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School Bus Driver

💰 Earn $50K-$63K
📚 High School Diploma or GED
⏱️ 6–12 Month Training
📈 0.2% Job Growth
  • Enjoy a rewarding role ensuring student safety and punctuality every school day.
  • Make a positive impact by safely transporting students to their educational journey.
  • Experience the joy of being a vital part of students' daily routines and adventures.
School Bus Driver
What School Bus Drivers DoDrive a school bus to transport students. Ensure adherence to safety rules. May assist students in boarding or exiting.
  • 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.
School Bus Drivers Education, Salary, and Growth
Minimum EducationHigh School Diploma or GED
Career ProspectsGood (Increasing by 1-5%)
Training Time6 months to 1 year
Job Openings61,000 Annually
Median Earnings
$58,280 in California
$47,040 Nationally

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Real Talk Reel

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Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
  • Relating with or serving others
  • Working with my hands
you value
  • Having support
  • Having freedom
  • Personal relationships
you are skilled in
  • Active Listening
  • Service Orientation
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Speaking
  • Monitoring
Go Deeper: School Bus Drivers Explained
School Bus DriverExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years
Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.
🎓 Skills-Focused
⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years
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What Are Similar Careers?

Updated April 2026. Data sourced from O*NET and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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School Bus Driver | Explore this Career