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Substitute Bus Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Anamosa Fire Department

Substitute Bus Driver

Anamosa, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $22.25/hr

Substitute Bus Driver JobID: 450 * Position Type: Substitute/ Substitute Bus Driver * Date Posted: 7/16/2025 * Location: Anamosa Community School District * Date Available: As Needed * Closing Date:

Sandusky City Schools

Substitute Bus Driver

Sandusky, OH · On-site

$21/hr

Substitute Positions/Substitute Bus Driver Date Posted: 5/23/2025 Location: Bus Garage Date Available: 25/26 SY Closing Date: Until FilledSandusky City Schools Substitute Bus Drivers are scheduled to ...

Delaware Schools Consortium

Substitute Bus Driver

Dover, DE · On-site

$16.25 - $22.25/hr

Substitute/Bus Driver Date Posted: 2/14/2024 Location: Thomas D. Clayton Building Date Available: ASAP Closing Date: until filled District: Smyrna School District Please see the Bus Driver for ...

Delaware Schools Consortium

Substitute Bus Driver

Dover, DE · On-site

$13 - $17.75/hr

Substitute/Bus Driver Date Posted: 2/14/2024 Location: Thomas D. Clayton Building Date Available: ASAP Closing Date: until filled District: Smyrna School District Please see the Bus Driver for ...

Brazos ISD

Substitute Bus Driver

Wallis, TX · On-site

$14.50 - $19.75/hr

Substitute Bus Drivers Brazos ISD is now accepting applications for substitute bus drivers. Qualifications: Class A or B CDL, current bus driver certification, current physical, fingerprinted ...

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How much do substitute bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for substitute bus driver in the United States is $18.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are substitute bus drivers?

Substitute bus drivers are trained professionals who temporarily fill in for regular school bus drivers when they are unavailable due to illness, vacation, or other reasons. They are responsible for safely transporting students to and from school, following established routes and schedules. Substitute bus drivers must meet the same licensing and safety requirements as regular drivers, including passing background checks and holding a valid commercial driver's license with appropriate endorsements. They play a crucial role in maintaining consistent transportation services for schools.

What are some common challenges Substitute Bus Drivers face when adapting to new routes or student groups?

Substitute Bus Drivers often encounter the challenge of quickly familiarizing themselves with unfamiliar routes and schedules, which requires strong attention to detail and adaptability. They may also need to manage varying student behaviors, as each group has its own dynamics and routines. Building rapport with students and coordinating with school staff and regular drivers are crucial for ensuring safety and maintaining a smooth ride. Flexibility and effective communication help substitute drivers successfully navigate these challenges and provide reliable transportation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Substitute Bus Driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Substitute Bus Driver, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) with appropriate endorsements, safe driving skills, and a good driving record. Familiarity with school bus operation, basic vehicle maintenance, and adherence to transportation safety protocols are essential, with some school districts requiring additional training or certifications. Reliability, patience, clear communication, and the ability to manage student behavior are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the safe and timely transport of students while maintaining order and fostering a positive environment on the bus.

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

AspectSubstitute Bus DriverSchool Bus Driver
Required CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsementCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsement
Work EnvironmentOn-call, as-needed basis, covering absencesFull-time or part-time, regular routes and schedules
Employer & IndustrySchool districts, transportation companiesSchool districts, private schools

Substitute Bus Drivers fill in for regular drivers on an as-needed basis, often working irregular hours. School Bus Drivers typically have scheduled routes and consistent hours. Both roles require similar certifications and work within the school transportation industry, but their employment patterns differ.

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Substitute Bus Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substitute Bus Driver job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 19% Full Time, 76% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,009 per year, or $18.8 per hour.
Substitute Bus Driver

Substitute Bus Driver

Fort Smith Public Schools

Fort Smith, AR • On-site

$15/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Fort Smith Public Schools rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 545 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

Substitute Bus Driver Job Description

Substitute bus driver positions with Fort Smith Public Schools are part-time positions. Typically, substitute bus drivers must be available to work from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

  • Most bus routes are less than 1.5 hours in duration.
  • Substitute bus drivers must have patience with children.
  • Substitute bus drivers must have a good driving record.
  • Substitute bus drivers are called, as needed, to drive a bus route when the regular driver is absent. As a substitute bus driver, we are flexible with your availability, in regard to which days or how many days you are available to work.
  • Daily pay for substitute bus drivers is $70 - (paid on the 15th and 31st of each month)
  • Pay for driving activity trips (ballgames, field trips, contests, etc.) is $15.00/hour with a three hour minimum. Most trips are in the late afternoons or evenings. However, occasionally there are some short trips in the mornings or early afternoons.

Applicants with a CDL are preferred, but not required. School substitute bus drivers must have the following endorsements on their license:

  • Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License.
  • S endorsement specific for driving a school bus
  • P endorsement needed to drive any passenger bus, including school buses.
  • No hydraulic brake restriction - all of our buses are equipped with air brakes.

If you do not have your CDL with endorsements, but want to work for us as a substitute bus driver, we can provide some training and on-site testing to assist you.

Other job functions include:

  • Follow district discipline procedures.
  • Maintain emotional control under stress.
  • Must have the ability to lift at least 40 pounds occasionally.
  • Ability to endure prolonged standing, walking, sitting, kneeling, occasional reaching above the head or the shoulders, bending, squatting.

Apply