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Substitute Bus Driver Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Paris ISD

Substitute Bus Driver

Paris, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $18.50/hr

Substitute Bus Driver Paris Independent Schools would like to hire substitute bus drivers to serve our students and schools. This position offers a flexible schedule and an opportunity to have a ...

Boyle County Schools

Substitute Bus Driver

Danville, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Substitute Bus Driver SALARY SCHEDULE: Substitutes & Students APPROVED BY: Boyle County Board of Education DATE: April 2022 ABOUT US Kids come first at Boyle County Schools. We're proud to employ a ...

Bath County Schools

Substitute Bus Driver

Owingsville, KY · On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

Title: Substitute Bus Driver (Bus Driver/Substitute/Full-time Substitute) Qualifications: 1. High School diploma or equivalent. * Must have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger ...

Larue County Schools

Substitute Bus Driver

Hodgenville, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Transportation/Substitute Bus Driver Date Posted: 6/20/2019 Location: Transportation TITLE: Bus Driver REPORTS TO: Transportation Director SUPERVISES: N/A Transport students DUTIES AND ...

Lyon KY School District

Substitute Bus Driver

Eddyville, KY · On-site

$15 - $20.50/hr

... 080 bus drivers responsibility. 2. Calculate time in order to schedule properly all stops on a route, special events and field trips. 3. Contact the Transportation Coordinator when a substitute ...

Gallatin County Schools

Substitute Bus Driver

Warsaw, KY · On-site

$15 - $20.50/hr

Substitute School Bus Driver Position Purpose Under the general supervision of the Director of Facilities, to ensure the safe transportation of students, staff, and others to and from school ...

Gallatin County Schools

Substitute Bus Driver

Warsaw, KY

$15 - $20.50/hr

Substitute School Bus Driver Position Purpose Under the general supervision of the Director of Facilities, to ensure the safe transportation of students, staff, and others to and from school ...

Henry County, KY

Substitute Bus Driver

New Castle, KY · On-site

$16.25 - $22/hr

(Bus Driver/Substitute Bus Driver) QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge and Abilities: 1. Knowledge of: Safe driving practices. Provisions of the State Motor Vehicle code and Kentucky Administration Regulations ...

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Substitute Bus Driver information

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How much do substitute bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for substitute bus driver in Kentucky is $16.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $18.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a substitute bus driver make?

A substitute bus driver typically earns between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on the location, experience, and school district policies. They often work on an as-needed basis and may require a commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger endorsements.

Do school bus drivers get paid for the entire day?

School bus drivers, including substitute bus drivers, are typically paid for the hours they work, which may include driving routes, pre- and post-trip inspections, and related duties. If they are scheduled for a full day or multiple routes, they generally receive pay for the entire scheduled period, even if some time is spent waiting or performing non-driving tasks. Payment policies can vary by school district or employer, so it's important to review specific employment agreements or contracts.

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 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 disqualifies you from being a substitute bus driver?

Substitute bus drivers are typically disqualified if they have a criminal record, especially involving offenses related to safety or transportation, or if they do not possess a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with the appropriate endorsements. Additionally, failing a background check, drug test, or medical examination can disqualify candidates, as well as a history of unsafe driving or violations of traffic laws.

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.

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 long or early morning shifts.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Substitute Bus Driver jobs in Kentucky? For Substitute Bus Driver jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Substitute Bus Driver jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Substitute Bus Driver jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Substitute Bus Driver jobs in KY? For Substitute Bus Driver jobs in KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Substitute Bus Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substitute Bus Driver job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, and 55% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,880 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Substitute Bus Driver

Paris ISD

Paris, KY • On-site

$13.50 - $18.50/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Substitute Bus Driver

Paris Independent Schools would like to hire substitute bus drivers to serve our students and schools. This position offers a flexible schedule and an opportunity to have a positive impact on many of our students. For more info contact Tabitha Pelfrey at 987-2160.

Job Description:

1. Safely drive a school bus on scheduled routes and/or all types of trips in support of district approved activities, both within and outside the school district boundaries.

2. Obey all traffic laws and safety regulations for school buses.

3. Communicate effectively with transportation office by use of two-way radio

4. Perform pre-trip inspections on the bus before each route or trip as required.

5. Ensure that students board and leave the bus, and cross the street in a safe and orderly manner

6. Maintain safe student management and be consistent with discipline following the bus rules set by the district.

7. Report unsafe acts or conditions which require the attention to the school principal.

8. Complete forms, records and reports as required by the state or district policies.

9. Participate in school bus driver training programs and courses as required.

10. Operate all school bus equipment and accessories including fire extinguishers, highway warning kits, snow chains, sanders, first aid kits, etc.

11. Clean and service the school bus to include interior sweeping.

12. Report necessary bus repairs or damage to the Transportation Lead

13. Perform basic first aid as appropriate.

14. Perform other school bus driver related duties as needed.

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