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Motor Coach Bus Driver Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Bus Driver

Carlisle, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $22.75/hr

JOB TITLE Bus Driver REPORTS TO Transportation Director QUALIFICATIONS * High School diploma or ... Physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle as dictated by the Department of Education ...

Transportation/ School Bus Driver * Date Posted: 9/11/2024 * Location: District Wide * Date ... An acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR). * No questionable activity revealed in a background check.

Bus Driver (Substitute)

Agency, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $21/hr

Bus Driver (Substitute) Salary Range: N/A Position Salary: 31.47 USD Hourly Location ... motor vehicles. License Requirement: Possession of a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with ...

Showing results 21-40

Motor Coach Bus Driver information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$23

$31

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

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for motor coach bus driver in Iowa is $23.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.18 and $25.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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, which requires passing written and skills tests. They must also meet age requirements, pass a background check, and often complete a training program on safety and vehicle operation. Experience driving large vehicles and good customer service 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 involving offenses like DUI or drug-related crimes. Additionally, they must pass medical and background checks, and have good vision and hearing; certain health issues or a history of reckless driving can also disqualify candidates.

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 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 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Motor Coach Bus Driver jobs in Iowa? For Motor Coach Bus Driver jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Motor Coach Bus Driver jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Motor Coach Bus Driver job openings:
Infographic showing various Motor Coach Bus Driver job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 22% Full Time, and 78% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,774 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

$16.50 - $22.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

JOB TITLE                   Bus Driver                 
REPORTS TO              Transportation Director
QUALIFICATIONS



  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Valid Iowa driver's license
  • Valid Class "B" commercial driver's license with passenger bus endorsement "P" and school bus endorsement "S" and which does not have air brake restrictions
  • Valid Department of Transportation physical examination certification
  • No moving violations for reckless driving or operating a vehicle under the influence
  • Able to learn the operation of various busses and handicap equipment
  • Must clear state criminal record and child and dependent adult abuse check
  • Able to adapt to and work effectively in a fast paced environment with a variety of situations, individuals, and groups
  • Must be capable of maintaining discipline and control of students at stops, transfer stations, and while in operation
  • Able to work with minimum supervision in accordance with district policies and procedures
  • Available to work in the summer preferred

 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • AM - PM Route Driver
  • Drives and operates a bus, van, or passenger vehicle safely and in accordance with district policy and procedures, as well as local, state and federal laws and regulations
  • Memorizes bus routes, streets and roads, and school locations
  • Drives the routes as assigned without deviation unless authorized to do so or specific emergency and common sense dictate
  • Maintains good driving habits, defensive driving practices, and exercises extra caution when driving around school buildings where students are present
  • Provides support and instruction to students in order for them to understand school bus rules
  • Conducts safe and orderly loading and unloading of students
  • Reports inappropriate student conduct to the Transportation Director
  • Reports to the Transportation Director any and all mechanical problems immediately
  • Insures that vehicle is clean; performs daily vehicle inspections and fuels vehicle
  • Maintains time cards, seating charts and other records as necessary
  • Communicates with families pick up and drop off time at the beginning of each year
  • Monitors two-way radio and provides radio communication
  • Participates in all required training and drug and alcohol testing
  • Develops and maintains effective working relationships with students, staff, parents, and community members
  • Exhibits a positive attitude toward students and coworkers
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Transportation Director
  • Meets with staff and parents as necessary to develop plans to meet students' needs, as well as improve behavior on the bus

 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle as dictated by the Department of Education in accordance with regulations
  • Must have physical dexterity and be free of limitations in limbs and digits or other limitations likely to interfere with the ability to control vehicles used to transport students
  • Able to assist in the emergency evacuation of students by extraction through emergency windows, doors, and roof exits
  • Able to sit for long periods
  • Able to operate handicap lift equipment and emergency window and door exits
  • Able to operate a manual door opener
  • Able to use equipment such as vacuum, broom, rags, cleaners and power washer
  • Able to stoop, bend, and climb stairs

 
WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Work is independent
  • Substance free environment
  • Work environment may include exposure to extremes in temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions
  • Contact with bodily fluids is possible

Evaluation:

  • Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with Board policy
  • Evaluation is the responsibility of the Transportation Director

 
Disclaimer:
The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the personnel in this position.  These statements are not intended to limit or, in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision.
Adopted DateApril 2020
The Carlisle Community School District is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is the policy of the Carlisle Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact Brandon Eighmy, Director of Human Resources and School Services, 430 School Street, Carlisle, IA  50047, 515-989-3589, brandon.eighmy@carlislecsd.org.  
Character, Service and Excellence in Everything We Do.