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Public Transit Bus Driver Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

City of Johnson City

Transit Operator I

Johnson City, TN · On-site

$19.15/hr

... bus following a specific schedule and route as a relief or temporary driver. Demand-response ... maintain good public relations; and integrity. Corrected eyesight of 20/40. Good hand and eye ...

City of Johnson City

Transit Operator I

Johnson City, TN · On-site

$19.15/hr

... bus following a specific schedule and route as a relief or temporary driver. Demand-response ... maintain good public relations; and integrity. Corrected eyesight of 20/40. Good hand and eye ...

Fayette County Public Schools

Bus Driver

Somerville, TN · On-site

$14.75 - $20.25/hr

Fayette County Public Schools is looking for dedicated individuals to join our Transportation department as a bus driver. The responsibilities of a bus driver are: transport students to and from ...

Fayette County Public Schools

Bus Driver

Somerville, TN · On-site

$14.75 - $20.25/hr

Fayette County Public Schools is looking for dedicated individuals to join our Transportation department as a bus driver. The responsibilities of a bus driver are: transport students to and from ...

City of Johnson City

School Bus Driver

Johnson City, TN · On-site

$20.44/hr

The City of Johnson City, Tennessee has openings for school bus drivers (Transit Operator I and Transit Operator II positions). Online applications are being accepted for temporary, part-time and ...

City of Johnson City

School Bus Driver

Johnson City, TN · On-site

$20.44/hr

The City of Johnson City, Tennessee has openings for school bus drivers (Transit Operator I and Transit Operator II positions). Online applications are being accepted for temporary, part-time and ...

Kipp Nashville Public Schools

Bus Driver

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

Bus Driver KIPP Nashville Public Schools is a network of high-performing, free, open enrollment K-12 schools that has been committed to positively affecting student outcomes in Nashville since 2005.

New

KIPP

Bus Driver

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

Company Description About KIPP Nashville Public Schools KIPP Nashville Public Schools is a network ... Responsibilities of a KIPP Nashville Bus Driver include, but are not limited to: * Performs routine ...

KIPP

Bus Driver

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

Company Description About KIPP Nashville Public Schools KIPP Nashville Public Schools is a network ... Responsibilities of a KIPP Nashville Bus Driver include, but are not limited to: * Performs routine ...

Lenoir City School District

Bus Driver

Lenoir City, TN

$14.75 - $20/hr

Position Title: Bus Driver Reports To: Supervisor of Support Services Job Goal: To transport ... Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the public and other ...

Coffee County Schools

Bus Driver

Manchester, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $20/hr

COFFEE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM Bus Driver Responsible to: Director of Transportation Qualifications ... standards of public education and in support of the District's Vision/Mission Statements

Coffee County Schools

Bus Driver

Manchester, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $20/hr

COFFEE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM Bus Driver Responsible to: Director of Transportation Qualifications ... standards of public education and in support of the District's Vision/Mission Statements

Coffee County Schools

Bus Driver

Manchester, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $20/hr

COFFEE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM Bus Driver Responsible to: Director of Transportation Qualifications ... standards of public education and in support of the District's Vision/Mission Statements

Emerald Youth Foundation

Bus Driver

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$20/hr

Drivers will use Emerald Youth Foundation vehicles primarily for afterschool pick-ups, summer day ... Follow state and federal transit regulations. QUALIFICATIONS: * Dedicated Christian with clear ...

First Student, Inc.

School Bus Driver

Memphis, TN · On-site

$24/hr

Memphis-Shelby County Schools | Memphis, TN (Getwell) Earn $24/Hour + a guarantee of 30 hrs pr wk ... Drivers who hold a Class A or Class B CDL with Air Brake, Passenger, and School Bus Endorsements ...

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Public Transit Bus Driver information

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How much do public transit bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for public transit bus driver in Tennessee is $17.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $20.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public transit bus driver?

Public transit bus drivers are professionals responsible for operating buses along designated routes to transport passengers safely and efficiently within cities or metropolitan areas. They follow schedules, adhere to traffic laws, assist passengers as needed, and ensure fare collection. Bus drivers also perform safety checks on their vehicles and report any issues to maintenance staff. Their role is essential in providing reliable and accessible transportation for the community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public transit bus driver?

To thrive as a Public Transit Bus Driver, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), a safe driving record, and knowledge of traffic laws and city routes. Familiarity with fare collection systems, route navigation tools, and basic vehicle inspection procedures is commonly required. Excellent customer service, patience, and strong communication skills help drivers manage passenger interactions and handle challenging situations. These competencies ensure the safe, timely, and courteous transportation of passengers while maintaining public trust and operational efficiency.

What are some common challenges faced by public transit bus drivers, and how are they typically addressed?

Public transit bus drivers often encounter challenges such as managing tight schedules, handling difficult passenger interactions, and navigating heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions. To address these, drivers receive thorough training in customer service, defensive driving, and stress management. Transit agencies also provide ongoing support through dispatch communication, clear protocols for handling incidents, and scheduled breaks to help drivers stay focused and safe on the road.

What is the difference between Public Transit Bus Driver vs School Bus Driver?

AspectPublic Transit Bus DriverSchool Bus Driver
Required CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsementCDL with school bus endorsement
Work EnvironmentUrban or suburban public transit systems, city routesSchool campuses, residential neighborhoods, school hours
Employer & IndustryPublic transit agencies, governmentSchool districts, private schools
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Public Transit Bus Drivers and School Bus Drivers both require CDL licenses with passenger endorsements and operate vehicles in passenger transport. However, public transit drivers typically work in urban environments on city routes, while school bus drivers focus on transporting students to and from school during specific hours. Both roles are essential in their respective sectors and share similar licensing requirements, but differ in work setting and schedule.

What are popular job titles related to Public Transit Bus Driver jobs in Tennessee?

For Public Transit Bus Driver jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Public Transit Bus Driver jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Transit Bus Driver jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Public Transit Bus Driver jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Public Transit Bus Driver job openings:

Public Transit Bus Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Transit Bus Driver job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,392 per year, or $18 per hour.

Bus Operator *NEW SIGN-ON BONUS*

Nashville, TN • On-site

Davidson Transit Organi
See more jobs at Davidson Transit Organiexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Title: Bus Operator

Purpose: This position is responsible for keeping the ‘It’ City moving. Join the driving team of Full-Time Bus Operators and become a part of our story.

Wage: $27.03/Hour

*NEW SIGN-ON BONUS*

  • $1000 - Non- CDL or CDL Permit
  • $2000 - CLD Class A or B with P-Endorsement

Benefits:

  • Paid CDL Training
  • Health, Vision, Dental
  • On-Site Fitness Center
  • Uniform Allowance
  • Pension & Optional 401 K plan

Bus Operator Qualifications:

  • Must be 21 years of age, with a high school diploma, GED or equivalent
  • Possess a valid Tennessee Driver’s License
    • Have the ability to pass company provided paid Commercial Driver’s License Training for (Class B) with a passenger/air brake endorsements Course
    • Must pass Department of Transportation (DOT) physical, breath alcohol test, drug screen, Health Performance Exam (HPE) and complete a background check
  • Available to work assigned scheduled including: days, nights, weekends and some holidays
  • Possess stable work history, with excellent record of attendance and punctuality
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with passengers and staff
  • Ability to problem solve if situations arise on the bus

Bus Operator Duties:

  1. Safely operate transit bus in strict compliance with WeGo Public Transit System polices, guidelines, and procedures, as well as follow all Tennessee and Federal laws and regulations
  2. Ability to adapt to constantly changing operating environments
  3. Demonstrate excellent customer service skills when interreacting with all passengers
  4. Perform all other duties as assigned

The principal duties are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job and must be performed unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation. Other responsibilities are those functions which are considered incidental or secondary to the overall purpose of the job. This job description does not imply that the above are the only duties assigned to the position. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management.

Similar roles include: School Bus Driver | Coach Bus Driver | Class B Driver

WeGo Public Transit also known as DTO is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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