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School Bus Driver Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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School Bus Driver information

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How much do school bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for school bus driver in Virginia is $20.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $24.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

Can you make a living off being a school bus driver?

School bus drivers typically earn a moderate income that may not be sufficient as the sole source of income, especially in areas with lower pay rates. Many drivers supplement their earnings with additional work or benefits such as overtime, route bonuses, or school district benefits. The job often requires a commercial driver's license (CDL) and adherence to safety regulations, with schedules aligned to school hours.

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 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.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of School Bus Driver jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of School Bus Driver jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching School Bus Driver jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for School Bus Driver jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for School Bus Driver jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most School Bus Driver job openings:
What are popular job titles related to School Bus Driver jobs in VA? For School Bus Driver jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various School Bus Driver job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, and 53% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,436 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Job Description 

Title:   BUS DRIVER - REGULAR

 

Position Type: Non-Exempt

 

Primary Function:

 

Position is responsible for operating a school bus and transporting school-aged children and other authorized personnel safely and efficiently over specified routes to and from schools and various activities. Position conducts pre-trip inspections; observes safety regulations and policies; enforces student discipline on the bus; and performs related work.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

 
  • Must be 21 years of age or older.
  • Valid Virginia motor vehicle operator's license.
  • Ability to meet Virginia School Bus Commercial Driver License requirements:
  • Minimum hours of instruction
  • Satisfactory score on written examination
  • Local and state standards for driving test.
  • Local and state standards for driving record check (DMV report)
  • State required physical (as administered by York County School Division contracted provider; physical includes alcohol and controlled substance testing)
  • Ability to operate all vehicle types used in transporting students.
  • Sufficient knowledge of commercial vehicle operation with P, S and Air brake endorsements.
  • Thorough knowledge of State highway operating rules and procedures.
  • Obeys all traffic laws and transportation practices as outlined in the CDL manual, Bus Driver Handbook, School Board Policy and local ordinances.
  • Excellent driving record without a moving traffic violation within two years.
  • Ability to operate radio communication.
  • Ability to deal with exuberant behavioral characteristics of youthful riders.
  • Completion of defensive driving course and multimedia first aid prior to employment preferred.
  • Must meet the mandated physical and mental requirements established by the state and the US Department of Transportation--the school division is not permitted to employ individuals that do not meet these standards.
  • Must possess knowledge of, or the ability to learn accurately and quickly, local street and road systems.
Performance Responsibilities:
  • Maintain valid Virginia School Bus Commercial Driver License with P, S and Airbrake endorsements.
  • Inspect vehicle prior to and after daily operations for maintenance discrepancies.
  • Operate a school bus over established routes in an efficient and punctual manner.
  • Act in a professional manner exhibiting a positive image in dealing with students, parents, and school division personnel.
  • Hear and communicate orally when the bus is in motion. Communicate orally on a two-way radio with transportation dispatch and emergency services while the bus is in motion. Communicate effectively and positively with parents, students, staff and co-workers.
  • Maintain student discipline while operating a school bus following the guidelines established by the School Board
  • Reports undisciplined students to the proper authority and compiles written reports as requested in accordance with the Bus Driver Handbook and the Student Handbook.
  • Ensures the bus can be operated safely before driving and conducts pre-trip safety inspections as required by federal and state laws to include observing visual defects and checking operating systems to include brakes, horn, lights, emergency flashers, extended stop arms, and door-opening devices.
  • Drive defensively under varying traffic conditions.
  • Operates the vehicle safely over an assigned route, picking up and delivering only authorized students at assigned bus stops, and watches to ensure that no one hurrying for the bus is left behind.
  • Perform housekeeping duties inside and outside the school bus.
  • Observes all mandatory safety regulations for school buses and keeps all emergency exits clear of obstructions.
  • Refuel and check oil on equipment as needed.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of rules and regulations promulgated by local, state, and federal authorities.
  • Maintain availability to drive doubled bus runs within the normal contracted hourly day as circumstances require and perform such doubled runs as assigned.
  • Conduct emergency evacuation drills and implements evacuations as required in an emergency to include safely exiting from the rear of the school bus, Keeping with division and VA Department of Education regulations.
  • Reports all accidents immediately, requesting police or ambulance service as needed; assists injured persons until services arrive; and completes required accident reports.
  • Attend workshops and safety meetings as directed.
  • Operate a school bus on special trip assignments.
  • Report personal absences to supervisor allowing sufficient time to secure a substitute.
  • Report vehicle maintenance problems to supervisor or Manager of Vehicle Maintenance
  • Assist in preparation of route schedules.
  • Reports all safety violations to include co-workers/personnel suspected of drinking alcohol or under the influence of drugs (to include over-the-counter drugs) while working.
  • Follow the proper accident procedures according to School Board Policy.
  • Model nondiscriminatory practices in all activities.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by Director of Transportation, Transportation Area Supervisor, and School Principal
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

Duties are performed on a school bus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to loud noise levels; fumes or airborne particles; noxious odors; vibrations from driving a bus; and traffic. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; use foot controls to drive; reach with hands and arms; climb; bend, stoop, and kneel; and talk and hear. The employee must be physically able to perform and demonstrate emergency evacuation procedures. The employee must be able to communicate orally and hear on a two-way radio with transportation dispatch and emergency services while the bus is in motion. Employee must be able to communicate effectively and positively with parents, students, staff and co-workers. This includes the pushing/pulling of up to 50 pounds. In addition, have the ability to use emergency exits at any location on the bus. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, night/dusk vision, color vision, and peripheral vision.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is loud.

 

Reports to: Transportation Area Supervisor. Each driver shall be directly responsible to the principal of the school(s) served on matters related to student discipline and patron relations.

Terms of Employment:

182 days contracted yearly. Workshop/in-service as required.

Evaluation:

Performance on this job will be evaluated in accordance with school board policy and administrative regulations on evaluation of non-licensed personnel.

     

The York County School Division does not discriminate on the basis of race (Title VI), color, religion, national origin, veteran status, sex, gender (Title IX), age or disability (Section 504), or any other protected class in its educational programs, activities or employment and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following positions have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

      

Title IX Coordinator
Chief Human Resources Officer
302 Dare Road
Yorktown, VA 23692
757-898-0349



Section 504/ADA Coordinator
Director of Special Education
302 Dare Road
Yorktown, VA 23692
757-898-0455



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