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Trainee Bus Driver Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Portland Public Schools

Bus Driver Trainee

Portland, OR · On-site

$19.18 - $23.53/hr

Bus Driver Trainee POSITION OVERVIEW: Looking to start a rewarding new career, earn your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) for free, and get paid while you learn? Portland Public Schools is hiring ...

Portland Public Schools

Bus Driver Trainee

Portland, OR · On-site

$19.18 - $23.53/hr

Bus Driver Trainee POSITION OVERVIEW: Looking to start a rewarding new career, earn your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) for free, and get paid while you learn? Portland Public Schools is hiring ...

Bandon School District

Substitute Bus Driver

Bandon, OR · On-site

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

Must have successfully completed a Bus Driver Trainee program. * Must possess a satisfactory driving record and an understanding of safe driving practices. * Must read, speak, and write the English ...

Bandon School District

Substitute Bus Driver

Bandon, OR · On-site

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

Must have successfully completed a Bus Driver Trainee program. * Must possess a satisfactory driving record and an understanding of safe driving practices. * Must read, speak, and write the English ...

Bandon School District

Substitute Bus Driver

Bandon, OR

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

Must have successfully completed a Bus Driver Trainee program. * Must possess a satisfactory driving record and an understanding of safe driving practices. * Must read, speak, and write the English ...

All JobsBus Driver JobsTrainee Bus Driver JobsTrainee Bus Driver Jobs in Oregon

Trainee Bus Driver information

See Oregon salary details

$26.4K

$52.8K

$70.3K

How much do trainee bus driver jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee bus driver in Oregon is $52,815.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $61,300.00 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 Oregon?

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

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

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

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

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

Trainee Bus Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Bus Driver job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,815 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Bus Driver Trainee

Portland Public Schools

Portland, OR • On-site

$19.18 - $23.53/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Portland Public Schools (Oregon) rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

189th of 631 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

Position Type:
TRANSPORTATION/BUS DRIVER
Date Posted:
8/7/2026
Location:
Transportation
Date Available:
ASAP
Closing Date:
Open until filled
TITLE: Bus Driver Trainee
POSITION OVERVIEW:
Looking to start a rewarding new career, earn your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) for free, and get paid while you learn? Portland Public Schools is hiring Bus Driver Trainees to join our Operations team!
No commercial driving experience? No problem. We provide complete, in-house paid training to help you succeed, offering steady work while you train and full-time guarantees once licensed.
TOP PERKS:
  • Get Paid While You Learn: We offer fully paid in-house training to help you obtain your Class B CDL with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements no out-of-pocket tuition costs!
  • Steady Work While You Train: Start earning immediately! While in training, you will work 30 hours per week year-round as a Bus Assistant and Van Driver, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
  • Guaranteed 40-Hour Schedule After Licensing: Once you pass your exams and earn your CDL, you step into guaranteed 40 hours per week during the school year (and 30 guaranteed hours per week in the summer).
  • 3-Day Summer Weekends: Enjoy your summers! Most positions feature Fridays off during the summer months, giving you extended weekends to relax and recharge.
  • Frequent Course Starts: Don't wait to start your new path new training cohorts begin frequently so you can jump in right away.
  • Union Representation: Benefit from a structured, represented pay plan and strong workplace advocacy.
  • Meaningful Community Work: Serve as a vital extension of the classroom, supporting students daily and helping them travel safely.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBLITIES:
  • Earn & Learn: Participate in structured classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction to prepare for your Class B CDL, Air Brake, Passenger, and School Bus exams.
  • Gain Hands-On Experience: Drive district vans and serve as a Bus Assistant aboard routes, helping maintain a safe, welcoming environment for student passengers.
  • Support Student Transportation: Assist students with boarding, ensure student safety, and support drivers with daily operational needs.
  • Prepare for the Road: Learn vehicle pre- and post-trip safety inspection protocols, traffic safety rules, and route navigation.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Valid Driver's License: Active standard driver's license with a clean, safe driving record (no felony or DUI/OUI convictions, max 2 moving violations in the past 24 months)
  • Background Check: CHRC authorization through the Maine Department of Education (cost is $70 - more info here)
  • Education: High School or GED diploma required
  • Commitment to Learn: Eagerness to complete training schedules and earn your Class B CDL with P and S endorsements.
  • Physical Capability: Ability to pass required pre-employment physical exams, background checks, and drug/alcohol screenings, and lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
  • Student Focus: Friendly attitude, good communication skills, and a desire to make a positive impact on Portland's students!
  • Bonus Qualifications: First Aid and CPR certifications are a plus (or we can help you get certified!).
EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:
  • Schedule: Full Year, Part Time (0.75 FTE)
  • Assignment: Temporary, until licensed - then offered permanent position
  • Shift: 1st Shift
  • Contract: Part of BASE union (see 2026-2029 CBA here)
  • Wage range: $19.18-$23.53, based on experience
  • Benefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined here

Ready to get paid to launch your new career with Portland Public Schools? Apply today to join our next paid training cohort, start earning 30 hours per week while you train, and step directly into a full-time CDL career!
Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.

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