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Small Bus Driver Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

School Bus Driver

Mount Vernon, NY · On-site

$27.68 - $29.98/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Hourly Rate : $27.68 Small bus $29.98 Big Bus per hour * Training Hourly Rate: $17 per hour * Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) and Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training provided! * Medical ...

School Bus Driver

Mount Vernon, NY

$27.68 - $29.98/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Hourly Rate : $27.68 Small bus $29.98 Big Bus per hour * Training Hourly Rate: $17 per hour * Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) and Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training provided! * Medical ...

... Bus Driver position is now open for Senior Citizens Housing. Driving to shopping, appointments ... Small company environment About the Job: Starting pay $20/hour. Part time, flexible hours and days ...

Shuttle Bus Driver

Newark, NJ · On-site

$18.50 - $23/hr

Read and visually verify information in a variety of formats (e.g., small print). Visually inspect ... Valid Driver's License At Marriott International, we are dedicated to being an equal opportunity ...

Provide individual and/or small group music sessions as recommended. * Ensure necessary and ... Provide room coverage, bus-duty and lunch coverage on a regularly scheduled basis.. We require:

Special Education Aide

Fair Lawn, NJ

$38K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... or small groups of students in a classroom or other learning environment. The Special Education ... C. 6A:32-6.3. * A valid driver's license is preferred. * Meet such alternatives to the above ...

Special Education Aide

Fair Lawn, NJ · On-site

$38K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... or small groups of students in a classroom or other learning environment. The Special Education ... C. 6A:32-6.3. * A valid driver's license is preferred. * Meet such alternatives to the above ...

Field Technician - East Coast

Yonkers, NY · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... driver interfaces, dispatch communications, passenger counters, announcers, GPS tracking, and ... It's the best of both worlds: small company feel with big company support. To learn more about the ...

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Showing results 1-20

Small Bus Driver information

See New York salary details

$9

$21

$31

How much do small bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for small bus driver in New York is $21.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.88 and $24.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a small bus driver?

Small bus drivers are professional drivers responsible for operating smaller-sized buses, typically used for transporting groups such as school children, senior citizens, or shuttle passengers. Their duties include safely driving predetermined routes, picking up and dropping off passengers at designated stops, and ensuring the comfort and safety of everyone on board. They may also assist passengers with mobility needs, perform routine vehicle inspections, and maintain records of their trips. Excellent driving skills, a clean driving record, and strong customer service abilities are essential for this role.

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

To thrive as a Small Bus Driver, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) with a passenger endorsement, a clean driving record, and knowledge of traffic laws and safety regulations. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, vehicle inspection checklists, and basic maintenance tools is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and customer service skills help drivers interact with passengers and handle stressful situations calmly. These competencies ensure passenger safety, reliable service, and a positive travel experience for all riders.

What are some common challenges faced by small bus drivers and how can they be managed?

Small Bus Drivers often encounter challenges such as managing tight schedules, handling difficult passengers, and navigating through traffic or unfamiliar routes. Effective time management and strong communication skills are essential to keep routes on track and ensure passenger safety. Building a good rapport with passengers and maintaining a calm, professional demeanor can help in diffusing tense situations. Regularly reviewing routes and staying updated on traffic conditions also contributes to smoother operations.

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

AspectSmall Bus DriverSchool Bus Driver
Required CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsementCDL with passenger endorsement, often specific to school buses
Work EnvironmentTransporting small groups, often for private or corporate clientsTransporting students to and from school, often on fixed routes
Employer & IndustryPrivate companies, shuttle services, small organizationsSchool districts, educational institutions

Small Bus Drivers and School Bus Drivers both require a CDL with passenger endorsement and work in passenger transportation. However, Small Bus Drivers typically serve private clients or organizations, while School Bus Drivers focus on transporting students for schools. The work environments and employers differ, but the certifications and safety standards are similar.

Do small bus drivers get paid for the entire day?

Small bus drivers are typically paid for the hours they work, which may include the entire scheduled shift if they are on duty for the full day. Overtime pay may apply if they work beyond standard hours, depending on employment agreements and local labor laws.

Is it hard to drive a small bus?

Driving a small bus as a bus driver requires good vehicle control, attention to safety, and adherence to traffic laws. It involves managing passenger safety, navigating routes, and often requires a commercial driver's license (CDL) or specific certification. The difficulty depends on the driver's experience and familiarity with the vehicle and routes.

What disqualifies you from being a small bus driver?

Small bus drivers are typically disqualified if they have a valid driver's license without a commercial driver's license (CDL), a history of serious traffic violations or DUI, or a criminal record that includes offenses related to safety or transportation. Additionally, failing a medical exam or drug test can disqualify candidates, and they must meet age and physical fitness requirements set by licensing authorities.

What type of small bus driver makes the most money?

Experienced small bus drivers who operate specialized vehicles such as school buses, charter buses, or luxury shuttles tend to earn higher wages. Drivers with commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and additional certifications, such as passenger or hazardous materials endorsements, can also increase earning potential. Salary varies based on employer, location, and experience, but specialization and advanced licensing generally lead to higher pay.

What are popular job titles related to Small Bus Driver jobs in New York?

For Small Bus Driver jobs in New York, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in New York are hiring for Small Bus Driver jobs?

Cities in New York with the most Small Bus Driver job openings:

Infographic showing various Small Bus Driver job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,072 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

School Bus Driver

First Student

Mount Vernon, NY • On-site

$27.68 - $29.98/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago


First Student rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 318 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 77 rated education support services


Job description

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers - Eastchester, Harrison, New Rochelle, New York

Sign-On Bonus: $3,000*

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: $27.68 Small bus $29.98 Big Bus per hour
  • Training Hourly Rate: $17 per hour
  • 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 6 hours per day at minimum.
  • Safety / Attendance bonuses**

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. See location for details. *Conditions apply; see locations for details. Bonus offer expires soon*

**Safety and/or Attendance bonus conditions apply. See location for details. *Conditions apply; see locations for details. Bonus offer expires soon*

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.

Company Description

About us
An industry leader famous for our yellow school buses and service and safety excellence, we’ve provided student transportation services to schools for over 100 years. Continually investing in the services of the future, we’re proud to be part of FirstGroup America – the largest provider of safe, reliable and sustainable surface passenger transportation services in North America.

Industry leader
We safely operate more than one third of all contracted school buses in North America.
Together our 50,000 school buses travel nearly 600 million miles per year — the equivalent of 1,200 round trips to the moon.
We operate in around 550 locations throughout 38 U.S. states and 8 Canadian provinces.

Innovation
We were the first school bus company to utilize global positioning systems (GPS), so at any one time we know where all of our buses are and how fast they’re travelling.
Passionate about safety, we’ve installed Safety Crossing Gates on the front of all of our school buses and use the Child Check-MateTM electronic reminder system to make sure no sleeping children remain inside a bus at the end of each route.

Awards & recognition
We won the Occupational Excellence Achievement Award from the National Safety Council two years in a row.
Dedicated to safety, FirstGroup received the National Safety Council’s (NSC) Green Cross for Safety Medal - the highest award for safety in North America.

Teamwork and trust
It takes a diverse team of skilled professionals to provide a safe, effective and efficient student transportation system. From our school bus drivers and location managers to routers, dispatchers and fleet technician mechanics, the work we do every day makes a big impact on the daily lives of students, parents, local communities and school district partners.

We’re very proud of our elite team of over 55,000 dedicated, caring and diverse professionals. And they are the #1 reason we’re trusted by over 1,400 school districts - more than any other provider. Everybody here plays their part in creating a positive school bus experience.

Our culture
We live and breathe our vision and values. They are embedded in our culture and drive our commitment to our customers and communities. Our culture fosters growth and promotes respect, reliability, responsibility and safety. And we recruit people who share these values and will work together to build strong and trusting partnerships in the communities we serve.

Safety – Although our safety record is twice as safe as the industry average, we continually seek out opportunities to enhance our operational and safety initiatives.
Learning – Through our learning culture that spans over 550 locations, we receive and share insight from our people to enhance our service now and in the future.
Making a difference - By doing our job well, we make a positive impact on many lives – including the millions of students who travel with us every school day.
Careers for all – We’re an Equal Opportunity Employer and an Employer of Choice.
By consistently encouraging and supporting an open dialogue with our people and partners, we’re able to share new ideas and develop new ways to meet the needs of our customers and passengers. At First Student, you’ll feel empowered to serve your community. So join the team and start to make a difference.


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