, evenings, holidays, on-call and overtime. Physical demands include driving, walking, constant arm and leg movements, and sitting for long periods of time.

Stooping, bending and lifting up to 30 lbs may be required. This is a safety sensitive position subject to drug and alcohol testing according to City policy and Federal Transit Administration regulations HOW TO APPLY: All applicants must submit an online City application and required supplemental questions to be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process and should not be submitted. NOTE: Upon offer of employment, candidates will be subject to a US Department of Transportation (DOT) pre-employment screen for alcohol and controlled substances set forth in DOT regulation 49 CFR Parts 40 and 655. Candidates will be required to provide written consent to obtain drug and alcohol testing records from all prior employers in the last two (2) years.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: To receive consideration, you must submit a current copy of your K-4 or online driving record print-out from the Department of Motor Vehicles with your application. It must be a K-4 or online driving record print out obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles office, Department of Motor Vehicles Kiosk or website. Printouts from other agencies such as AAA will not be accepted.

"Current" is defined as being issued within 30 days of the date of your application submittal. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department . Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified.

The DMV online driving record can be obtained by clicking the website below: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/customer-service/request-vehicle-or-driver-records/online-driver-record-request/ PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU SUBMITTED AN ONLINE DRIVING RECORD AND YOU ARE INVITED TO THE DEPARTMENT INTERVIEW, YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN AND PRESENT A K4 PRINTOUT FROM THE DMV AT THE TIME OF YOUR INTERVIEW. FURTHER MATERIALS/DOCUMENTS MAY BE REQUIRED THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS. NOTE: Veterans' Preference points shall be applied to this entry level civil service position in accordance with the City of Santa Monica Human Resources Department guidelines

To be considered for Veterans' Preference points, you must submit a copy of your discharge papers (DD214) at the time of application. SELECTION PROCESS: All applicants will be reviewed and only those determined to meet Minimum Qualifications, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS: Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

NOTE: If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. Supplemental Information The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive.

Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact. The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees.

Join us. Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.