How to Hire a School Bus Driver

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

The hiring market for school bus drivers

There are about 396,800 school bus drivers employed in the U.S., with roughly 56,500 openings each year. Employment is projected to change +0.7% from 2025–35 (little or no change). Most openings come from replacing workers who retire or change careers, so a steady pipeline matters.

Pay benchmarks for offers

*Annual ÷ 2,080 hours except median. National BLS data; adjust for your state and metro area. Many states and cities now require pay ranges in job postings.

What to look for

Where to find school bus drivers

• CDL schools and trucking academies
• Local workforce centers and staffing partners
• Military transition programs
• Referral bonuses for current drivers and associates
• Job postings that use common alternate titles: Bus Driver, Student Transportation Driver, School Bus Operator, Activity Bus Driver

Screening checklist

• CDL, endorsements and DOT medical card for drivers
• Motor vehicle record and FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse query for CDL drivers
• Forklift operator training and evaluation, which OSHA requires employers to provide
• Pre-employment drug screening according to policy and law

Follow federal, state and local rules on background checks, drug testing and fair-chance hiring, and apply screening consistently to all candidates for the role.

Interview questions to ask

Ask every candidate the same questions and score answers on a structured scorecard.

1. “How would you handle a disruptive student?”

What a strong answer includes: Show calm, consistent management and reporting.

2. “Do you have a clean driving record?”

What a strong answer includes: Be specific.

3. “What would you do at a railroad crossing?”

What a strong answer includes: Describe the procedure.

4. “Why do you want to drive a school bus?”

What a strong answer includes: Show care for students and safety.

5. “Are you comfortable with split shifts?”

What a strong answer includes: Be honest about availability.

Practical skills checks

A short demonstration beats a perfect resume. Ask candidates to talk you through, or perform under supervision, tasks such as:

• Unload Students at a Stop (see the steps)
• Cross a Railroad Track in a School Bus (see the steps)
• Perform a Post-Trip Child Check (see the steps)

Red flags

• Can’t describe basic safety practices for the role
• Vague or inconsistent work history with no explanation
• Unfamiliar with core terms such as Danger zone, Stop arm, Amber warning lights
• Negative talk about every past employer or coworker

Onboard for retention

The first 90 days decide whether a new hire stays. Use our School Bus Driver 30-60-90 day onboarding plan and give every new hire the same foundation with School Bus Driver training. Show them the path forward: School Bus Driver → Driver Trainer → Route Planner or Dispatcher → Transportation Supervisor or Director.

Hiring school bus drivers: FAQ

How much should I pay a school bus driver?

The U.S. median wage for school bus drivers is $47,920 per year ($23.04/hour), according to BLS May 2025 data. Entry-level offers often fall near the 25th percentile ($38,650), while experienced hires command closer to the 75th percentile ($58,430). Adjust for your local market.

What qualifications should a school bus driver have?

BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education. Look for CDL Class B or C and P and S endorsements where relevant, plus skills such as large vehicle operation, pre-trip inspection, and student loading and unloading procedures.

How long does it take to train a new school bus driver?

Becoming qualified typically takes 3–8 weeks. After hire, plan for a structured 30-60-90 day onboarding period; BLS classifies on-the-job training for this occupation as “short-term on-the-job training.”