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School Bus Driver Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers As a Part Time School Bus Driver, you will play a vital role in your community and the lives of students. You will start students' days with morning pickup ...

Bus Driver

Troy, AL · On-site

$15.75 - $21.75/hr

Job Summary BUS DIRVER - DISTRICT Must have a CDL License with passenger (P) and school bus (S) endorsement and an Alabama school bus driver license. Must have a driving record that will be accepted ...

Bus Driver

Tuskegee, AL · On-site

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

The bus driver is responsible for operating a school bus safely and efficiently to transport students to and from school, ensuring adherence to established routes and schedules. This position ...

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School Bus Driver information

See Alabama salary details

$8

$19

$27

How much do school bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for school bus driver in Alabama is $19.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $22.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a school bus driver do?

School bus drivers are typically employees of a school district or driving companies that contract with school districts. The primary job duty of a school bus driver is to transport students to and from schools. Most school districts have a dedicated route and stops for school bus drivers. School bus drivers also occasionally provide transportation during the school day for field trips. School bus drivers are responsible for the well-being of the students while they are in transit to and from school. They pay close attention to road safety, driving conditions, and the condition of their vehicle. They also need to control student behavior on the bus and may need to discipline students. School bus drivers will develop a rapport with the students in their care over time.

What is a school bus driver?

School bus drivers are professional drivers responsible for safely transporting students to and from school and related activities. They operate school buses along designated routes, ensure the safety and well-being of students during transit, and follow all traffic laws and school district policies. School bus drivers also conduct regular inspections of their vehicles and maintain proper records. Their role often includes assisting students with getting on and off the bus and managing student behavior to ensure a safe environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a school bus driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a School Bus Driver, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), a clean driving record, and knowledge of traffic laws and safety procedures. Familiarity with vehicle inspection protocols, GPS navigation systems, and sometimes first aid certification are typically required. Patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the safe and reliable transportation of students while fostering a positive and secure environment on the bus.

What are some common challenges school bus drivers face and how can they be managed?

School bus drivers often encounter challenges such as managing student behavior, ensuring on-time arrivals despite traffic or weather, and maintaining safety protocols. Effective communication and strong classroom management techniques are essential for addressing student conduct. Familiarity with routes, ongoing safety training, and collaboration with school staff help drivers handle logistical and safety issues smoothly. Building positive relationships with students and parents also contributes to a supportive and respectful bus environment.

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

AspectSchool Bus DriverCharter Bus Driver
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsementsCDL with passenger endorsement, sometimes additional certifications
Work EnvironmentSchool campuses, residential areas, school routesLong-distance trips, tours, events
Employer & IndustrySchool districts, educational institutionsPrivate companies, travel agencies

Both roles require a CDL with passenger endorsements and involve driving buses. School Bus Drivers typically operate on fixed routes for students within school districts, while Charter Bus Drivers handle longer trips for groups or events. The main differences lie in work environment and trip types, but both serve transportation needs within the industry.

Is it worth becoming a school bus driver?

School bus drivers transport students safely on daily routes and typically require a commercial driver's license with passenger endorsement. The job offers part-time hours, a stable schedule during school days, and benefits in some districts, making it a viable option for those seeking flexible employment in transportation. Compensation varies by location and experience but generally provides steady income with opportunities for additional hours or overtime.

What are the most commonly searched types of School Bus Driver jobs in Alabama?

The most popular types of School Bus Driver jobs in Alabama are:

What cities in Alabama are hiring for School Bus Driver jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most School Bus Driver job openings:

What are popular job titles related to School Bus Driver jobs in AL?

For School Bus Driver jobs in AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various School Bus Driver job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,710 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

School Bus Driver

First Student, Inc.

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$27.25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago


First Student rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 318 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 78 rated education support services


Job description

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers
As a Part Time School Bus Driver, you will play a vital role in your community and the lives of students. You will start students' days with morning pickup before school and transport them safely back home in the afternoon. Additional hours for field trips and special event transportation may be available.
No experience is necessary to become a school bus driver! We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and professional First Student school bus driver.
School Bus Driver benefits:
  • Pay Details: Dependent on experience and qualifications.
  • Hourly Rate: $27.25/per hour.
  • Training Hourly Rate: $13.50/per hour.
  • $1,000 sign on bonus for experienced School Bus Drivers*
  • Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) and Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training provided!
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurance or coverage options.
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match.
  • Part-time, flexible schedule: Split shifts (AM/PM routes), weekdays only; No nights, weekends, holidays, or summers required.
  • Career Advancement Opportunities: Advance into operational, maintenance, management, and leadership roles in over 540 locations across the U.S. & Canada!
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Counseling and support services for personal and work-related issues.
  • Community Impact: Be a trusted figure for students and families.
  • Employee Discount Program: Discounts on various products and services.
  • Guaranteed Minimum Hours: Get paid for 4 hours per day at minimum.
  • Child Ride-Along Program: Perfect for working parents.
  • Safety or Attendance bonuses.**
  • Commercial Learner's Permit Bonus.***

Your day as a School Bus Driver will include:
  • Safely transport students to and from school and activities.
  • Supervise boarding and unloading at stops; assist students with seatbelts and mobility aids.
  • Maintain order on the bus to prevent distractions.
  • Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections (brakes, lights, tires, emergency exits).
  • Report mechanical issues promptly and keep the bus clean and sanitary.
  • Obey all traffic laws and company safety standards.
  • Communicate with parents, school staff, and dispatch about student behavior or delays.
  • Demonstrate leadership and customer service skills.

School Bus Driver Jobs are Perfect For:
  • Retirees looking for supplemental income.
  • Stay-at-home parents seeking daytime work.
  • Veterans transitioning into civilian roles.
  • Anyone seeking a second career or flexible job.
  • People who enjoy working with children.

You might be a good fit as a School Bus Driver if you:
  • Are at least 21 years old.
  • Have a valid driver's license for at least 3 years.
  • Are looking for a part-time schedule and summers off.
  • Enjoy working with students.

Note: This position is subject to DOT drug testing as a safety-sensitive employee. DOT Regulation 49 CFR Part 40 does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason.
Great School Bus Drivers often bring skills such as:
  • Valid Class B License.
  • History driving with ride share companies or taxi services.
  • Previous experience as a teacher, CDL driver, social worker, classroom assistant, hospitality worker, or customer service or retail associate.

Take the wheel and drive your career forward with First Student! Make an impact in your community while enjoying flexible schedules, great pay, and unmatched support.
*Sign-on bonus conditions apply. Must be fully licensed to drive a school bus in the state of Alabama See location for details. Bonus offer is effective 6/25/26 - 7/31/26.
**Safety and/or Attendance bonus conditions apply. See location for details. Bonus offer is ends 12/31/26
***Commercial Learner's Permit Bonus conditions apply. See location for details. Bonus offer is ends 8/1/26
Language Requirement
This role requires English proficiency. Federal, state, and local requirements, including U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, require training, safety communications, company policies, employment documents, and other job-related communications be conducted in English.
First for a reason:
At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer.
In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia's Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request https://www.phila.gov/media/20210423160847/Fair-Chance-Hiring-law-poster.pdf.

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