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Trainee Bus Driver Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Shuttle Bus Driver

Chicago, IL

$18.50 - $23.25/hr

Position Summary The Shuttle Bus Driver reports to the Safety, Security & Transportation Manager ... Effectively relate to the trainee population. Ability to fluently read and write English. The ...

Shuttle Bus Driver

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.43/hr

Position Summary The Shuttle Bus Driver reports to the Safety, Security & Transportation Manager ... Effectively relate to the trainee population. Ability to fluently read and write English. The ...

Shuttle Bus Driver

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.43/hr

Position Summary The Shuttle Bus Driver reports to the Safety, Security & Transportation Manager ... Effectively relate to the trainee population. Ability to fluently read and write English. The ...

Must be at least 21 years of age; for Tennessee School Bus Drivers, must be at least 25 years of ... Note: All interested applicants for a Transit Driver position begin with us as a Driver Trainee.

Must be at least 21 years of age; for Tennessee School Bus Drivers, must be at least 25 years of ... Note: All interested applicants for a Transit Driver position begin with us as a Driver Trainee.

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Showing results 1-20

Trainee Bus Driver information

See Illinois salary details

$24.2K

$48.4K

$64.4K

How much do trainee bus driver jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee bus driver in Illinois is $48,406.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,800.00 and $56,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trainee bus driver?

Trainee bus drivers are individuals who are in the process of learning how to safely and efficiently operate a bus, usually through a structured training program provided by a bus company or public transport authority. During this period, trainees receive instruction on driving techniques, safety procedures, customer service, and route navigation. They typically need to obtain the appropriate commercial driving license and pass both theoretical and practical assessments before becoming fully qualified bus drivers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trainee bus driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Bus Driver, you need a clean driving record, basic numeracy and literacy skills, and eligibility to obtain a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) license. Familiarity with ticketing machines, route navigation systems, and completion of Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training are typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and customer service skills help you interact effectively with passengers and handle difficult situations. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, reliable service and positive experiences for all passengers on public transport.

What are some common challenges faced by trainee bus drivers during their initial training period?

Trainee bus drivers often find adapting to driving large vehicles in busy urban environments to be one of the biggest challenges. Learning to navigate tight turns, manage blind spots, and safely handle unpredictable traffic can take some time. Another common hurdle is mastering customer service skills, as drivers interact with a diverse range of passengers daily. Balancing attention between the road, schedules, and passenger needs requires focus and practice, but thorough training and support from experienced instructors help trainees build confidence and competence over time.

What is the difference between Trainee Bus Driver vs Bus Driver?

AspectTrainee Bus DriverBus Driver
CertificationsLearner's permit, basic trainingCommercial driver's license (CDL)
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, supervised routesOperating buses on scheduled routes
ExperienceNone or minimalExperienced in passenger transport
Job StatusTraining phaseFull-time professional

The main difference between a Trainee Bus Driver and a Bus Driver is that the trainee is in the learning phase, holding basic permits and undergoing training, while the bus driver is fully qualified, experienced, and operating routes independently. Trainees are gaining the skills needed to become certified bus drivers, whereas bus drivers are responsible for safely transporting passengers on scheduled routes.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Trainee Bus Driver jobs in Illinois?

For Trainee Bus Driver jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Trainee Bus Driver jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Trainee Bus Driver jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Trainee Bus Driver jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Trainee Bus Driver job openings:

Infographic showing various Trainee Bus Driver job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,406 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Shuttle Bus Driver

Aleut Federal

Chicago, IL

$18.50 - $23.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Job Corps is the country's most extensive nationwide no-cost residential career training program and has been operating for over 50 years. With a mission to “attract eligible young people, teach them the skills they need to become employable and independent and place them in meaningful jobs or further their education,” the program helps eligible young people ages 16 through 24 complete their high school education, trains them for meaningful careers, and assists them with obtaining employment. Job Corps has trained and educated over two million individuals since 1964.

Position Summary

The Shuttle Bus Driver reports to the Safety, Security & Transportation Manager.  Responsible for supplying student transportation services and performing general maintenance duties throughout the center. Demonstrates ongoing commitment to preparing young people for the workforce by modeling, mentoring, and monitoring excellence in the eight Career Success Standards of workplace relations and ethics; information management; communications; multicultural awareness; personal growth and development; career and personal planning; interpersonal skills; and independent living.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Demonstrates and abides by Aleut Core Values and operating principles.
  • Transports students by bus and automobile to various vocational sites, medical centers, recreational activities, courts, etc.
  • Responsible for performing vehicle transportation support functions under the direction of a supervisor in compliance with DOT regulations and government, corporate, and management directives.
  • Transports equipment and/or commodities to the center.
  • Inspect and report on the mechanical condition of vehicles.
  • Maintain accurate and complete trip reports for each use of any vehicle.
  • Assist in reception functions and maintain the staff/student/visitor control area.
  • Act as switchboard operations as required.
  • Attends required staff training sessions.
  • Communicates and consistently models appropriate CSS and employability skills, including personal responsibility and computer fluency.
  • Maintains accountability of staff, students, and property and adheres to safety practices in all areas of responsibility.
  • Cultivates and maintains a climate in the center that is free of harassment, intimidation, and disrespect to provide a safe place for staff and students to work and learn.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work a person performs in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.

Education and Experience Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • CDL required
  • Six months of work-related experience is preferred.
  • Valid State driver's license in the state of employment with an acceptable driving record.
  • Prefer training with an organized Security department.

Additional Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid Certification. Ability to operate power tools. Effectively relate to the trainee population. Ability to fluently read and write English. The position requires the ability to operate power tools. In addition, individuals must be able to interact with team members and maintain an effective working relationship with all facility staff and departments.

Working Conditions: This position involves frequent sitting and driving. Occasionally, it involves standing, walking, bending, stooping, climbing, carrying, squatting, kneeling, pushing, pulling, and running, so flexibility is important. The applicant must be able to see, hear, and speak.

Environmental Demands: The position requires the ability to spend 50% of work time outside and 50% of work time indoors; the ability to withstand moderate noise levels, including voice levels, 90% of work time; the ability to work in high-temperature settings during the summer months; and ability to work in low-temperature settings in winter months.

Aleut offers the following benefits to eligible employees:

  • Health insurance
  • Dental/Vision insurance
  • Paid Time Off

Aleut Federal, LLC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, AF complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. AF prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

 
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Company Description

At Aleut Federal, the company and its mission are just as important as the job you are applying for. Aleut Federal is an Alaskan Native-owned enterprise that aims to support our “Shareholders,” the Unangax, the indigenous people of the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. People are at the core, the core of everything we do. We support our Shareholders by providing excellent service and quality results to our clients and the various branches of the federal government. We engage in local markets, so community service is embedded in our process.

Our culture nurtures the strength of our workforce through mentorship and coaching, providing opportunities for growth and competitive benefits. We support and encourage diversity, inclusion, and accountability at every level.

The Aleut Federal motto is “We are One” because we genuinely believe that with one heart, one mind, and one purpose, we can accomplish our mission and be an organization anyone would be proud to be a part of.