1

Professional Bus Driver Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Bus Driver - Flexible

Durham, NC · On-site

$16.25 - $22/hr

Transit Bus Operator - Flexible Location: Durham, NC Employer: Grace Federal SolutionsSchedule ... Professionalism, punctuality, and sound judgment are non-negotiable. If you are a CDL driver with a ...

Bus Driver - Flexible

Durham, NC · On-site

$16.25 - $22/hr

Transit Bus Operator - Flexible Location: Durham, NC Employer: Grace Federal Solutions Schedule ... Professionalism, punctuality, and sound judgment are non-negotiable. If you are a CDL driver with a ...

The Courtesy Bus Driver is an essential member of the airport location team and is the brand ... Demonstrate professionalism, excellent communication and interpersonal skills * Lift up to 45 ...

The Part Time Courtesy Bus Driver is an essential member of the airport location team and is the ... Demonstrate professionalism, excellent communication and interpersonal skills * Lift up to 45 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Professional Bus Driver information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$8

$19

$27

How much do professional bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional bus driver in Raleigh, NC is $19.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $21.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest salary for a bus driver?

The highest salaries for professional bus drivers can exceed $60,000 annually, often in regions with high demand, seniority, or specialized routes. Factors such as experience, certifications, and the type of bus operated influence earning potential.

What are some common challenges faced by professional bus drivers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Professional bus drivers often encounter challenges like managing passenger safety, adhering to tight schedules, and navigating through heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions. Effective communication skills and patience are essential when assisting passengers and handling difficult situations. Many transit agencies provide regular training and support to help drivers stay up-to-date on safety protocols and route changes, making teamwork and ongoing learning key to success in this role.

What is the difference between Professional Bus Driver vs School Bus Driver?

AspectProfessional Bus DriverSchool Bus Driver
Required CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsementCDL with passenger endorsement, often with school bus endorsement
Work EnvironmentPublic transit, charter services, private companiesSchool campuses, student transportation
Employer & IndustryTransit agencies, private transportation companiesSchool districts, educational institutions

Both Professional Bus Drivers and School Bus Drivers require a CDL with passenger endorsement. However, Professional Bus Drivers typically work in public transit or private charter services, while School Bus Drivers focus on transporting students for school districts. The roles share similar certifications but differ mainly in work environment and employer type.

What is the most a bus driver can make?

The highest-paid professional bus drivers can earn over $60,000 annually, often working in specialized roles such as charter or tour bus driving, or with extensive experience and seniority. Factors like location, employer, and additional certifications can influence earnings.

What are professional bus drivers?

Professional bus drivers are individuals trained and licensed to operate buses for public transportation, private charters, schools, or other organizations. Their responsibilities include safely transporting passengers along designated routes, adhering to traffic laws, and maintaining the schedule. They also assist passengers with boarding, provide information about routes, and ensure the safety of everyone on board. In addition to driving, professional bus drivers may inspect their vehicles for mechanical issues and report any concerns to maintenance staff.

Do bus drivers get 40 hours a week?

Professional bus drivers often work around 40 hours per week, but schedules can vary based on the employer, route, and whether they work full-time or part-time. Overtime, shift work, and split shifts are also common in the profession.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Professional Bus Driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Professional Bus Driver, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), strong knowledge of traffic laws, and a clean driving record. Familiarity with route navigation systems, vehicle maintenance checks, and logging devices is typically required. Exceptional customer service skills, patience, and attention to detail help drivers interact with passengers and handle unexpected situations. These competencies ensure passenger safety, punctual service, and a positive public transportation experience.

How much does a professional bus driver make?

A professional bus driver typically earns an average annual salary ranging from $35,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. Many bus drivers are required to have a commercial driver's license (CDL) and may work early mornings, evenings, or weekends based on their schedule.
What are the most commonly searched types of Bus Driver jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Bus Driver jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Professional Bus Driver jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Professional Bus Driver jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Professional Bus Driver jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Professional Bus Driver job openings:
Infographic showing various Professional Bus Driver job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,047 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Other

PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

177th of 547 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description


                

Job Title:

School Bus Driver 

Salary:

Classified Salary Schedule

Benefits:

 Partial benefits including prorated paid holidays, sick leave and annual leave.  

Qualifications:

Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying.  Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:
Certification/License:
  • Motor Vehicle Operator's (DMV) License.
 
Education:
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Bilingual, both oral and written, ability (English/Spanish) is preferred.
 
Experience:
  • Successful prior experience working as a bus driver, preferably in a school district or transporting children. 
 
  • Knowledge of all traffic laws, regulations, road signs and related information.
  • Manual dexterity sufficient to operate the bus, conduct pre-trip inspections, and clean the bus.
  • Visual and auditory acuity within professionally determined normal ranges, with correction if needed.
  •  Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Effective organizational, problem solving, and time management skills.
  • Ability to learn and comprehend information from procedures manuals and other materials. Ability to comprehend and follow traffic signs required.
  • Ability to physically move through the bus, center and classrooms.
  • Ability to maintain composure and perform responsibilities under pressure and in cases of accidents or other emergencies.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.




Reports To:

Director of Transportation

Job Goal:

Under the general supervision of the Director of Transportation, to ensure the safe transportation of students, staff, and others to and from school, residential neighborhoods, and field trips.

Job Responsibilities:

 
  • Safely drives a school bus on days when school is in session over designated routes in accordance with time schedules, loading and unloading students at designated locations.
  • Transports students, teachers and others on school field or activity trips.
  • Inspects assigned bus on a daily basis prior to transporting of passengers to ensure that bus is in good, clean and safe working order.
  • Cleans bus as needed.
  • Ensures that a communication device is in proper working order before each trip.
  • Reports all mechanical deficiencies, traffic violations, or accidents, promptly.
  • Maintains order and discipline in an effective and courteous manner among students being transported in accordance with district policies and procedures; reports any incidents involving student discipline.
  • Observes and tracks route timing, such as total time en-route, time between stops, loading and unloading times or any other requested information for the purpose of establishing route efficiency, as requested.
  • Maintains and submits records and reports as required.
  • Follows procedures to ensure that no child is left alone on bus without adult supervision at any time, and that all children have departed bus at the end of all bus routes (morning, evening and during field trips or other special trips).
  • Inventories bus emergency and first aid supplies and equipment; reports needs to the Director.
  • In case of accidents/emergencies, evacuates children according to written and practiced procedures, ensures that medical emergency procedures are followed; completes a written report as required.
  • Attends and participates in trainings, and other continuing education, career and professional development opportunities.
  • Performs other related tasks as assigned.
Note:         The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to physically perform the basic operational functions of stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, hearing and repetitive motion. The ability to lift a minimum of 20 pounds.

Evaluation:

Evaluated in accordance with the Board's policy on Evaluation of Classified Personnel.