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Transit Bus Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Bus Driver

Woodbury, MN · On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

Monitor student behavior to ensure a safe and respectful environment during transit. * Report any ... Each Goddard School location is privately owned and operated by Goddard Franchisor LLC franchisees.

Production Welder- 2nd Shift

Saint Cloud, MN

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

New Flyer is North America's heavy-duty transit bus leader, providing sustainable mobility ... operated by approximately 500 agencies. IMMEDIATE WELD OPENING FOR RAMP UP!!! 2nd Shift Monday ...

SouthWest Transit Driver We are currently on the lookout for an experienced Bus Driver to join our ... Driver/Operator - Bus, Paratransit, Taxi, Limo, Shuttle Job Type: Full Time Req ID: 7756 Pay Group ...

SouthWest Transit Driver We are currently on the lookout for an experienced Bus Driver to join our ... Driver/Operator - Bus, Paratransit, Taxi, Limo, Shuttle Job Type: Full Time Req ID: 7756 Pay Group ...

Production Welder- 2nd Shift

Saint Cloud, MN · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

New Flyer is North America's heavy-duty transit bus leader, providing sustainable mobility ... operated by approximately 500 agencies. IMMEDIATE WELD OPENING FOR RAMP UP!!! 2nd Shift Monday ...

Paul Metro Transit's light rail and bus systems. This initiative deploys unarmed, culturally ... This role must deliver on-call support to ensure continuous service coverage during operating hours ...

Paul Metro Transit's light rail and bus systems. This initiative deploys unarmed, culturally ... This role must deliver on-call support to ensure continuous service coverage during operating hours ...

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Transit Bus Operator information

See Minnesota salary details

$14

$19

$26

How much do transit bus operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for transit bus operator in Minnesota is $19.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Transit Bus Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Transit Bus Operator, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), a clean driving record, and thorough knowledge of traffic laws and safety procedures. Familiarity with fare collection systems, GPS navigation, and basic vehicle maintenance tools is typically required. Exceptional customer service, patience, and strong communication skills help operators handle diverse passengers and unexpected situations. These competencies are vital for ensuring passenger safety, schedule reliability, and positive public interactions on daily routes.

What Does a Transit Bus Operator Do?

The primary responsibilities of a transit bus operator or driver are to transport passengers along a pre-assigned route. They have designated stops where they collect the fare from each passenger. It is important to make these stops on schedule. A transit bus operator also performs basic maintenance duties, such as checking the oil, tires, lights, and cleanliness of the vehicle. Qualifications to become a transit bus operator or driver include a commercial driver's license with a passenger endorsement,

What are some common challenges Transit Bus Operators face during their shifts, and how are they supported in handling them?

Transit Bus Operators often encounter challenges such as traffic congestion, schedule adherence, and managing interactions with a diverse range of passengers. They may also face unexpected route changes or inclement weather conditions. Transit agencies typically provide training in customer service and defensive driving, as well as real-time communication with dispatchers to offer support during difficult situations. Many employers also offer wellness programs and peer support networks to help operators manage the physical and emotional demands of the job.

What are Transit Bus Operators?

Transit Bus Operators are professionals responsible for driving buses along designated routes to transport passengers safely and efficiently. They pick up and drop off riders at scheduled stops, collect fares, and provide information or assistance to passengers as needed. In addition to driving, they ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers, adhere to traffic laws, and may assist people with disabilities. Transit Bus Operators often work for city or regional transportation agencies and play a vital role in public transportation systems.

What is the difference between Transit Bus Operator vs School Bus Driver?

AspectTransit Bus OperatorSchool Bus Driver
Required CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsementCDL with passenger endorsement, often a school bus endorsement
Work EnvironmentUrban or suburban public transit systems, city streetsSchool campuses, residential areas, school routes
Employer & IndustryPublic transit agencies, governmentSchool districts, private or public schools
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Transit Bus Operators and School Bus Drivers require a CDL with passenger endorsements and work in vehicle operation within their respective environments. Transit Bus Operators typically serve public transit systems in urban areas, while School Bus Drivers focus on transporting students to and from school. Despite differences in routes and settings, the skills and certifications needed are quite similar, making them comparable roles in the transportation industry.

What are popular job titles related to Transit Bus Operator jobs in MN? For Transit Bus Operator jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Project Manager, Bus Maintenance

Project Manager, Bus Maintenance

Metropolitan Council

Saint Paul, MN • On-site

$96K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago


Metropolitan Council rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

431st of 649 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary : $96,512.00 - $156,624.00 Annually
Location : Overhaul Base, St. Paul, MN
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00219
Division: Metro Transit
Department: Bus Maintenance Administration
Opening Date: 05/31/2026
Closing Date: 6/14/2026 11:59 PM Central
WHO WE ARE
We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services.
TheMetropolitan Council's Metro Transit Division is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides ridership through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as a resource for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike in the Twin Cities.
How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:
The Bus Maintenance Project Manager is responsible for managing the bus maintenance division's larger multi-faceted complex projects. The incumbent serves as the organization's professional management resource within the project content area. Establishes operating procedures and processes within the general project and/or departmental policies and guidelines. Take an active role in managing the numerous facets of any larger project.
We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
*This recruitment will establish a six (6) month Eligibility List for current and future vacancies.
What you would do in this job
  • Manage vehicle and equipment Preventative Maintenance processes supporting the Transit bus and Non-Revenue fleet, from procurement through deployment.
  • Lead preventative maintenance process development, including drafting technical guides and documents.
  • Maintain organized project records, documentation, and reporting systems (e.g., EAMS, Excel, project management software).
  • Determines appropriate products or services with clients or customers to define the project.
  • Develops, modifies, or provides input to project plans.
  • Implement project plans to meet objectives.
  • Coordinate and integrate project activities.
  • Manages, leads, or administers project resources.
  • Implement and maintain quality assurance processes.
  • Give presentations or briefings on all aspects of each project to include. Transportation committee and Council meetings.
  • Participate in phase, milestone, and final project reviews.
  • Identify project documentation requirements or procedures.
  • Develop and implement a project completion plan.
  • Manages vendor contracts as needed.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)
Any of the following combinations of experience in understanding heavy-duty vehicle maintenance and garage functions with at least one (1) year of project management experience and two (2) or more years of experience leading workforce teams; and completed educational degree in Project or Organizational Management, Business Administration, or closely related field.
  • High school diploma or GED and nine (9) or more years of experience
  • Associate degree and seven (7) or more years of experience
  • Bachelor's degree or higher and five (5) or more years of experience

Metropolitan Council Employees Only: Successful completion of any one of the following four Metropolitan Council Leadership/Supervisory training programs will substitute for lead/supervisory experience. You must attach your certificate(s) as proof of completion of the program to your application. Only completion of one of the four programs listed below will substitute credit (6-months or 1 year) for lead/supervisory experience.
Metropolitan Council's Program Counts for: Project Management Leadership Academy12 months of lead/supervisory experienceProject Management Development Program- 12-month session12 months of lead/supervisory experienceProject Management Development Program-6-month session6 months of lead/supervisory experienceFour Learning Institute Certificates-
You must obtain all four certificates listed below to receive credit
  • Leading Self-Personal Effectiveness Certificate
  • Leading Self-Communication Certificate
  • Leading Self-Business Skills Certificate
  • Leading Others-Preparing for Supv. Certificate

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):
  • Project Management Professional Certificate (PMP).
  • Previous or current fleet management, purchasing, or procurement experience.
  • Ability to work well independently.
  • Ability to work well in diverse groups.
  • Proficient computer skills with Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and any vehicle software database experience.
  • Experience working with a diverse workforce.

What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:
  • Knowledge of Project Management methodologies and tools.
  • Knowledge of Bus Maintenance Practices.
  • Knowledge of problem solving and resolution skills.
  • Skilled in written and verbal communication and presentations.
  • Skilled at working with, understanding, and evaluating technical information related to the job.
  • Skilled at professional business communication, analytical and time management skills.
  • Ability to determine appropriate products or services with clients or customers to define project.
  • Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships and work effectively in a team environment.
  • Ability to interpret and apply mathematics and statistical methods and procedures gained through professional education.
  • Ability to lead teams in a collaborative effort to project completion.
  • Ability to manage numerous projects simultaneously.
  • Ability to develop and orchestrate project work plan and manages numerous projects simultaneously.
  • Ability to organize projects in a methodical manner.

Additional information
What you can expect from us:
  • We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
  • We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
  • We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

Additional information
Union/Grade: NRC/Grade I
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No
What your work environment would be:
Position works in an office environment. Ability to work non-standard hours and be required to change scheduled days off and assignment on short notice. Some travel to other facilities is required. Up to one third of the time this position works near moving parts or equipment, exposed to fumes or airborne particles, outdoor weather conditions and moderate noise.
What steps the recruitment process involves:
  • We review your minimum qualifications.
  • We rate your education and experience.
  • We conduct a structured panel interview.
  • We conduct a selection interview.

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.
If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.
IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.
The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.
If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.
We believe our employees are a key to our agency's success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:
  • Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund
  • Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan
  • Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%
  • Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance
The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free:
  • Well@Work clinic
  • bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year
  • parking at many job locations
  • fitness centers at many job locations
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • extensive health and wellness programs and resources

01
Applicant Instructions: It is important that your application shows all relevant education and experience you possess. The supplemental questions listed below are to further evaluate your education and experience and to determine your eligibility for this position. Answer each question completely, and please do not type "see resume." Otherwise, your application will be considered incomplete, and you will not receive further consideration for this position. The experience you indicate in your responses should also be consistent with the Work History section of this application. If you attach a resume and/or cover letter to your application, it will be reviewed at the education and experience review step.I have read and understand the above instructions regarding my application and supplemental questions.
  • Yes
  • No

02
How did you first hear about this job opening?
  • CareerForce Center
  • Community Event/Organization
  • Employee Referral
  • Facebook
  • Glassdoor
  • Indeed
  • Job Fair
  • LinkedIn
  • Metro Transit Bus Advertisement
  • Twitter
  • Website: governmentjobs.com
  • Website: metrocouncil.org
  • Website: metrotransit.org
  • Website: minnesotajobnetwork.com
  • Other

03
If you selected 'Other', please describe where you first heard about this job. if you selected 'Employee Referral' please enter the employee's first and last name, ID number (if known), and job title.Type N/A if not applicable.
04
The Metropolitan Council recognizes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and generative tools are increasingly used in application processes. While the Council permits the use of AI to assist in the preparation of application materials, all applicants must certify the following statement:
  • I affirm that all information provided in my application including any uploaded documentation is true and accurate. I further affirm that I have personally reviewed, verified, and approved all content, including any content generated with the assistance of AI. I will provide all interview responses directly and in real-time without unauthorized assistance. I will not use AI avatars, external assistance in answering including computer-generated suggestions, or any recording and transcription tools during the interview process unless I have received prior approval from Human Resources for a disability-related reasonable accommodation.

05
Which of the following best describes your level of education and relevant experience as it relates to the Bus Maintenance Project Manager minimum requirements?
  • High School Diploma or GED with at least 9 years of experience in understanding heavy-duty vehicle maintenance and garage functions with at least 1 year of project management experience and 2 years of experience leading workforce teams.
  • Associate degree in Project or Organizational Management, Business Administration, or closely related field with at least 7 years of experience in understanding heavy-duty vehicle maintenance and garage functions with at least 1 year of project management experience and 2 years of experience leading workforce teams.
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Project or Organizational Management, Business Administration, or closely related field with at least 5 years of experience in understanding heavy-duty vehicle maintenance and garage functions with at least 1 year of project management experience and 2 years of experience leading workforce teams.
  • None

06
Describe your project management experience, including the primary duties, years of experience, and how your keep yourself organized. If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A."
07
Describe your work experience pertaining to light, medium or heavy-duty vehicles and equipment. If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A."
08
Describe your experience leading workforce teams. If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A."
09
Describe y...