1

Transit Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Conducts pre-operational inspection of the transit vehicle, in accordance with federal and state ... Requires six months experience in operating large automotive equipment on the open highway and on ...

Temporary - Transit Operator

Yakima, WA · On-site

$22.23 - $27.91/hr

... transit office to report accidents, emergencies, or unusual operating conditions. Participates in special events and/or operate buses on special routes that involve or promote public transit ...

Transit Operator - Starting Class 07/13/26 At GoTriangle, we connect the Triangle region through safe, reliable, and professional public transportation services. Our system proudly serves Apex, Cary ...

Transit Operator - Starting Class 07/13/26 At GoTriangle, we connect the Triangle region through safe, reliable, and professional public transportation services. Our system proudly serves Apex, Cary ...

Skills in: operating transit vehicles in a safe manner, complying with all applicable traffic laws, regulations, policies and procedures; reading maps, schedules and route information; reacting ...

Transit Operator I

High Point, NC · On-site

$18.95 - $24.28/hr

As a Transit Operator I for the City of High Point, your responsibilities will include: * Operating the bus on assigned routes and schedules, ensuring safe and timely transportation for passengers.

As a Transit Operator, you'll drive trolleys, buses, and minivans along scheduled routes, helping passengers travel safely and on time. You'll greet riders, provide helpful customer service, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Transit Operator information

See salary details

$12

$18

$24

How much do transit operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for transit operator in the United States is $18.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Who is a transit operator?

A transit operator is a professional responsible for driving buses, trains, or other public transportation vehicles. They ensure passenger safety, follow schedules, and may need a commercial driver's license or specialized training to operate transit vehicles safely.

What are the highest paying transit jobs?

The highest paying transit jobs typically include transit managers, operations directors, and maintenance supervisors, with salaries often exceeding $80,000 annually. These roles usually require extensive experience, leadership skills, and relevant certifications, and they oversee large teams and complex systems within transit agencies.

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

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 transit operators?

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 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.

How much do via bus drivers get paid?

Transit operators, including bus drivers, typically earn an average hourly wage ranging from $15 to $25, depending on experience, location, and union agreements. Annual salaries generally range from $30,000 to $50,000, with benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans often included. Pay rates may vary based on seniority and additional certifications.

What job makes $1,000,000 a year?

Transit operators typically do not earn $1,000,000 annually; such high earnings are usually associated with top executives, successful entrepreneurs, or specialized professionals in fields like finance, technology, or entertainment. Most transit operators earn a median salary significantly below that figure, often supplemented with overtime or benefits, but rarely reaching seven-figure income levels.
More about Transit Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Transit Operator jobs? Cities with the most Transit Operator job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Transit Operator jobs? The top employers for Transit Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Transit Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Transit Operator jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Transit Operator jobs? For Transit Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

$26K - $43K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Description General Description The purpose of this class within the organization is to safely transport passengers along a specific route and make designated stops as required. This class works under close supervision according to set procedures. Duties and Responsibilities The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class.

Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary. Essential Functions Essential Functions: Safely navigates the vehicle through traffic along assigned routes, under various environmental conditions, in accordance with traffic laws and departmental regulations. Greets and provides friendly customer service.

Responds to customers' questions regarding routes, directions, fares and transfers. Inspects the passenger compartment of the vehicle to ensure it is free from hazards (such as spills, loose handrails and stanchions, defective seats, etc.). Conducts pre-operational inspection of the transit vehicle, in accordance with federal and state laws and departmental regulations, to ensure it is functioning properly

Completes accident, incident and/or miscellaneous reports to document unusual occurrences. Collects fares from passengers and issues transfers; checks passenger transfers, fast passes, and electronic passes to ensure they are valid. Additional Duties: Contacts Central Control regarding various emergencies such as medical emergencies, vehicle malfunctions, vehicle evacuations etc.

and/or circumstances that may affect service such as heavy traffic, road hazards, road obstructions etc. Operates the disability access lifts to assist people in wheelchairs onto the vehicle and properly secures their wheelchairs when they are on the vehicle. Conducts a post-operational inspection of the outside of the vehicle to detect defects and body damage, broken windows, and graffiti.

Performs related work as assigned. Responsibilities, Requirements and Impacts Data Responsibility: Data Responsibility refers to information, knowledge, and conceptions obtained by observation, investigation, interpretation, visualization, and mental creation. Data are intangible and include numbers, words, symbols, ideas, concepts, and oral verbalizations.

Computes or performs arithmetic operations using data or information. People Responsibility: People include co-workers, workers in other areas or agencies and the general public. Serves others such as customers, attends to their requests and exchanges information with them.

Asset Responsibility: Assets responsibility refers to the responsibility for achieving economies or preventing loss within the organization. Requires minimum responsibility for only small quantities of low cost items or supplies where opportunities for achieving economies or preventing loss are negligible. Mathematical Requirements: Mathematics requires the use of symbols, numbers and formulas to solve mathematical problems.

Uses addition and subtraction, multiplication and division and/or calculates ratios, rates and percents. Communications Requirements: Communications involves the ability to read, write, and speak. Reads routine sentences, instructions, regulations, procedures or work orders; writes routine sentences and completes routine job forms and incident reports; speaks routine sentences using proper grammar.

Judgment Requirements: Judgment requirements refer to the frequency and complexity of judgments and decisions given the stability of the work environments, the nature and type of guidance, and the breadth of impact of the judgments and decisions. Responsible for guiding others, requiring frequent decisions, affecting the individual, co-workers and others who depend on the service or product; works in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures, but many variations from the routine. Complexity of Work: Complexity addresses the analysis, initiative, ingenuity, concentration and creativity, required by the job and the presence of any unusual pressures present in the job.

Performs semi-skilled work involving set procedures and rules, but with frequent problems; requires normal attention with short periods of concentration for accurate results or occasional exposure to unusual pressure. Impact of Errors: Impact of errors refers to consequences such as damage to equipment and property, loss of data, exposure of the organization to legal liability, and injury or death for individuals. The impact of errors is moderately serious - affects work unit and may affect other units or citizens.

Physical Demands: Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement. Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations. Equipment Usage: Equipment usage involves responsibility for materials, machines, tools, equipment, work aids, and products.

Handles or uses two way-radios, fire extinguishers, accident triangles, work aids involving little or no latitude for judgment regarding attainment of a standard or in selecting appropriate items. Unavoidable Hazards: Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken. Bright/dim light; dusts and pollen; extreme heat and/or cold; wet or humid conditions; extreme noise levels, animals/; vibration; fumes and/or noxious odors traffic; moving machinery; toxic/caustic chemicals; explosives and violence.

Safety of Others: Safety of others refers to the level of responsibility for the safety of others, either inherent in the job or to ensure the safety of the general public. Requires some responsibility for safety and health of others and/or for occasional enforcement of the standards of public safety or health. Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: Requires High School graduation or GED equivalent.

Requires six months experience in operating large automotive equipment on the open highway and on City streets. An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the position. Special Certifications and Licenses: Valid Commercial Driver's License with passenger endorsement.

Additional Requirements Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance The City of Petersburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City of Petersburg to provide adequate accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.