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Summer Bus Driver Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Western

Bus Driver, Part-time

Gunnison, CO · On-site

$350/day

Western seeks a bus driver with a current CDL for part-time, as-needed work for Western Colorado ... summer arts and music festivals, mountain biking, skiing, kayak/rafting, rock climbing, hiking and ...

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Summer Bus Driver information

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How much do summer bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer bus driver in Colorado is $20.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.21 and $23.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a summer bus driver?

Summer bus drivers are professional drivers who operate buses during the summer months, often transporting children to and from camps, summer school programs, recreational activities, or special events. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of passengers, adhering to scheduled routes, and maintaining order on the bus. In addition to driving, they may conduct pre-trip inspections, assist with boarding, and communicate with program coordinators or parents as needed. Summer bus drivers typically hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) and may receive special training related to transporting children.

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

To thrive as a Summer Bus Driver, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), a clean driving record, and familiarity with traffic laws and safety regulations. Experience with vehicle inspection checklists, route planning tools, and GPS navigation systems is often required. Strong communication, patience, and reliability are essential soft skills for managing students or passengers and maintaining a safe environment. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure passenger safety, timely transportation, and positive experiences throughout the summer season.

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

Summer bus drivers often contend with fluctuating passenger loads, unpredictable traffic due to seasonal events, and increased heat, which can affect both vehicle performance and passenger comfort. Staying proactive about vehicle maintenance and following proper safety protocols helps ensure reliability. Clear communication with dispatchers and fellow staff supports smooth operations, while maintaining patience and professionalism is key to managing any unexpected situations with passengers or scheduling. Many employers provide training or guidelines to help drivers handle these seasonal challenges effectively.

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

AspectSummer Bus DriverSchool Bus Driver
CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsementCDL with passenger endorsement
Work EnvironmentSummer camps, recreational trips, seasonal routesSchool campuses, daily routes during school year
Employer & IndustrySummer programs, recreational organizationsSchool districts, educational institutions

Both Summer Bus Drivers and School Bus Drivers require a CDL with passenger endorsement and operate in similar environments. The main difference is that Summer Bus Drivers typically work seasonally for camps or recreational trips, while School Bus Drivers work year-round during the school year. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right opportunity based on their preferences and certifications.

Can you become a part-time summer bus driver?

Summer bus driver positions are often available on a part-time basis, especially during peak seasons when schools or organizations need additional drivers. These roles typically require a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) and may involve flexible hours to accommodate summer schedules.

Do summer bus drivers get paid for a whole day?

Summer bus drivers are typically paid for the hours they work, which may include full or partial days depending on the schedule and route assignments. Pay is usually based on hourly rates or daily rates set by the employer, and drivers are compensated for the time they are actively working or on duty. Overtime or additional hours may also be paid if applicable.

Do summer bus drivers still get paid in the summer?

Summer bus drivers typically continue to receive pay during the summer months if they are employed for the entire season or have a year-round contract. Their pay depends on the employment agreement, hours worked, and whether they are classified as seasonal or full-time employees. Many school district or transportation company policies ensure summer pay for drivers working during the school break period.

What does a summer bus driver do during summer?

A summer bus driver is responsible for transporting students, staff, or passengers during the summer months, often on school or recreational routes. They may handle additional routes, maintain safety standards, and ensure timely arrivals, often working flexible or extended schedules. Certification in commercial driving and knowledge of safety protocols are typically required.

What are the most commonly searched types of Bus Driver jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Bus Driver jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Summer Bus Driver jobs in Colorado?

For Summer Bus Driver jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Summer Bus Driver jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Summer Bus Driver jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Summer Bus Driver jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Summer Bus Driver job openings:

Summer Bus Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Bus Driver job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,320 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Bus Driver, Part-time

Western

Gunnison, CO • On-site

$350/day

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Position Summary:

Part-time, as-needed CDL driver for Western Colorado University Athletics Department. Must have Class B CDL with passenger endorsement, no air-brake restriction & an excellent driving record. $35/hour up to 6 hours or $350/day + per diem.

Job Description:

Western seeks a bus driver with a current CDL for part-time, as-needed work for Western Colorado University Athletics Department.

Duties: Transport Western Athletes to competitions in Colorado and throughout the west. Safely and confidently operate 56-passenger motor-coach or 30-passenger shuttle bus in a variety of weather conditions including rain, ice and snow over mountainous roads. Must be available for overnight trips and late night returns to Gunnison. Must work with coaching staff to deal with any changes or interruptions in trip itinerary. Conducts vehicle pre-trip and post trip inspections and complies with Western's vehicle services policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications: Must have current Colorado Class B CDL with passenger endorsement, no air-brake restriction & an excellent driving record.

Employment is subject to successful previous employer record check, department of motor vehicle record check, FMCSA drug and alcohol clearinghouse query, and pre-employment drug screening.

Compensation: $35/hour up to 6 hours or $350/day + per diem. Benefits include PERA retirement plan participation, discounted Western fitness center membership, admission to athletic events for which duties are performed.

How to apply: complete our online application. After the Bus Driver Manager reviews online application, you will need to complete a full bus driver application packet (to be supplied by the manager).

Contact Joe Spillyards -- Athletics Vehicle Manager - 970.759.9592 with questions.

Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte

Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 graduate and undergraduate students, the majority of which reside on the campus and in the community. With average class sizes of 17 students, faculty and staff share a strong commitment to inclusivity and personalized, immersive education. They are student-oriented, collegial, enthusiastic, and engaged in the campus and community. Western is committed to continual growth in regard to diversity, equity, and inclusivity and promotes participation in DEI initiatives from students, faculty, staff, and the community. Please see ourdiversity statement, and ourDEI Committee charge.

The University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, a rural community 200 miles southwest of Denver and the gateway to Crested Butte, a world class ski community. K-12 students are served by the award-winningGunnison Watershed School District. Both communities value the arts, quality of life, community-based wrap around services for children and adults, and continued personal growth and learning opportunities. At an elevation of 7,700 feet in the southern Rocky Mountains, the Gunnison Valley provides exceptional year-round outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities including summer arts and music festivals, mountain biking, skiing, kayak/rafting, rock climbing, hiking and camping... all within minutes of the campus.

Visithttp://www.western.eduto learn more about the university.

Western Colorado University believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Western is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (for state classified positions, with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. Please see our diversity statement, and our DEII Committee charge.


ADAAA ACCOMMODATIONS:

Western Colorado University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Western will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Human Resources at HR@western.edu or (970) 943-3140.

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETERANS

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