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Substitute Bus Driver Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

STA of Arizona

Non-CDL DRIVER

Glendale, AZ

$18.25 - $22.50/hr

... notations on bus route sheets to assist future new or substitute van * As requested by the ... State-Required Driver's License must meet company standards on driving record * Three years ...

Student Transportation of America

Non-CDL DRIVER

Glendale, AZ · On-site

$18.25 - $22.50/hr

... notations on bus route sheets to assist future new or substitute van * As requested by the ... State-Required Driver's License must meet company standards on driving record * Three years ...

Mountain Line

Bus Detailer and Fueler

Flagstaff, AZ · On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

Job Purpose of a Bus Detailer Fueler Clean, fuel, and stage buses in a professional and safe manner ... Driver's License with clean 5-year MVR Candidate must be at least 18 yrs. of age Substitution: Any ...

SP+

CDL Shuttle Driver (DOT)

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Performing vehicle inspections, maintaining cleanliness of bus interiors, fueling of buses, logging ... Substitute for Cashiers or Valets, when necessary, if authorized. * Have a thorough knowledge of ...

Metropolis Corp

CDL Shuttle Driver (DOT)

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$26/hr

Performing vehicle inspections, maintaining cleanliness of bus interiors, fueling of buses, logging ... Substitute for Cashiers or Valets, when necessary, if authorized. * Have a thorough knowledge of ...

Sun Tran

Be Seen First

SUPERVISOR/DISPATCH

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$30.47/hr

Manage daily transit operations by dispatching drivers, assigning bus routes, and serving as a ... Coordinate service interruptions by recording route changes, assigning substitute drivers ...

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Substitute Bus Driver information

See Arizona salary details

$6

$17

$25

How much do substitute bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for substitute bus driver in Arizona is $17.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.57 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a substitute bus driver?

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 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 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 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.

How much do substitute bus drivers get paid?

Substitute bus drivers typically earn an hourly wage that ranges from $15 to $25, depending on the location and school district. They often work part-time or on an as-needed basis and may need a commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger endorsement to qualify.

What disqualifies you from being a substitute bus driver?

Substitute bus drivers are typically disqualified if they do not meet licensing requirements such as possessing a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsements, have a history of serious traffic violations or criminal offenses, or fail background checks and drug screenings. Additionally, inability to pass a physical exam or meet age and training requirements can disqualify candidates.

Why are school bus drivers quitting?

School bus drivers often quit due to low pay, challenging working conditions, and irregular hours that can impact work-life balance. Additionally, the job requires a commercial driver's license and safety training, and some drivers leave for better opportunities or due to burnout from the demanding schedule.

What are popular job titles related to Substitute Bus Driver jobs in Arizona?

For Substitute Bus Driver jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Substitute Bus Driver jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Substitute Bus Driver jobs in Arizona are:

What are popular job titles related to Substitute Bus Driver jobs in AZ?

For Substitute Bus Driver jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Substitute Bus Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substitute Bus Driver job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,352 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Bus Aide

San Carlos Unified School District

San Carlos, AZ

$14.21/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description


SAN CARLOS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 20
P.O. Box 207
San Carlos, AZ  85550
www.sancarlosbraves.org
(928) 475-2315
Mission: We exist to educate and empower students to become culturally responsive, global Nn'ee
Vision:  We will become an effective student focused learning community graduating culturally confident citizens.
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NO. 24-631
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:  Discrimination against an otherwise qualified individual with a disability or any individual by reason of race, color, religion, sex, and age or national origin is prohibited.  Efforts will be made in recruitment and employment to ensure equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons.  San Carlos Unified School District Governing Board Policy No. GBA.  San Carlos Schools does recognize Native American Preference in Employment.
BUS AIDE
  JOB SUMMARY  
Assists the school bus driver in providing safe transportation of pupils to and from public schools and various activities, including students with special needs, providing help to the school bus driver; loading/securing wheelchairs on the bus; securing passengers in their seats; and assisting students boarding and exiting the school bus.
  DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 
  • Assists young and/or disabled students in boarding and/or exiting the school bus.
  • Ensures each student is transported in the proper manner (regular seat w/without seat belt, car seat, wheelchair, etc.).  It may be necessary to lift/carry students onto or off the school bus.  In some cases it will be necessary to lift students into or out of their seats.
  • Assists in maintaining discipline and enforcing rules and regulations pertaining to student behavior.
  • Tends to the special needs and conditions of each student.
  • Assists bus drivers and substitute drivers with directions.
  • Learn bus routes, schedules and pickup points.
  • May be required to drive students to and from school using a white fleet vehicle.
  • Keeps abreast of route and bus stop changes and student day care arrangements.
  • Assists driver in conducting scheduled emergency evacuation drills on the school bus. 
  • Assists the school bus driver in maintaining a clean bus and bus interior.  This can include but is not limited to sweeping, picking up articles, and cleaning windows.
  • Promptly reports incidents to the Bus Driver and the school staff.  Returns any personal items left on the bus to the school or the child's family.
  • Presents a neat, clean, and courteous appearance to parents, students, school personnel and the general public.
  • Must have own means of transportation to travel and meet the assigned bus/driver.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
 
  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities Required) 
  • EDUCATION:  High school diploma or GED preferred
 
  • LICENSURE: Possession of a valid driver's license.
 
  • FINGERPRINT CLEARANCE CARD: Must hold valid fingerprint clearance card, prior to reporting to work.   
 
  • EXPERIENCE:  Related experience in school transportation preferred.  Prior experience with children and/or children with special needs preferred.
 
  • ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL/MOTOR SKILLS:   General knowledge of the transportation of students. Ability to speak clearly to communicate.  Ability to operate the wheel chair lift.  Ability to secure wheelchairs.  Ability to move about a moving bus to ensure the safety of the children.  Must check office mailbox and e-mail a minimum of one time per week and attend scheduled meetings.
 
  • INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:  Excellent communication skills necessary to positively interact with the students, parents, and staff members.  Must be able to handle frequent interruptions and deadlines to include changes in schedules due to special students activities to include early dismissal, etc.  Ability to establish and maintain a harmonious working relationship with young and disabled pupils and their families with patience and understanding.
 
  • ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Ability to sit for long periods of time.  Ability to reach, climb, carry, crawl, push, pull, bend, and stoop.  Ability to move about the bus and area around the bus.  Ability to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted.  
 
LICENSING REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR Certifications within 30 days of employment.
  • Ability to complete wheelchair and special needs handling training
 
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
None
  SUPERVISION RECEIVED Performs duties under the general supervision of the Director of Transportation who provides an annual performance evaluation.  Instructions and assignments are provided through the Coordinator of Transportation, Assistant Coordinator of Transportation and Coordinator of Safety, Training and Recruitment.  
  WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Must be alert at all times and able to respond to emergencies.  Must be able to lift and carry a child up to 50 pounds.  Must be able to operate the special equipment on the school bus (wheelchair lift, wheelchair tie downs, car seat, etc.).  Requires early morning hours and some late evening hours.  Successfully completes all First Aid and CPR requirements in a timely manner.  There is a no cell phone use policy while working on a school division owned vehicle and/or while caring for or supervising students.
Shift Type:      6 hours per day, .75 FTE
Salary Range:   Range 1 on Classified Staff Salary Schedule - Starting $14.21 per hour
Location:        Transportation
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee.  The incumbent will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by the principal or appropriate administrator.  San Carlos Unified School District reserves the right to update, revise or change this job description and related duties at any time. FLSA status:  Non-Exempt Description revised:  Proposed       



































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