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Substitute Bus Driver Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

School City of Hobart

Substitute Bus Driver

Hobart, IN · On-site

$21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Substitute Bus Driver School City of Hobart Seeking Substitute Bus Drivers for the School City of Hobart. Positions are filled on an as-needed basis. Position Summary To facilitate the transportation ...

School City of Hobart

Substitute Bus Driver

Hobart, IN · On-site

$21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Filled as Needed Substitute Bus Driver School City of Hobart Seeking Substitute Bus Drivers for the School City of Hobart. Positions are filled on an as-needed basis. Position Summary To facilitate ...

School City of Hobart

Substitute Bus Driver

Hobart, IN · On-site

$21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Filled as Needed Substitute Bus Driver School City of Hobart Seeking Substitute Bus Drivers for the School City of Hobart. Positions are filled on an as-needed basis. Position Summary To facilitate ...

Hanover Township

Substitute Bus Driver

Bartlett, IL · On-site

$19/hr

  • PTO

HANOVER TOWNSHIP -- SUBSTITUTE BUS DRIVER The "SUBSTITUTE BUS DRIVER" role fills in for Drivers as needed due to planned or unplanned time off and position vacancies as well as occasional shuttle ...

Duneland School

Substitute Bus Drivers

Chesterton, IN · On-site

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

Duneland School Corporation Substitute Bus Driver A Duneland School Corporation substitute bus driver is required to operate all school vehicles in a safe and lawful manner. This position has a ...

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All JobsSubstitute Bus Driver JobsSubstitute Bus Driver Jobs in Chicago, IL

Substitute Bus Driver information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$6

$19

$28

How much do substitute bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for substitute bus driver in Chicago, IL is $19.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $22.02 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 Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Substitute Bus Driver jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Substitute Bus Driver jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Substitute Bus Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substitute Bus Driver job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,185 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Substitute Bus Driver

School City of Hobart

Hobart, IN • On-site

$21.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Substitute Bus Driver 
School City of Hobart 

Seeking Substitute Bus Drivers for the School City of Hobart. Positions are filled on an as-needed basis. 

Position Summary

To facilitate the transportation of students to and from school, as well as related activities, in a prompt and safe manner by serving as an on-call substitute to cover assigned routes and trips as needed. 

Key Responsibilities

  • Safely drive a school bus over designated routes and activity trips as assigned, loading and unloading students at designated locations.
  • Follow all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and district procedures related to student transportation, including railroad crossing and safe loading/unloading procedures.
  • Use required warning devices (e.g., stop arm and warning lights) and assigned safety equipment in accordance with training and district procedures.
  • Complete required pre-trip and post-trip inspections; report mechanical concerns immediately and complete required documentation and reports.
  • Maintain a clean, orderly bus interior; sweep/clean as needed and refuel the bus after assigned routes/trips in accordance with district procedures.
  • Maintain order and discipline among students in accordance with district policies; promptly report student incidents and safety concerns through established channels.
  • Complete required post-route child-check procedures after routes and trips to ensure no child is left on the bus, and participate in required training/safety drills.

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform the essential functions of the position.

Minimum Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • At least 21 years old.
  • Valid Indiana driver's license.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B with required endorsements (Passenger, School Bus, and Air Brake), as required by the position.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain the Indiana State school bus driver certification ("yellow card"), as required.
  • Ability to meet applicable medical/physical qualification requirements for commercial driving, including required physical examinations and/or medical certification.
  • Ability to participate in required drug and alcohol testing programs (e.g., pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion), as applicable.

Preferred:
Prior experience working as a bus driver, preferably in a school district or transporting children.

Terms of Employment

School City of Hobart is a CDL training locationqualified applicants may be hired as CDL Driver Trainees while obtaining the required CDL and endorsements. Salary and benefits as defined in the School City of Hobart Transportation Department Staff Handbook. 

FLSA Status
Non-Exempt 

Pay Rates
Substitute Bus Driver: $21.50/hour

Benefits 
This substitute position is not eligible for retirement or health insurance benefits.

Physical Demands 

This position requires the ability to safely operate a vehicle; enter/exit and move within the bus; perform pre-trip/post-trip inspections; assist with student loading/unloading and emergency response; and lift/carry items up to 25 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally. Specialized routes may require operating wheelchair lift equipment and securing mobility devices and occupant restraints, as applicable.

Work Environment 

Work is performed primarily in a school bus/transportation setting with frequent exposure to varying weather conditions, road and traffic hazards, noise, fumes/diesel exhaust, and other typical vehicle-related conditions. The position requires sustained alertness and safe operation of district vehicles while interacting with students and the public, and may include working early mornings, afternoons, evenings, and occasional trips/special routes as assigned.

Application Procedure

Please submit an online application. If you have questions about the position, contact:

Becky Rosenbaum, Director of Transportation
Email: rrosenbaum@hobart.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 947-2413 Ext. 2

Pre-Employment Requirements

Employment is contingent upon meeting district pre-employment requirements. This includes expanded criminal history checks, expanded child protection index checks, and motor vehicle record reviews, as applicable. A CDL physical and drug screening are also required. Other pre-employment requirements may apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The School City of Hobart is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The School City of Hobart ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. The School City of Hobart has a policy of active recruitment of qualified minority teachers and non-certified employees. Any individual needing assistance in making application for any opening should contact the Department of Human Resources.



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