How to become a bus driver, school
Drive a school bus to transport students. Ensure adherence to safety rules. May assist students in boarding or exiting.
Steps to get there
Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
What bus drivers, school do
- Check the condition of a vehicle's tires, brakes, windshield wipers, lights, oil, fuel, water, and safety equipment to ensure that everything is in working order.
- Maintain order among students during trips to ensure safety.
- Keep bus interiors clean for students.
- Regulate heating, lighting, and ventilation systems for student comfort.
- Comply with traffic regulations to operate vehicles in a safe and courteous manner.
- Report any bus malfunctions or needed repairs.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
Is bus driver, school a good career?
On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 6% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.
Where it pays most
- Massachusetts $65,170
- Washington $63,370
- Connecticut $61,520
- California $61,040
- New Jersey $59,430
Bus Drivers, School salary by state and city
Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.