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School Bus Driver Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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School Bus Driver information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$9

$21

$31

How much do school bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for school bus driver in Riverside, CA is $21.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $25.34 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 Riverside, CA? The most popular types of School Bus Driver jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to School Bus Driver jobs in Riverside, CA? For School Bus Driver jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching School Bus Driver jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for School Bus Driver jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for School Bus Driver jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most School Bus Driver job openings:
School Bus Driver jobs near you
School Bus Driver - No Experience Necessary - Training Provided

School Bus Driver - No Experience Necessary - Training Provided

National Express Corp

Irvine, CA • On-site

$27.75/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

National Express rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 77 rated public transport

Job description

School Bus Driver -CDL Training Provided
Looking for a job that fits your life and makes a difference? Now's the time. Summit School Services is immediately hiring School Bus Drivers and offering CDL training, no nights or weekends, and reliable split-hour schedules that work around your day.
Whether you're starting fresh, returning to the workforce, or bringing a friend along - this is a great opportunity to earn steady pay close to home while supporting students in your community.
Bring a friend - apply together, interview on the spot, and start your new school bus driver career today!
Walk-In Interviews:
• Next Week: Monday-Friday 10am-2pm
• Pay: $27.75 per hour
• Guaranteed Hours: 20 hours per week
• Location: Durham School Services 100 Nightmist, Irvine, CA 92870
No appointment needed. No experience required. Just walk in - and bring a friend!
Why Join Summit School Services?
  • Competitive hourly pay with direct deposit and weekly/daily pay available in some locations
  • Paid CDL training - We'll help you get your initial CDL permit and then pay you to complete the remainder of the CDL training to obtain your license!
  • Flexible part-time schedule with split shifts (morning & afternoon)
  • No nights, weekends, or holidays - perfect work-life balance
  • Seasonal employment option with summers off
  • Guaranteed minimum hours with opportunities for extra routes and field trips
  • Access to benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) (plan details vary by location)
  • Eligible locations may also offer sign-on, attendance, or referral bonuses - ask us for details!
  • A supportive, family-oriented work environment where safety is our #1 priority

Who Makes a Great School Bus Driver?
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds:
  • New to commercial driving - we provide CDL training
  • Experienced drivers (CDL-A/B, delivery, shuttle, transit)
  • Veterans & military service members
  • Parents, retirees, and those seeking part-time or split-shift work
  • Customer service, retail, hospitality, camp counselors, coaches, school support staff, Medical transport drivers, nursing home drivers, patient transfer specialists, trades & mechanics

Responsibilities:
  • Safely operate a school bus on assigned local routes
  • Transport students to and from school, sports, and events
  • Perform pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections
  • Maintain a clean, safe bus environment
  • Communicate courteously with students, parents, and school staff
  • Follow all federal, state, local, and company safety rules

Company Name Is : Durham School Service
Requirements:
  • Valid driver's license with a clean driving record (no CDL needed to start).
  • Must have held a driver's license for at least 3 years (5 years if applying in Tennessee).
  • Minimum age: 21 (25 in Tennessee).If you've held a DOT-regulated driving role in the past 3 years, we must be able to verify that employment per DOT guidelines.
  • Pass DOT drug screen, physical, and background check
  • Compliance with DOT regulations (marijuana prohibited, even for medical use)
  • Reliable attendance & safety-first attitude

At Summit School Services, safety, reliability, and community are at the heart of what we do. Every day, our professional drivers safely transport students to and from school, field trips, and extracurricular activities while enjoying flexible, rewarding careers with industry-leading training and benefits.
Summit School Services has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with its policies and values, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. Summit School Services is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children and passengers.
We offer medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance coverage, holiday pay, and PTO accrual. Additionally, employees are able to enroll in a retirement savings plan.
At Summit School Services our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Summit School Services LLC's independent subsidiaries and affiliates are an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer
The pay rate range, along with most all of the other terms and conditions of employment, vary between different sites, geographical markets, customer/ contractual terms and positions.

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