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Transit Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

WeGo Transit

Recruiter

Nashville, TN · On-site

$50 - $70/hr

Develop and execute recruitment strategies tailored to transit roles, including bus operators, dispatchers, maintenance technicians, and leadership positions. * Manage full‑cycle recruiting ...

Davidson Transit Organi

Recruiter

Madison, TN · On-site

This role will focus on attracting, screening, and hiring top talent for a variety of transit-related positions, including operators, mechanics, safety professionals, and administrative staff. The ...

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All JobsTransit Operator JobsTransit Operator Jobs in Tennessee

Transit Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$10

$16

$22

How much do transit operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for transit operator in Tennessee is $16.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a transit operator?

Transit operators are professionals responsible for driving and operating public transportation vehicles such as buses, streetcars, or trains. Their main duties include safely transporting passengers along predetermined routes, adhering to schedules, and providing excellent customer service. They are also responsible for collecting fares, assisting passengers with disabilities, and ensuring the safety of everyone on board. Transit operators play a crucial role in keeping cities connected and helping people commute efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a transit operator?

To thrive as a Transit Operator, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), safe driving skills, and a solid understanding of traffic laws and transit routes. Familiarity with fare collection systems, vehicle inspection procedures, and communication devices is typically required. Strong customer service, problem-solving abilities, and patience help operators manage passenger interactions and unexpected situations. These skills ensure reliable, safe, and courteous transportation services for the community.

What are some common challenges transit operators face during their shifts and how can they effectively manage them?

Transit Operators often encounter challenges such as managing tight schedules, handling unexpected traffic or route changes, and ensuring passenger safety and satisfaction. They may also deal with difficult situations like fare disputes, unruly passengers, and inclement weather. Effective communication skills, patience, and a thorough understanding of transit protocols help operators navigate these challenges. Operators typically receive ongoing training and support from supervisors and colleagues, which fosters a collaborative work environment and helps address issues as they arise.

What is the difference between Transit Operator vs Bus Driver?

AspectTransit OperatorBus Driver
Required CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL), passenger endorsementCommercial driver's license (CDL), passenger endorsement
Work EnvironmentPublic transit vehicles, urban and suburban routesPublic transit buses, city streets
Employer & Industry UsagePublic transit agencies, transportation servicesPublic transit agencies, private transportation companies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Transit Operators and Bus Drivers require similar credentials, such as a CDL with passenger endorsement, and work in public transit environments. While Transit Operators may cover a broader range of transit vehicles and routes, Bus Drivers specifically operate buses within urban settings. The roles are often used interchangeably in searches, but Transit Operator can include other vehicle types like trolleybuses or shuttles.

What are popular job titles related to Transit Operator jobs in Tennessee?

For Transit Operator jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Transit Operator jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Transit Operator jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Transit Operator jobs in TN?

For Transit Operator jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Transit Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Transit Operator job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,932 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Senior Project Manager - Transit

Kimley-Horn

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

Kimley-Horn rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 87 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

60th of 452 rated engineering

Job description

Overview

Kimley-Horn has an opportunity for a motivated Senior Project Manager to expand our Transit practice in Nashville, TN!

Responsibilities
  • Has an entrepreneurial spirit, creating a vision for their Transit practice while facilitating the growth of our regional US-based transit practice.
  • Our transit practice is engaged in the planning, design, and implementation of transit services and facilities throughout the country. 
  • Our specific focus is within local transit providers to envision, study, plan, design, engineer, manage, and implement new services, service expansions, and service/technology enhancements.
  • Beyond serving our existing clients, has the ability to pursue own passions, leads, and clients.
  • Leadership responsibilities include:
    • Operating with integrity and sound business principles
    • Providing vision, business planning and strategy
    • Establishing goals
    • Building and maintaining positive client relationships
    • Having open communication with your partners and team
    • Growing and leading a Transit practice
  • Our Project Managers/Practice Builders manage their projects profitably, transition work to qualified staff, grow and mentor staff, and act as a positive leader and mentor.
  • The successful candidate will be given a great deal of autonomy to lead, direct, and grow their business.
  • With success, this individual will enjoy the rewards of an impressive bonus program with the potential to advance to ownership.
Qualifications
  • 15+ years of years of Transit experience in growing and leading a Transit practice
  • Registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) license with experience n transit infrastructure and design
  • Track record of successfully winning and delivering work in the local area
  • Established relationships with local DOT, local agencies, and/or local municipalities
  • Demonstrated ability to manage transportation projects profitably through agency specifications
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and technical skills
  • Strong desire and ability to be engaged with clients solving project problems
  • Ability to effectively communicate positively at all levels of the organization
  • Ability to manage and mentor staff and direct resources effectively in a positive manner
  • Demonstrated ability to manage projects profitably
Why Kimley-Horn?

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it- that's why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn's placement on the Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work" list for 19 years!

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

  • Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
  • Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
  • Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
  • Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
Education:Bachelor's DegreeEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Kimley-Horn employees say

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About Kimley-Horn

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a full-service consulting firm that provides a wide range of infrastructure and land development planning and engineering services to both public and private clients. Though we have more than 6,000 employees in 100+ offices, we pride ourselves on our small company feel. At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People--clients and employees--are at the forefront of our business. Clients know we are laser-focused on their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to see our staff flourish, one and all. Both groups know that with Kimley-Horn, they can expect more and experience better.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1967

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