ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Part Time Bus Owner Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL

First Student, Inc.

School Bus Monitor

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Monitors/Aides - Northbrook, IL As a Part Time School Bus Monitor ... owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol ...

First Student

School Bus Monitor

Frankfort, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Monitors/Aides As a Part Time School Bus Monitor, you will play a ... owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol ...

First Student, Inc.

School Bus Monitor

Aurora, IL · On-site

$17.50/hr

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Monitors/Aides As a Part Time School Bus Monitor, you will play a ... owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol ...

First Student, Inc.

School Bus Monitor

Frankfort, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Monitors/Aides As a Part Time School Bus Monitor, you will play a ... owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol ...

First Student

School Bus Monitor

Skokie, IL · On-site

$17.50/hr

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Monitors/Aides - Skokie, IL As a Part Time School Bus Monitor, you ... owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol ...

First Student, Inc.

School Bus Monitor

Orland Park, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Monitors/Aides #startup As a Part Time School Bus Monitor, you will ... owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol ...

First Student

School Bus Monitor

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$17/hr

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Monitors/Aides - Libertyville, IL As a Part Time School Bus Monitor ... owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol ...

First Student, Inc.

School Bus Monitor

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Monitors/Aides - Northbrook, IL As a Part Time School Bus Monitor ... owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol ...

First Student, Inc.

School Bus Monitor

Lynwood, IL · On-site

$16.40/hr

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Monitors/Aides #startup As a Part Time School Bus Monitor, you will ... owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol ...

First Student

School Bus Monitor

Northbrook, IL

$16 - $19/hr

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Monitors/Aides - Northbrook, IL As a Part Time School Bus Monitor ... owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsBus Owner Operator JobsPart Time Bus Owner Operator JobsPart Time Bus Owner Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL

Part Time Bus Owner Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$663

$4.5K

$7.9K

How much do part time bus owner operator jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average weekly pay for part time bus owner operator in Chicago, IL is $4,528.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $2,476.92 and $6,734.62 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a part time bus owner operator?

Part Time Bus Owner Operators are individuals who own and operate their own buses and provide transportation services on a part-time basis. They may work independently or contract with schools, companies, or charter services to transport passengers on specific routes or for special events. This role offers flexible hours and the ability to choose assignments, making it suitable for those who want supplemental income or have other commitments. Operators are responsible for maintaining their vehicles, ensuring passenger safety, and complying with all relevant regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by part time bus owner operators and how can they be managed?

Part-time bus owner operators often face challenges such as fluctuating demand, scheduling conflicts, and managing maintenance within limited operating hours. To overcome these, it’s important to establish reliable communication with clients and maintain a flexible schedule to accommodate last-minute bookings or changes. Keeping a proactive maintenance routine and tracking expenses helps ensure the vehicle remains in good condition and business stays profitable. Additionally, networking with other operators and local businesses can provide support and help secure steady work.

What is the difference between Part Time Bus Owner Operator vs Part Time School Bus Driver?

AspectPart Time Bus Owner OperatorPart Time School Bus Driver
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), vehicle ownershipCDL, school bus certification
Work EnvironmentOperating own or leased buses, flexible routesTransporting students on school routes, fixed schedule
Employer/IndustryPrivate transportation companies or independentSchool districts or contracted transportation services

Part Time Bus Owner Operators typically own or lease buses and have more control over routes and schedules, often working in private transportation. In contrast, Part Time School Bus Drivers operate buses for school districts, following fixed routes and schedules. Both roles require a CDL and safety certifications, but the ownership aspect distinguishes the roles in terms of responsibilities and work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a part time bus owner operator?

To thrive as a Part Time Bus Owner Operator, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), safe driving skills, and basic business management knowledge. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, vehicle maintenance tools, and fleet management software is typically required. Excellent customer service, time management, and problem-solving abilities set top operators apart. These skills are crucial to ensure safe transportation, satisfied passengers, and efficient business operations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Bus Owner Operator jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Bus Owner Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Part Time Bus Owner Operator jobs near you

Part-Time Bus Operator

Chicago Transit Authority

Chicago, IL

$28.85/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Chicago Transit Authority rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

649th of 844 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Description - Internal

This position is classified as PART TIME. Candidates hired into Part-Time Bus Operator will remain part-time for the duration of their employment at CTA. In order to become Full-Time Bus Operators, part-time bus operators will be required to submit an application on CTA's career page when the position is posted and complete any outstanding hiring processes.
 

POSITION SUMMARY

Salary - $28.85

Operates a bus over an established route adhering to predetermined schedule in a safe, efficient and courteous manner to allow passengers to board, travel and alight at scheduled stops.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Drives bus and announces stops along routes.
  • Announces cross streets and intersecting transit stops.
  • Inspects passes; ascertains appropriate fares.
  • Ensures that customers deposit only appropriate coins and bills into fare-box.
  • Issues and receives transfer cards (collects invalid transfer cards) and receives and returns fare-cards.
  • Contacts Control Center regarding all problems.
  • Operates lift to board and discharge disabled passengers.
  • Inspects vehicle for lost articles.
  • Prepares daily trip sheets and bus for service.
  • Removes refuse and prepares bus for pull-out.
  • Tallies various categories of boarding passengers by manually operating a recording device.
  • Enters tally numbers from recording device at beginning and end of run.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 

  • Required to submit to and pass drug and alcohol testing as mandated by the Federal Transportation Administration.

  • Required to be at least 21 years of age.

  • Required to have an acceptable driving record and a valid State of Illinois Class "B" Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or a valid State of Illinois CDL permit with the following three endorsements: KNOWLEDGE, PASSENGER and AIR BRAKES.  

  • High school diploma or GED preferred. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

  • Required to be standing changing destination and bus numbers, signs, helping people board bus, to walk to relief points, checking bus and sitting while driving bus.
  • Required to lift, to carry and to push of brake pedal and accelerator, windows and to pull door control latch.
  • Required to climb into vehicle and adjustment of mirrors, to balance, to stoop to adjust driver's seat, to kneel, to crouch and to crawl.
  • Required to reach accepting and validating transfer cards and fare cards, adjusting mirror, to handle transfer and fare cards; steering wheel, to finger operating fare box, horn, punching transfers, to feel distributing and receiving transfer and fare cards, to talk announcing streets and answering passenger inquiries, to hear listening to traffic sounds, signal requesting stops, emergency vehicles, passenger questions and radio monitor.
  • Required to see near and far watching stopped vehicles, checking passes/cards and general traffic conditions viewing of traffic signals and riding passes.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Possess customer service experience or skills to provide outstanding customer service to passengers.
  • Must possess a comprehensive knowledge of the rules, regulations and procedures relative to the operation of surface vehicles.
  • Must possess a comprehensive knowledge of pertinent state and municipal traffic laws.
  • Must possess the skills necessary to accurately read and interpret bus schedules. Must possess a thorough knowledge of the fare structure, transfer regulations and the rules and procedures governing Bus Operators.
  • Required to possess a knowledge of arithmetic.
  • Required to speak in a clear and accurate manner.
  • Must possess a thorough knowledge of the preparation and usage of applicable transportation forms.

What Chicago Transit Authority employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply