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What is a bus operator and how to become one
A bus operator drives a bus through designated routes picking up and dropping passengers off along that route and has to be on time to arrive at every bus stop. They are responsible for checking assigned routes and inspecting vehicle conditions prior to departure, stopping at designated areas where passengers can get on and off the bus, driving passengers through pre-established routes, adhering to traffic laws and regulations, and charging fare from passengers.
They store and keep records of the number of passengers and fare paid, ensuring that the passengers sit in an orderly and safe manner, assisting those with baggage and special needs, and answering their questions and inquiries.
A bus operator needs to have exceptional driving skills, high levels of self-reliance and resourcefulness, physical stamina, great stress and time management skills, good interpersonal and communication skills, and high levels of honesty, integrity, and reliability.
A high school diploma or GED is sufficient for this job. On average, they earn a salary of $30,844 per year which translates to $14.83 an hour according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, a bus operator earns within the range of $24,000 and $39,000 per year.
Avg. Salary $37,374
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 5%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1.15%
Asian 4.90%
Black or African American 25.13%
Hispanic or Latino 17.04%
Unknown 4.12%
White 47.66%
Genderfemale 37.52%
male 62.48%
Age - 56American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 56Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Bus Operator career paths
Key steps to become a bus operator
Explore bus operator education requirements
Start to develop specific bus operator skills
Skills 
Percentages Transport Passengers 32.22% CDL 12.10% Safety Rules 11.02% Vehicle Inspections 7.69% Customer Service 7.22% Complete relevant bus operator training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New bus operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a bus operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real bus operator resumes.Obtain the necessary licensing
Becoming a licensed bus operator usually doesn't require a college degree. However, you need to pass an exam to become a licensed bus operator in most of states. 18 states require bus operators to have license for their work. You can see the list of states below.State Education Exam License Url Kentucky Specific course required State exam required School Bus Driver Maryland Specific course required State exam required BUS DRIVER, SCHOOL Alaska Specific course required State exam required Bus Driver, School Idaho - State exam required Commercial Drivers Illinois Specific course required State exam required COMMERCIAL DRIVER (TRUCK AND BUS OPERATOR) Gain additional bus operator certifications
More About CertificationsBus operator certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific bus operator certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for bus operators include Commercial Driver License (CDL) and Passenger Endorsement (P) (P).
Research bus operator duties and responsibilities
- Follow maps and electronic GPS as needed.
- Operate various types of company vehicles that require CDL certification.
- Perform a complete visual safety check of each bus driven on a daily basis, completing daily pre and post-trip checklists.
- Assist passengers with special needs in wheelchairs and walkers to be safely transport in the bus.
Prepare your bus operator resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your bus operator resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a bus operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Bus Operator Resume templates
Build a professional Bus Operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Bus Operator resume.
Apply for bus operator jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a bus operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Bus Operator Job
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Average bus operator salary
The average Bus Operator salary in the United States is $37,374 per year or $18 per hour. Bus operator salaries range between $30,000 and $46,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do bus operators rate their job?
Bus Operator reviews
Unruly and disrespectful children sometimes with dangerous behavior. You may not always be supported by your supervisor, parents or school staff. Hours can be very conflicting with your doctor’s or other appointments
Severing the public , being able to get people to and from work and home is a good day work as a bus driver.
Not enough overtime , the hours are not enough, and since their are meaningful, being able to sign up for overtime helps . Then there are the class C drivers who take advantage of bus drivers, by cutting us off, or just not being aware that a 40ft/ 60ft bus can not stop on a dime And while class C drivers take unnecessary traffic risk. A bus driver must stay alert and expect the unexpected every minute under the wheel of a bus
The freedom to work on your own schedule.
The road rage drivers: people lose their empathy when driving. They become aggressive and angry by the slightest event on the road. Hence, taking the fun out of driving. However, driving is still relaxing and fun.
Updated January 8, 2025
