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Substitute School Bus Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Substitute School Bus Driver

Jackson, GA · On-site

$14.75 - $20.25/hr

Verification of High School Diploma/GED and/or age should be uploaded or provided to Central Office prior to being placed on the approved list of substitute bus drivers. Background checks are ...

Substitute Bus Driver

Barberton, OH · On-site

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

Applications are being accepted for substitute school bus drivers and school bus aides (training provided). Bus driver applicants must have a clean driving record and must pass a drug test and a ...

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Substitute School Bus Driver information

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How much do substitute school bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for substitute school 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 is a substitute school bus driver?

Substitute school bus drivers are licensed drivers who temporarily fill in for regular school bus drivers when they are unavailable due to illness, vacation, or other reasons. They ensure students are transported safely to and from school and related events by following established routes and schedules. Substitute drivers must meet the same qualifications as regular drivers, including holding a commercial driver’s license (CDL) with a school bus endorsement, passing background checks, and completing required training. Their flexible schedules make them essential for maintaining reliable transportation services in school districts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substitute school bus driver?

To thrive as a Substitute School Bus Driver, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) with appropriate endorsements, a clean driving record, and knowledge of safe driving practices. Familiarity with vehicle inspection procedures, basic maintenance, and the use of two-way radios or GPS systems is often required. Strong communication skills, patience, and the ability to manage student behavior stand out as critical soft skills. These abilities are essential to ensure the safe, reliable, and positive transportation of students, even in changing or challenging situations.

What are some common challenges faced by substitute school bus drivers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Substitute school bus drivers often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to unfamiliar routes, managing varying student behaviors, and adjusting to different school schedules. To handle these effectively, it's helpful to thoroughly review route maps ahead of time, maintain clear communication with the school's transportation coordinator, and apply strong student management skills to foster a safe, respectful environment on the bus. Building flexibility and staying organized can make transitions smoother and help substitute drivers succeed in diverse assignments.

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

AspectSubstitute School Bus DriverSchool Bus Driver
CredentialsValid commercial driver’s license (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsementsValid CDL with passenger and school bus endorsements
Work EnvironmentOn-call, variable schedule, primarily during school hoursFull-time or part-time, regular schedule during school hours
EmployerSchool districts or transportation companiesSchool districts or transportation departments

Substitute School Bus Drivers fill in for regular drivers on an as-needed basis, often with flexible hours. School Bus Drivers typically have a set schedule and are employed full-time or part-time. Both roles require similar credentials and work in the same environment, serving the transportation needs of students.

Can you make a living off of being a substitute school bus driver?

Substitute school bus drivers typically earn part-time wages, which may not be sufficient for a full-time living unless combined with other income sources. Their schedules are often flexible but limited in hours, and additional certifications such as a commercial driver's license (CDL) are usually required. Many drivers supplement their income through other part-time work or benefits.

How much do substitute school bus drivers get paid?

Substitute school bus drivers typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on the location, experience, and school district. Pay rates may also vary based on certifications such as a commercial driver's license (CDL) and background checks required for the job.

What other jobs can a substitute school bus driver do?

A substitute school bus driver can often transition to roles such as full-time bus driver, transportation coordinator, or school bus trainer, utilizing their driving skills and knowledge of safety protocols. They may also qualify for positions like delivery driver or courier, which require similar driving and safety skills, often with a commercial driver's license (CDL).

What cities are hiring for Substitute School Bus Driver jobs?

Cities with the most Substitute School Bus Driver job openings:

What states have the most Substitute School Bus Driver jobs?

States with the most job openings for Substitute School Bus Driver jobs include:

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

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

Substitute School Bus Driver

Gurnee, IL • On-site

Woodland School District 50
Education • 501 - 1,000 employees

$25.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Position Title:          Substitute School Bus Driver
Applicants are instructed to address in their application/resume their experiences directly related to each section noted in the posting.  Only completed/submitted online applications with supporting documents will be screened.
Date Posted:           August 20, 2025
Location:                Transportation Department
Date Available:       Flexible / Upon Hire
Description:           A  School Bus Driver provides safe and efficient transportation so that students may enjoy the fullest possible advantage from the district's curriculum and extracurricular activities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1.   License:
      A.   Required Valid Drivers License and must be willing to be trained by the District to receive your CDL license and Illinois School Bus Permit
      B.   Preferred  Valid Drivers License with CDL endorsement and Illinois School Bus Permit
2.   Education:
      A.  Required High School Diploma or Equivalent 
3.   Experience:
      A.  Preferred  Prior school bus driver experience a plus.  Spanish Speaking a plus.
ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:  
1.         Observe all mandatory Federal, State and local safety laws/regulations for school buses
2.         Perform all required pre-trip and post-trip inspections and complete all applicable form(s)
3.         Maintain a seating chart for each route
4.         Follow directions as written
5.         Contact parents when required by route selection
6.         Obey all traffic laws
7.         Perform basic first aid and CPR as appropriate and maintains awareness of individual medical alerts as they pertain to the students on their bus
8.         Maintain student discipline at all times and report all behavior problems
9.         Work effectively with students of different grade levels, abilities or program placement
10.       Transport only authorized students
11.       Discharge students only at authorized stops
12.       Report all accidents and complete all required reports
13        Exercise responsible leadership when on in-district or out-of-district charters
14.       Be punctual.  Maintain assigned schedule of routes
15.       Successfully complete school bus driver training programs and courses established by the state or school district
16.       Comply with all procedures and policies established by the Board of Education and the Woodland School District Department of Transportation
17.       Attend all required meetings as directed
18.       Accurately and legibly complete all forms, records, reports and documentation/data-logging activities as required by state regulations and/or district policy
19.       Clean and service the school bus to include interior cleaning, exterior bus washing, installation of fuel, verification of oil and other fluids as directed
20.       Report, in writing, all mechanical failures or problems the same day as observed
21.       Follow the procedures established for loading and unloading of students at all schools 
22.       Demonstrate competence in Federal, Illinois and Lake County school bus laws and training for student/staff safety
23.       Arive and perform all duties essential to school bus operation
24        Relate effectively with parents, staff and public within a diverse community
25.       Performs such other tasks and assumes such other responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Transportation or designee
DISTRICT CORE COMPETENCIES:


















































  1. Support the establishment of mutual respect and equal human dignity across the entire school community.
  2. Welcomes inclusion, equity and diversity.
  3. Have an unwavering commitment to the success of all students.
  4. Understanding that your identity may be different than students, parents, and staff, you are willing to put those differences aside for the success of all students.
  5. Regardless of the identities of students, staff, or parents, works collaboratively to build a successful relationship with them.
  6. Willingly anticipate, identify and adopt change.
  7. Engage in all job-related interactions and activities, with contacts from within and outside the District, in a courteous and professional manner.
  8. Communicate with styles that are approachable and respectful.
  9. Participate in professional development and training to become more effective and efficient.
  10. Take initiative to manage multiple tasks.
  11. Effectively organize work to be as productive as possible.  


Technical:     Must have the ability to pass state or federal medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, and criminal background check; minimum three year excellent driving record with no suspensions or DUI convictions; proven ability to drive and perform all duties essential to safe school bus operation.
Interpersonal:  Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with students, staff, parents, businesses and community.  Strong organization, communication and interpersonal skills.  Rapid problem-solving skills to effectively handle crisis communications.  Empathetic, humanistic and open-minded. Strong sense of teamwork.  Must be able to work harmoniously with the community, students, parents, staff, and administration, etc.  Must be able to communicate effectively with students, parents and staff and all stakeholders within a divers community regarding all spects of school bus driver activities.  Must exhibit sound judgment in dealing with people.  Must have strong organizational skills.  Must be a proven team player with good work ethics.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Manual Dexterity:  Work requires definite skilled and accurate physical operations requiring some closely coordinated performance.
Physical Effort:      Work requires handling average weight materials or equipment, but not for sustained periods.  Travel to schools and seminars as needed.
Working Conditions:  Some exposure to definitely disagreeable elements.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:   Varied per collective bargaining agreement
SALARY RANGE:    $25.50 per hour
HOW TO APPLY:  Internal applicants should apply online at www.dist50.net and attach a resume to the online application. External applicants should apply online and attach three letters of recommendations and resume to the online application www.dist50.net.  All applicants must be willing to interview in person and demonstrate skills through a situational analysis.  Applicants will be contacted within three weeks if invited for an interview.  Minority candidates are encouraged to apply.
Further information regarding this position may be obtained by contacting:
CONTACT PERSON: 
Dawna Choe
Director of Transportation
dchoe@dist50.net
(847) 856-3644
APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Open
Woodland School District 50 is an Equal Opportunity Employer with established policies prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, ancestry, marital status, arrest record, military status, order of protection status, unfavorable military discharge, citizenship status provided the individual is authorized to work in the United States, use of lawful products while not at work, being a victim of domestic or sexual violence, genetic information, physical or mental handicap or disability, if otherwise able to perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, or other legally protected categories.  The Associate Superintendent of Educational Services (847-596-5631) addresses questions regarding student discrimination and serves as the Districts Title IX Coordinator, and the Executive Director of Human Resources (847-596-5640) answers questions concerning employment discrimination.
EP1-FY25-2665