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Trainee Bus Driver Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

School City of Hobart

Bus Driver

Hobart, IN · On-site

$22.50/hr

Transportation/Bus Driver Date Posted: 3/11/2026 Location: Service Center Closing Date: Filled as ... FLSA Status Non-Exempt Pay Rates * Full-Time Driver: $22.50/hour * CDL Driver Trainee: $18.00/hour ...

School City of Hobart

Bus Driver

Hobart, IN · On-site

$22.50/hr

Transportation/Bus Driver Date Posted: 3/11/2026 Location: Service Center Closing Date: Filled as ... FLSA Status Non-Exempt Pay Rates * Full-Time Driver: $22.50/hour * CDL Driver Trainee: $18.00/hour ...

School City of Hobart

Bus Driver

Hobart, IN

$22.50/hr

Bus Driver School City of Hobart Seeking Bus Drivers for the School City of Hobart. Positions are ... FLSA Status Non-Exempt Pay Rates * Full-Time Driver: $22.50/hour * CDL Driver Trainee: $18.00/hour ...

School City of Hobart

Substitute Bus Driver

Hobart, IN · On-site

$21.50/hr

Substitute Bus Driver School City of Hobart Seeking Substitute Bus Drivers for the School City of ... CDL Driver Trainees while obtaining the required CDL and endorsements. Salary and benefits as ...

School City of Hobart

Substitute Bus Driver

Hobart, IN · On-site

$21.50/hr

Safely drive a school bus over designated routes and activity trips as assigned, loading and ... CDL Driver Trainees while obtaining the required CDL and endorsements. Salary and benefits as ...

School City of Hobart

Substitute Bus Driver

Hobart, IN · On-site

$21.50/hr

Safely drive a school bus over designated routes and activity trips as assigned, loading and ... CDL Driver Trainees while obtaining the required CDL and endorsements. Salary and benefits as ...

Aleut Federal

Shuttle Bus Driver

Chicago, IL

$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 ...

Aleut Federal

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 ...

ARS Aleut Construction

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 ...

Aleut Federal

Shuttle Bus Driver

Chicago, IL

$21.43/hr

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

ARS Aleut Construction

Shuttle Bus Driver

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.43/hr

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

ARS Aleut Construction

Shuttle Bus Driver

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.43/hr

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

Aleut Federal

Shuttle Bus Driver

Chicago, IL

$21.43/hr

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

WeDriveU

Transit CDL Driver

Niles, IL

$25/hr

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

WeDriveU

Transit CDL Driver

Niles, IL · On-site

$25/hr

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

WeDriveU

Paratransit Driver - CDL

Lansing, IL · On-site

$24.16/hr

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

WeDriveU

Paratransit Driver - CDL

Lansing, IL

$24.16/hr

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

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All JobsBus Driver JobsTrainee Bus Driver JobsTrainee Bus Driver Jobs in Chicago, IL

Trainee Bus Driver information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$25.8K

$51.5K

$68.5K

How much do trainee bus driver jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee bus driver in Chicago, IL is $51,459.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,200.00 and $59,700.00 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Bus Driver jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Trainee Bus Driver jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Trainee Bus Driver jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Trainee Bus Driver jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Trainee Bus Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Bus Driver job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,459 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Bus Driver

School City of Hobart

Hobart, IN • On-site

$22.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Transportation/Bus Driver
Date Posted:
3/11/2026
Location:
Service Center
Closing Date:
Filled as Needed
Bus Driver
School City of Hobart
Seeking Bus Drivers for the School City of Hobart. Positions are filled on an as-needed basis.
Position Summary
To facilitate the transportation of students to and from school, as well as related activities, in a prompt and safe manner. The Bus Driver safely operates a school bus over designated routes and on activity trips, completes required bus inspections, supports student safety and behavior expectations, and communicates timely updates to dispatch/supervisors.
Key Responsibilities
  • Operate a school bus safely over assigned routes and activity trips, loading and unloading students at designated stops.
  • Follow all applicable federal/state regulations and district procedures, including railroad crossing, student loading/unloading, and use of required warning devices and safety equipment.
  • Conduct required pre-trip and post-trip inspections; report mechanical concerns promptly and complete required documentation.
  • Maintain a clean, orderly bus interior and refuel as needed to ensure readiness for daily service.
  • Support student safety and behavior expectations in accordance with district policy; communicate incidents through established channels.
  • Complete required child-check procedures after routes and trips to ensure no child is left on the bus.
  • Participate in required training, safety drills, and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform the essential functions of the position.
Minimum Requirements:
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • At least 21 years old.
  • Valid Indiana driver's license.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B with required endorsements (Passenger, School Bus, and Air Brake), as required by the position.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain the Indiana State school bus driver certification ("yellow card"), as required.
  • Ability to meet applicable medical/physical qualification requirements for commercial driving, including required physical examinations and/or medical certification.
  • Ability to participate in required drug and alcohol testing programs (e.g., pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion), as applicable.

Preferred:
  • Prior experience working as a bus driver, preferably in a school district or transporting children.

Terms of Employment
School City of Hobart is a CDL training location qualified applicants may be hired as CDL Driver Trainees while obtaining the required CDL and endorsements. Salary and benefits as defined in the School City of Hobart Transportation Department Staff Handbook.
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Pay Rates
  • Full-Time Driver: $22.50/hour
  • CDL Driver Trainee: $18.00/hour

Benefits (eligible transportation employees)
  • Basic health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Term life insurance
  • Section 125 cafeteria plan options
  • INPRS PERF retirement eligible position
  • Sick and personal days included
  • 403(b) plan available
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available

Physical Demands
This position requires the ability to safely operate a vehicle; enter/exit and move within the bus; perform pre-trip/post-trip inspections; assist with student loading/unloading and emergency response; and lift/carry items up to 25 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally. Specialized routes may require operating wheelchair lift equipment and securing mobility devices and occupant restraints, as applicable.
Work Environment
Work is performed primarily in a school bus/transportation setting with frequent exposure to varying weather conditions, road and traffic hazards, noise, fumes/diesel exhaust, and other typical vehicle-related conditions. The position requires sustained alertness and safe operation of district vehicles while interacting with students and the public, and may include working early mornings, afternoons, evenings, and occasional trips/special routes as assigned.
Application Procedure
Please submit an online application. If you have questions about the position, contact:
Becky Rosenbaum, Director of Transportation
Email: rrosenbaum@hobart.k12.in.us
Phone: (219) 947-2413 Ext. 2
Pre-Employment Requirements
Employment is contingent upon meeting district pre-employment requirements. This includes expanded criminal history checks, expanded child protection index checks, and motor vehicle record reviews, as applicable. A CDL physical and drug screening are also required. Other pre-employment requirements may apply.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The School City of Hobart is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The School City of Hobart ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. The School City of Hobart has a policy of active recruitment of qualified minority teachers and non-certified employees. Any individual needing assistance in making application for any opening should contact the Department of Human Resources.

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