Bus Drivers, School
Description OES Code: 97111
Operate gasoline, diesel, or electric powered multi-passenger vehicles to transport students from their neighborhoods to schools or school activities.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $9.30
25th Percentile $10.36
50th Percentile $12.70
75th Percentile $15.39

Wages, San Joauqin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $8.32
25th Percentile $8.85
50th Percentile $11.64
75th Percentile $13.72

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Most School Bus Driver positions are part-time, with many drivers working 20 hours per week or fewer and splitting their time between morning and afternoon shifts. Most drivers work a ten-month year; some districts, however, have year-round sessions.

Benefits usually include sick leave, medical and life insurance, and retirement programs. However, School Bus Drivers rarely receive vacation pay since they do not work when school is not in session.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 25,000
Projected Employment 2008 32,300
Percent Change 1998-2008 29.2%
Separations 1998-2008 5,100

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 700
Projected Employment 2006 830
Percent Change 1999-2006 18.6%
Separations 1999-2006 100

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Most buses are heated and air conditioned; however, drivers experience heat, cold, rain, or wind because they frequently must open the door and sometimes escort students across the street. School Bus Drivers occasionally deal with unruly student passengers. They may sometimes experience the stress of heavy traffic conditions, time schedule commitments, and delays. On the other hand, many drivers enjoy the opportunity to work without direct supervision while being responsible for the bus and passengers.

Advancement
School Bus Drivers occasionally move from part-time status to full time status after a period of months or years on the job with an employer. However, most School Bus Drivers who desire higher wages or full-time work switch to transit or intercity bus driving, taxi driving, or truck driving.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Job seekers should apply directly to school districts. They may also want to register with local unions, check newspaper help wanted ads, and network with drivers who are currently working. Direct application to employers remains one of the most effective job search methods. Private firms are listed in the Yellow Pages under Buses-School Transportation Services and Child Care Services.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Employers usually require a high school diploma. The legal minimum age is 18 to drive a bus within the state. Drivers must be at least 21 to drive a bus across state lines. Drivers over 70 must passan annual exam. In addition, the California Highway Patrol administers and requires the following for each School
Bus Driver:

California School Bus Drivers Certificate
School Pupil Activity Bus Certificate
Youth Bus Certificate
First-aid Certificate

Applicants must complete a 40-hour training program (20 hours of classroom and 20 hours of instruction behind the wheel) to qualify to take the exam. School Bus Drivers usually must pass oral and written exams given by school districts. Many school districts do not require prior bus driving experience. However, prospective drivers must be able to obtain a California Class B driver's license. To qualify for the required Class B license with passenger endorsement, issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, applicants must be able to pass a pre-employment physical examination that includes a vision test. School Bus Drivers must have a clean police record. Most employers check official motor vehicle records. Some employers require drug testing prior to hiring and may test employees randomly.

Skills & Other Requirements
Bus Drivers are required to have the following skills:
Reaction time - The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to one signal (sound, light, picture, etc.) when it appears
Far and near vision - The ability to see details at a distance or close at hand
Social perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react the way they do
Operation and control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems

References
California Occupational Guide #578

Related Occupations: Bus Drivers, Truck Drivers, Heavy, Forklift Operators

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)