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

WCPSS

School Bus Driver

Cary, NC

Overview The Wake County Public School System is hiring full-time and substitute bus drivers! Reliable and safety-minded individuals who qualify and are able to obtain the NC Com mercial Drivers ...

WCPSS

School Bus Driver

Cary, NC · On-site

Overview The Wake County Public School System is hiring full-time and substitute bus drivers. Reliable and safety-minded individuals who qualify and are able to obtain the NC Com mercial Drivers ...

North Carolina Jobs

Bus Driver Trainee

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$15/hr

High School Diploma or Equivalent is desired Bus Driver Trainee ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: * Perform all duties associated with training to be a school bus driver, including but not limited ...

North Carolina Jobs

Bus Driver Trainee

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$15/hr

High School Diploma or Equivalent is desired Bus Driver Trainee ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: * Perform all duties associated with training to be a school bus driver, including but not limited ...

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All JobsSchool Bus Driver JobsSchool Bus Driver Jobs in Raleigh, NC

School Bus Driver information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$8

$20

$29

How much do school bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for school bus driver in Raleigh, NC is $20.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $23.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do school bus drivers get paid for a full day?

School bus drivers are typically paid for the hours they work, which may include morning and afternoon routes, and sometimes additional duties such as bus inspections or training. Payment structures vary by school district or employer, with some drivers earning a full-day rate and others paid hourly. Overtime or extended hours may also affect total pay depending on the schedule and local regulations.

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.

Is it worth it to become a school bus driver?

School bus drivers transport students safely on daily routes and typically require a commercial driver's license with passenger and school bus endorsements. The job offers part-time hours, a stable schedule during school days, and benefits such as job stability and community interaction. However, it involves responsibilities like maintaining safety standards and managing student behavior.

What is the top pay school bus driver?

The highest pay for school bus drivers varies by location and experience but can reach up to $25 to $30 per hour in some areas. Factors such as seniority, route difficulty, and additional certifications can influence earning potential.

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.

How to become a school bus driver?

To become a school bus driver, applicants must obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) with a school bus endorsement, which requires passing written and skills tests. Additionally, candidates must pass a background check, a drug screening, and a medical examination, and often complete training on safety procedures and student management.

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 are school bus drivers?

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.
More about School Bus Driver jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of School Bus Driver jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of School Bus Driver jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to School Bus Driver jobs in Raleigh, NC? For School Bus Driver jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching School Bus Driver jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for School Bus Driver jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for School Bus Driver jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most School Bus Driver job openings:
School Bus Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various School Bus Driver job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,586 per year, or $20.5 per hour.
School Bus Driver

School Bus Driver

Wake County Public School System

Cary, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Wake County Public School System rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

465th of 559 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

Overview
The Wake County Public School System is hiring full-time and substitute bus drivers! Reliable and safety-minded individuals who qualify and are able to obtain the NC Commercial Drivers License (CDL) and P&S Endorsement (Passengers and School Bus) are encouraged to apply by submitting an application. NOTE: A driver's route could be anywhere in the WCPSS system, with preference given to a driver's home address.
If you are hired, expect:
  • a competitive wage package
  • schedule options
  • training
  • vacation time, holiday pay, health insurance, NC Retirement for full-time (30 hours and up) drivers
  • daily guarantee on pay
  • a great working environment!
WCPSS school bus driver qualifications
  • Must be 18 years old.
  • Must possess a valid NC driver's license.
  • Must have had a valid driver's license for a minimum of two years.

Within past 12 months
  • No conviction of any moving violation
  • No pending charge of any moving violation
  • No more than one charge of any moving violation, regardless of disposition

Within past 60 months
  • No more than three charges of moving violations of any kind
  • No conviction of a moving violation combined with any other charge of a moving violation
  • No charge of DWI or DUI
  • No charge for reckless driving
  • No charge for passing a stopped school bus

Within past 10 years
  • No suspension or revocation of the driving privilege, other than for such status offenses as lapsed insurance, failure to appear in court, and failure to comply with out-of-state citation; provided that there be no more than one suspension or revocation for such status offenses within the past 10-years.

Indefinite
  • No more than one charge of DWI or DUI

Anyone who meets the above requirements and is interested in becoming a school bus driver for the Wake County Public School System may apply by filling out a WCPSS job application form.

What Wake County Public School System employees say

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About Wake County Public Schools

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) is a well-regarded educational institution based in Cary, NC, United States. As the largest school district in North Carolina and the 15th largest in the U.S, it operates within the education industry providing primary and secondary education to students in Wake County. The district oversees a wide array of schools, including traditional calendars, year-round calendars, modified calendars, and magnets. Founded in 1976, the WCPSS has consistently strived to meet the individual needs of all students by providing a safe, supportive, and rigorous learning environment.

Industry

Education

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Cary, NC, US

Year founded

1976

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