Bus Drivers, School
53-3051.00
Updated 2024

A subset of this occupation's profile is available. Data collection is currently underway to populate other parts of the profile.

Drive a school bus to transport students. Ensure adherence to safety rules. May assist students in boarding or exiting.

Sample of reported job titles: Bus Driver, School Bus Driver, Shuttle Bus Driver, Special Education Bus Driver

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

  • 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.
  • Comply with traffic regulations to operate vehicles in a safe and courteous manner.
  • Drive gasoline, diesel, or electrically powered multi-passenger vehicles to transport students between neighborhoods, schools, and school activities.
  • Escort small children across roads and highways.
  • Follow safety rules as students board and exit buses or cross streets near bus stops.
  • Keep bus interiors clean for students.
  • Maintain knowledge of first-aid procedures.
  • Maintain order among students during trips to ensure safety.
  • Make minor repairs to vehicles.
  • Pick up and drop off students at regularly scheduled neighborhood locations, following strict time schedules.
  • Prepare and submit reports that may include the number of students or trips, hours worked, mileage, or fuel consumption.
  • Read maps and follow written and verbal geographic directions.
  • Record bus routes.
  • Regulate heating, lighting, and ventilation systems for student comfort.
  • Report any bus malfunctions or needed repairs.
  • Report delays, accidents, or other traffic and transportation situations, using telephones or mobile two-way radios.
  • Report delinquent student behaviors to school administration.
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Occupational Requirements

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Experience Requirements

Job Zone

Title
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Related Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Job Zone Examples
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, tellers, and dental laboratory technicians.
SVP Range
(4.0 to < 6.0)

Training & Credentials

State training
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Certifications
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Worker Characteristics

Interests

Interest code: RCS
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  • Realistic — Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
  • Conventional — Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
  • Social — Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Workforce Characteristics

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2023)
$21.95 hourly, $45,660 annual
State wages
Local wages
Employment (2022)
358,800 employees
Projected growth (2022-2032)
Little or no change
Projected job openings (2022-2032)
55,200
State trends
Top industries (2022)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023 wage data and 2022-2032 employment projections . “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2022-2032). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

Job Openings on the Web

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More Information

Professional Associations

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National Associations
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