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Substitute Bus Monitor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Substitute Bus Monitor

Sterling, CO ยท On-site

$13.65/hr

Position Type: Transportation/Bus Monitor Date Posted: 12/6/2023 Location: Transportation Date Available: Immediately Closing Date: On-goingBus Monitor for Special Needs students. Substitute ...

Substitute Bus Monitor

Newport, KY ยท On-site

$15.50 - $21/hr

Substitute Date Posted: 10/13/2025 Location: Bus Lot BASIC FUNCTION: Assist school bus driver in ... REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: * Assist the bus driver in maintaining discipline on school bus; monitor and ...

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Substitute Bus Monitor information

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How much do substitute bus monitor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for substitute bus monitor 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 some common challenges faced by a Substitute Bus Monitor, and how can they be managed effectively?

Substitute Bus Monitors often face the challenge of quickly adapting to new bus routes and groups of students, who may not be familiar with them. Building rapport with students in a short time, maintaining discipline, and ensuring safety can be demanding, especially when routines differ from one assignment to another. Effective communication with the bus driver, staying calm under pressure, and following established protocols help ensure a safe and positive environment for everyone onboard. Preparation and flexibility are key to managing these challenges successfully.

What is a substitute Bus Monitor?

A substitute bus monitor is a temporary or fill-in staff member who assists with student safety and behavior on school buses when the regular monitor is absent. They typically work under the supervision of the bus driver and may need to pass background checks and training on student management and safety procedures.

What is the difference between Substitute Bus Monitor vs Bus Attendant?

AspectSubstitute Bus MonitorBus Attendant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; background checkHigh school diploma or equivalent; background check
Work EnvironmentOn school buses, as needed, often part-timeOn school buses, during student transportation
Employer & Industry UsageSchool districts, transportation departmentsSchool districts, transportation departments
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Substitute Bus Monitors and Bus Attendants typically require similar credentials and work in school transportation environments. The main difference is that Substitute Bus Monitors work on an as-needed basis, filling in when regular monitors are absent, while Bus Attendants may have more regular or scheduled shifts. Understanding these roles helps in choosing the right position within school transportation services.

What are Substitute Bus Monitors?

Substitute Bus Monitors are individuals who temporarily fill in for regular bus monitors on school buses, ensuring the safety and well-being of students during transit. Their responsibilities include assisting students with boarding and exiting the bus, maintaining order, and responding to emergencies. Substitute Bus Monitors are typically called in when the regular monitor is absent, and they must quickly adapt to changing routes and student needs. They play a crucial role in maintaining a safe and orderly environment on the school bus.

How many hours a day do bus monitors work?

Substitute bus monitors typically work part-time hours, often ranging from 2 to 4 hours per shift, depending on the school district's schedule and needs. They may work multiple shifts during the school year but generally do not work full 8-hour days. The schedule can vary based on the specific assignment and district policies.

How do I become a Bus Monitor?

To become a substitute bus monitor, applicants typically need to be at least 18 years old, pass a background check, and complete any required training or certification, such as first aid or safety courses. Some districts may also require a valid driver's license or a clean driving record, and good communication skills are essential for working with students and staff.

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

To thrive as a Substitute Bus Monitor, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic knowledge of student safety procedures, and the ability to supervise children effectively. Familiarity with radio communication systems and basic first aid certification is often required. Strong observational skills, patience, and clear communication help manage student behavior and respond to emergencies. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensuring student safety and maintaining order during transportation.

How much do bus monitors make in the US?

Bus monitors in the US typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, with the average around $12 an hour. Pay can vary based on location, experience, and school district policies, and some positions may require background checks or training certifications.
More about Substitute Bus Monitor jobs
What states have the most Substitute Bus Monitor jobs? States with the most job openings for Substitute Bus Monitor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Substitute Bus Monitor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% Full Time, 85% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,009 per year, or $18.8 per hour.
Substitute Bus Monitor

Substitute Bus Monitor

Northampton County Public Schools

Machipongo, VA โ€ข On-site

$14.30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Substitute/Substitute Bus Monitor
Date Posted:
3/13/2025
Location:
Divisionwide
Substitute Bus Monitor
Salary: $14.30/Hour (Hourly Position-No Benefits Included)
Primary Purpose
(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)
โ€ข Assist students on and off buses.
โ€ข Ensure that all student passengers, including those in wheelchairs and braces, are properly secured in their assigned seats or wheelchair slot.
โ€ข Assist in controlling student behavior.
โ€ข Tend to the special needs and conditions of each student.
โ€ข Learn bus routes, schedules, and pickup points.
โ€ข Assist substitute drivers with directions.
โ€ข Keep abreast of route and bus stop changes and student day care arrangements.
โ€ข Assist drivers in conducting bus evacuation drills.
โ€ข Assist drivers in maintaining a clean bus interior.
โ€ข Perform related work as required.
Additional Duties
Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the safety of the passengers on the school bus.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Equipment
  • School bus, safety belts, car seats, harness, wheelchair ramp/lift, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, etc.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • General knowledge of the transportation of students preferred;
  • Some knowledge of transporting students with special needs preferred;
  • Ability to assist students with patience and understanding;
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school officials, parents, students and colleagues;
  • Moderate standing, walking, moving, climbing, carrying, bending, kneeling, crawling, reaching, handling, pushing, and pulling;
  • Must have the ability to drag 80 lbs. and lift up to 50 lbs.
Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
  • Duties are performed on a school bus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to loud noise levels; fumes or airborne particles; noxious odors; vibrations from driving a bus; and traffic. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; use foot controls to drive; reach with hands and arms; climb; bend, stoop, and kneel; and talk and hear. The employee must be physically able to perform and demonstrate emergency evacuation procedures. The employee must be able to communicate orally and hear on a two-way radio with transportation dispatch and emergency services while the bus is in motion. Employees must be able to communicate effectively and positively with parents, students, staff and co-workers. Ability to lift to 50 pounds occasionally and over 50 pounds rarely. In addition, must have the ability to use emergency exits at any location on the bus. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, night/dusk vision, color vision, and peripheral vision. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.
Qualification Profile
Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:
  • High School Diploma or GED
FLSA Status: Non-exempt Hourly position