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Professional Bus Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lawton Area Transit System

Bus Operator

Lawton, OK · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Paratransit / Fixed Route Bus Operator Department: Operations Reports to: Transit Supervisor ... Be a professional representative of LATS and its management. * Some outside working hours may be ...

Lane Transit District

Bus Operator

Springfield, OR · On-site

$36.54/hr

Interacting with customers and the general public in a courteous and professional manner. Knowledge ... In addition, candidates for the Bus Operator position will be required to complete a drug screening ...

AC Transit

Bus Operator

Encino, CA · On-site

$20.75 - $26.75/hr

AC Transit Bus Operator AC Transit is actively seeking courteous, customer service-oriented and ... Assists passengers requiring special assistance in a professional manner to ensure access to public ...

The Ohio State University

Bus Operator

Columbus, OH · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Bus Operator Department: Administration and Planning | TTM Campus Area Bus Join the team that keeps ... Ensure a safe, smooth, and professional transportation experience for all riders * Accurately ...

Ohio State University

Bus Operator

Columbus, OH

$20 - $26/hr

Bus Operator Department:Administration and Planning | TTM Campus Area Bus Join the team that keeps ... Ensure a safe, smooth, and professional transportation experience for all riders * Accurately ...

LATS

Bus Operator

Lawton, OK · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Paratransit / Fixed Route Bus Operator Department: Operations Reports to: Transit Supervisor ... Be a professional representative of LATS and its management. * Some outside working hours may be ...

Metropolitan Tulsa Transit Authority

Bus Operator

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Bus Operator Join Our Team as a Bus Operator! Great Benefits! Free Employee Health Insurance ... Be prepared to handle emergency situations efficiently and professionally, ensuring the safety of ...

Transdev

Bus Operator

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$21.25 - $22/hr

Driver/Operator We are currently on the lookout for an experienced Bus Driver to join our elite ... Minimum 3 years of driving experience (personal or professional) * Excellent communications ...

City of La Crosse

Bus Operator

La Crosse, WI · On-site

$24.61/hr

Description The City of La Crosse is currently accepting applications for full-time Bus Operators ... Position requires a professional demeanor and excellent human relation skills to serve the public.

Transdev

Bus Operator

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$21.25 - $22/hr

Driver/Operator We are currently on the lookout for an experienced Bus Driver to join our elite ... Minimum 3 years of driving experience (personal or professional) * Excellent communications ...

Town of Vail

Full Time Bus Operator

Vail, CO

$22.50 - $29/hr

Conduct yourself as a professional representative of the Town of Vail, exercising sound judgment ... bus operators on routes and procedures * Perform all other job-related duties as assigned The ...

Town of Vail

Full Time Bus Operator

Vail, CO · On-site

$31/hr

Conduct yourself as a professional representative of the Town of Vail, exercising sound judgment ... bus operators on routes and procedures * Perform all other job-related duties as assigned The ...

Town of Vail

Full Time Bus Operator

Vail, CO

$22.50 - $29/hr

Conduct yourself as a professional representative of the Town of Vail, exercising sound judgment ... bus operators on routes and procedures * Perform all other job-related duties as assigned The ...

City of La Crosse, WI

Bus Operator

La Crosse, WI · On-site

$24.61/hr

... Bus Operatorsto join the Municipal Transit Utility team. This position requires excellent human ... Position requires a professional demeanor and excellent human relation skills to serve the public.

City of Fargo

Part Time Bus Operator

Fargo, ND · On-site

$19.50 - $25/hr

Bus Operator Under general supervision by the Operations Supervisor, and through work direction ... Communicates effectively, professionally, and courteously with co-workers, supervisors and ...

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Professional Bus Operator information

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How much do professional bus operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional bus operator in the United States is $22.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional bus operator?

Professional bus operators are trained individuals responsible for safely driving buses along designated routes to transport passengers. They ensure passenger safety, adhere to traffic laws, assist riders with boarding and fare payment, and maintain schedules. In addition to driving, they often provide customer service, answer questions about routes, and handle emergency situations if they arise. Professional bus operators may work for public transit agencies, schools, or private companies, and typically require a commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger endorsements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional bus operator?

To thrive as a Professional Bus Operator, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), safe driving skills, and a strong understanding of traffic laws and routes. Familiarity with vehicle inspection procedures, fare collection systems, and sometimes GPS or scheduling software is often required. Excellent customer service, patience, and strong communication skills help operators interact effectively with passengers and handle challenging situations calmly. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring passenger safety, maintaining schedules, and providing a positive experience for riders.

How does a professional bus operator typically handle challenging passenger situations during a route?

Professional Bus Operators are trained to manage a variety of passenger interactions, including handling disputes, fare issues, or disruptions, with calm professionalism. They follow specific protocols provided by their transit agency, which may include de-escalation techniques and clear communication. Operators are supported by dispatch teams and, when necessary, security personnel to ensure safety for all passengers. Building rapport and staying attentive to the needs of diverse riders are important aspects of the role, making strong interpersonal skills valuable in this position.

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

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

Both roles require a CDL with passenger or school bus endorsements and involve driving passengers. However, a Professional Bus Operator typically works in public transit or private charter services, while a School Bus Driver specializes in transporting students for school districts. The key differences lie in the work environment and specific endorsements needed, but both roles focus on safe passenger transportation.

What cities are hiring for Professional Bus Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Professional Bus Operator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Bus Operator jobs?

The most popular types of Bus Operator jobs are:

What states have the most Professional Bus Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Professional Bus Operator jobs include:

Professional Bus Operator jobs near you

Bus Operator

Lawton Area Transit System

Lawton, OK • On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Paratransit / Fixed Route Bus Operator
Department: Operations
Reports to: Transit Supervisor
Position Type: Full-Time
Wage Rate: $14.00-$17.00 Hourly
SUMMARY:
Fixed Route Bus Operator/ Paratransit Operator is responsible for the safe and timely operation of various sizes of passenger transport vehicles within a scheduled run, or special service, requires a thorough knowledge of passenger safety, ability to maintain courtesy under stress, while dealing with the public. Must be able to courteously answer questions and solve transit related problems of passengers and practice defensive driving habits.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Complete training and development classes as provided by the Director/Supervisor.
  • Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of transport vehicles for mechanical and/or safety issues.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of streets, routes, and bus stops within LATS coverage area.
  • Adhere to tight time schedules under varying weather and traffic conditions and still operate the transport vehicles in a safe and courteous manner.
  • Interact with the public and all LATS passengers in a professional and courteous manner, regardless of the actions of the passengers.
  • Assist in the boarding and departing passengers with disabilities including the use of four point securing of wheelchairs and scooters.
  • Maintain knowledge of and strict adherence to all LATS operating rules, policies, and regulations.
  • Announcing designated stops in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and LATS procedures.
  • Accurate and legible completion of accident and incident reports, as required.
  • Clearly conduct radio communications with other LATS vehicles and dispatch.
  • Monitor and collect fares and passes, count passengers and record the numbers.
  • Be a professional representative of LATS and its management.
  • Some outside working hours may be required for special events or training.

REQUIREMENTS (Education, Experience and Skills)
  • Be at least 21 years of age.
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
  • Valid Class B Oklahoma Commercial Driver's License with appropriate endorsements.
  • Maintain a current DOT physical examination card.
  • Knowledge of traffic and highway safety rules and regulations, and of the precautions necessary to avoid accidents, to operate a transport vehicle in a safe and economical manner.
  • Ability to understand and carry out instructions to perform work requiring good physical condition.
  • Ability to make independent judgments which have moderate impacts on the organization.
  • Ability to complete various forms and records, including updated route sheets, count sheets, charter forms, incident and accident reports, and etcetera's.
  • Submit to random and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move between 50-75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to assorted fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals, and exposure to vibrations. They may be exposed to outside weather conditions including wet and/or humid conditions, extreme cold or extreme heat.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can on occasion be loud.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $14.00 - $17.00 per hour
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Day Range:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekends as needed

Experience level:
  • CDL Preferred. We will train you to obtain your CDL!

Shift:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Split shift

Experience:
  • Commercial driving: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:
  • Passenger Endorsement (Required)
  • CDL (Required)
  • CDL B (Required)

Work Location: In person

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