Occupation · SOC 53-3051
Bus Drivers, School
Drive a school bus to transport students. Ensure adherence to safety rules. May assist students in boarding or exiting.
Median wage
$47,040
$27,680–$63,810
Projected growth
+0.2%
Slower than average
Annual openings
90
per year
Employed (US)
387,920
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
86 mapped
Core skills
Active ListeningCritical ThinkingMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessSpeakingOperations MonitoringCoordinationService Orientation
Knowledge areas
TransportationPublic Safety and SecurityCustomer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageMechanical
Technology & tools
AOL MapQuestMicrosoft WindowsWeb browser software
Representative tasks
Comply with traffic regulations to operate vehicles in a safe and courteous manner.Follow safety rules as students board and exit buses or cross streets near bus stops.Check the condition of a vehicle's tires, brakes, windshield wipers, lights, oil, fuel, water, and s
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Traffic regulations and basic road rules — apply under direct supervisor guidance while operating a school bus on a designated practice route.Pre-trip vehicle inspection checklist — complete with coaching to verify tires, brakes, lights, wipers, oil, fuel, and safety equipment before departure.Assigned bus stops and scheduled pickup times — follow with dispatcher support to transport students between neighborhoods and school buildings.Student boarding and exiting procedures — execute under observation, ensuring students cross streets safely at marked bus stop locations.Basic student conduct expectations — monitor with supervisory assistance to maintain order during short supervised trips.Bus malfunction symptoms and warning indicators — recognize and immediately report to a supervisor or dispatcher while on route.Daily trip logs and basic report forms — complete with guidance, recording student counts, mileage, and hours worked.Multi-passenger vehicle controls including steering, braking, and mirrors — operate under close direction on low-traffic roads and school grounds.Verbal communication with students and school staff — use clear, respectful language when relaying stop instructions or safety reminders.Route maps and GPS navigation tools — read and follow with dispatcher assistance to locate unfamiliar stops on the assigned route.
developing
Traffic laws and right-of-way rules — apply consistently and independently while navigating congested urban and suburban roads on daily school routes.Pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections — conduct without prompting, identifying minor mechanical issues and submitting maintenance requests to the fleet office.Scheduled neighborhood pickup and drop-off sequences — execute reliably across multiple routes with minimal dispatcher contact, adhering to strict time windows.Student safety protocols at bus stops — enforce routinely, directing students to cross only after receiving the driver's signal and confirming traffic has stopped.Passenger conduct management — apply established classroom-management techniques calmly to maintain order among students during regular daily trips.Fuel consumption and mileage reports — prepare and submit accurately on a weekly basis using district-provided forms and fleet management software.Minor route deviations caused by traffic or road closures — navigate independently using map software or an onboard GPS unit to maintain schedule integrity.Diesel, gasoline, or electric bus powertrains — monitor operational indicators during trips and recognize abnormal readings requiring prompt reporting.Emergency evacuation procedures — demonstrate competently during drills, guiding students to safe exits and accounting for all passengers at an assembly point.Communication with parents, school administrators, and dispatchers — respond professionally and in a timely manner to routine questions about schedules and student welfare.
proficient
Complex traffic situations including school zones, railroad crossings, and adverse weather conditions — navigate autonomously using advanced defensive-driving judgment on any assigned district route.Comprehensive vehicle safety systems including brakes, emergency exits, fire extinguisher, and first-aid kit — inspect and document thoroughly, flagging safety-critical deficiencies before every trip.Multi-stop route schedules including field trips and extracurricular activity runs — coordinate and execute independently, adjusting timing and sequencing to accommodate last-minute changes.Student behavioral incidents including bullying or medical emergencies — assess and manage without supervision, applying district protocols and notifying the appropriate school personnel promptly.Detailed operational reports covering trip data, fuel usage, and incident summaries — compile accurately and submit within district deadlines, supporting fleet efficiency analysis.Electric and alternative-fuel bus technology — monitor energy consumption and range in real time, adjusting driving behavior to optimize efficiency on extended routes.Special-needs student transportation requirements including wheelchair securement and individualized education plan accommodations — implement in full compliance with district and federal guidelines.Geographic knowledge of entire service area — apply to plan alternate routes during emergencies, construction detours, or severe weather without dispatcher intervention.Federal and state school bus safety regulations and local traffic ordinances — interpret and apply accurately across all operational scenarios encountered on the route.Peer driver questions about route procedures or vehicle handling — address knowledgeably, drawing on direct operational experience to support newer colleagues informally.
advanced
District-wide safe-driving standards and compliance protocols — establish and champion across the transportation department, setting the benchmark for all bus operators.Safety training programs for new and returning drivers — design and facilitate, incorporating traffic regulations, student management, and emergency response into a structured onboarding curriculum.Fleet inspection and preventive maintenance schedules — oversee and optimize in coordination with mechanics and fleet managers to minimize vehicle downtime and ensure regulatory compliance.Route efficiency and scheduling systems — analyze using operational data and mapping software to recommend and implement improvements that reduce fuel consumption and improve on-time performance.Critical transportation incidents including accidents, evacuations, and medical emergencies — lead response efforts in the field, coordinating with emergency services, school administrators, and district leadership.Transportation department policies and standard operating procedures — author and update, ensuring alignment with evolving state and federal school transportation regulations.Performance coaching and mentoring for a team of school bus drivers — deliver ongoing feedback and formal evaluations to develop skills and reinforce a culture of safety and dependability.Cross-functional coordination with school principals, special education coordinators, and community stakeholders — represent the transportation department to resolve service issues and communicate operational changes.Driver conduct investigations and disciplinary processes — manage impartially and thoroughly, documenting findings and recommending corrective actions to district transportation administration.Technology adoption initiatives including GPS fleet tracking and electronic logging systems — champion and guide driver adoption, providing hands-on instruction to ensure consistent and accurate system use.
Also known as
16 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Bus Drive CoordinatorBus DriverBus MonitorCampus DriverCDL Bus Driver (Commercial Driver's License Bus Driver)CDL School Bus Driver (Commercial Driver's License School Bus Driver)Public School Bus DriverSchool Bus DriverSchool Bus OperatorSchool Van DriverShuttle Bus DriverSPED Bus Driver (Special Education Bus Driver)SPED Driver (Special Education Driver)SPED School Bus Driver (Special Education School Bus Driver)Student DriverSubstitute Bus Driver