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Special Needs Bus Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

School Bus Monitor

Waynesboro, GA ยท On-site

$11 - $13.75/hr

BURKE COUNTY SCHOOL BUS MONITOR RESPONSIBILITIES One of the most important skills of the bus ... Monitors and drivers must work as a team to maintain cleanliness. 11. Special needs monitors are ...

GCS - Bus Driver

Goshen, IN ยท On-site

$26.50 - $27.25/hr

May operate a special needs bus; loads and unloads students in wheelchairs on and off bus ... Attends driver training programs to maintain current knowledge of Indiana Motor Vehicle Code and ...

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Special Needs Bus Driver information

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$6

$20

$33

How much do special needs bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for special needs bus driver in the United States is $20.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a special needs bus driver?

Special Needs Bus Drivers are professionals responsible for safely transporting students with disabilities or special needs to and from school or related activities. They are trained to provide additional assistance and support, ensuring a secure and comfortable ride for their passengers. These drivers often work closely with school staff and parents, and may help students board, exit, and use safety equipment. Their role requires patience, understanding, and a strong commitment to the well-being of the children in their care.

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

To thrive as a Special Needs Bus Driver, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsements, along with knowledge of safety and disability protocols. Familiarity with wheelchair lifts, securement systems, and basic first aid or CPR certification is typically required. Patience, strong communication, and empathy are essential soft skills for supporting students with diverse needs and building trust with families. These skills and qualifications ensure the safe, compassionate, and efficient transport of special needs students, promoting their well-being and inclusion.

What are some common challenges faced by special needs bus drivers and how are they addressed?

Special Needs Bus Drivers often encounter challenges such as managing diverse behavioral needs, ensuring passenger safety during loading and unloading, and adapting to individualized transportation plans. To address these, drivers receive specialized training in behavior management techniques, first aid, and disability awareness. They also work closely with aides, school staff, and families to maintain clear communication and provide consistent support for each student's unique needs.

What is the difference between Special Needs Bus Driver vs School Bus Driver?

AspectSpecial Needs Bus DriverSchool Bus Driver
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with special certification for transporting students with disabilitiesCDL with passenger endorsement, no specialized certification required
Work EnvironmentTransporting students with disabilities, often requiring additional safety and care measuresTransporting general student population to and from school
Employer & IndustrySchool districts, special education programsSchool districts, general education transportation

Special Needs Bus Drivers and School Bus Drivers both operate school transportation vehicles, but Special Needs Bus Drivers require additional certifications and focus on transporting students with disabilities, providing specialized care and safety. School Bus Drivers typically serve the general student population without specialized training.

More about Special Needs Bus Driver jobs

What cities are hiring for Special Needs Bus Driver jobs?

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What states have the most Special Needs Bus Driver jobs?

States with the most job openings for Special Needs Bus Driver jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Special Needs Bus Driver jobs?

For Special Needs Bus Driver jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Special Needs Bus Driver job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,912 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Bus Monitor (Part-Time and Full-Time Options)

Avon, IN โ€ข On-site

Avon Community School Corporation
Elementary and Secondary Schoolsย โ€ขย 501 - 1,000 employees

$18.25/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Primary Job Functions:ย  The primary function of a School Bus Monitor is to assist the school bus driver safely and competently for the purpose of transporting Avon Community School's students to and from school and school sponsored activities daily. As a School Bus Monitor, punctuality, dependability, and the ability to be thorough are all desired qualities. ย A genuine care and concern for all staff and students should be projected, while being an example of exemplary adult behavior for students and other employees. This will be pivotal in maintaining good relationships when interacting, and effectively communicating with students, staff, parents, and the community.
Salary Lane:ย ย Hourly pay starting at $18.25.
Assigned Workday Calendar:ย  181 days (School Year Days)
Status: ย Part-Time (variable hours, not to exceed 29 per week) | Full-Time (35 hours per week)
Schedule:ย  Monday - Friday
Benefits (Part-Time Positions):ย  Positions working between 20-29 hours per week are eligible for supplemental benefits such as vision, life insurance, disability, etc. Eligible for PERF MyChoice Retirement Plan. (Not eligible for medical and dental insurance.)
Benefits (Full-Time Positions):ย  Positions working above 30 hours per week are eligible for medical, dental insurance as well as supplemental benefits such as vision, life insurance, disability, etc. Eligible for PERF MyChoice Retirement Plan.
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Paid Time Off Benefits:ย  Eligible
Holiday Pay:ย  Not Eligible
Qualifications:



  • Education:ย A high school education or equivalent is required.
  • Skills and Knowledge:ย Communicate effectively with staff, students, and parents.
  • Experience:ย  Preferred experience working with children or in an educational environment.
  • Certification:ย  None is required.
  • Other:ย  Ability to maintain a positive relationship with pupils, staff, parents, and the community.
  • Additional Requirements/Expectations for this position:
    • A person is not under the influence of alcohol during work hours, and who does not use of narcotic drugs.
    • The governing body of any school corporation may, at any time, require any school bus monitor to submit to a physical examination by a licensed physician selected by the school corporation (I.C. 20-9.1-3-1).
    • All aides/monitors must pass a physical standards test given in conjunction with the renewal of their physical fitness certificate.
    • Aides/monitors cannot text while on the school bus. Cell phones can only be used for an emergency to notify transportation.
    • Prospective employees are required to train for and pass a timed proficiency test as a prerequisite to being hired.


Essential Functions:

  • Supervise, under the direction of the bus driver, all students while boarding, riding, or departing the school bus and aid individual students as needed.
  • Assist the driver in maintaining good student conduct on the bus.
  • Direct the driver in traffic situations as necessary.
  • Assist in emergency bus evacuations.
  • Attend all mandatory transportation/special needs meetings.
  • Special Needs Bus Monitor: Ensure students are secure in a Child Safety Restraint System or Wheeled Mobility Device as required. Knowledge of lift process for both electric and manual operation. The special needs bus aide/monitor must be able to pass a timed proficiency test showing their ability to properly use all the restraints and emergency equipment associated with the transportation of students with special needs.
  • Familiar with and monitor the special needs/medical conditions of students.
  • Be an example of exemplary adult behavior for students.
  • Project a genuine care and concern for all students.
  • Drive non-CDL required vehicles (after Training) when needed.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Transportation Administrator.

Physical Demands:
ย 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls and talk or hear.ย  The employee frequently is required to walk, reach with hands and arms, climb, balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.ย  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.ย  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance, vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.

Non-Discrimination Policy:

Avon Community School Corporation does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition in admission to its programs, services, or activities, in access to them, in treatment of individuals, or in any aspect of their operations. The Avon Community School Corporation also does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.
This notice is provided as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding these laws may be forwarded to the designated compliance coordinator, Kristin Williams, Director of Human Resources.