We drive for private companies that lease the service to the school boards. Some states charge an additional fee for the CDL itself, while others combine these fees together. Most bus drivers around d here are women or retired men who just need something to do. The average School Bus Driver salary in the United States is $36,952 as of January 26, 2023, but the range typically falls between $29,831 and $45,033. These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of School Bus Driver in the United States. If you have the bus number, you can also contact the school district. And parents can sometimes let a little money change hands in exchange for a few perks. 2. Additionally, School Bus Driver requires a valid driver's license. However, the basics are the same, though you may need to learn to shift if youve never driven a standard before. Front seats are best left open so students causing issues or with behavior problems can be assigned to sit on the drivers right to be better monitored., School bus drivers usually have a staggered schedule, driving kids in different grades throughout the morning and then doing it in reverse later in the day. School Bus Drivers operate **Monday - Friday**, from September until the end of June, that's right, **summers off. Commercial drivers cannot use amphetamines, narcotics or other habit-forming drugs, with or without a prescription. In the United States, the average School Bus Driver income is $34,963 per year, or $16.81 per hour, according to Payscale. Enjoy! In CDL School Now More than once, Ive found a kid sleeping or engrossed on their phone., Ever wonder how a bus driver closes the pneumatic door if he or she is the last one to leave? Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. To learn which documents you need to bring to apply for your permit, keep reading! At the time, many of the drivers dismissed her statement as being just another one of her crazy rants, because many of the drivers working then had already been driving a school bus for 10 years or more. Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry. But things are looking up. COVID-19 relief under the $2.2 trillion CARES Act included a $30.75 billion Education Stabilization Fund, whereby federal aid will be distributed to states, with each state receiving a calculated amount. Please select the number of verifiable months youve been driving professionally using your Class A CDL within the last 3 years. All school buses in the United States and Canada are required to have first aid kits, body fluid cleanup kits, and an emergency radio. You may have to pay an additional fee for your CLP. Bus drivers despise the following 20 things that passengers do. The job requires a unique skill set, and its not as easy as youd think. Generally, to obtain a special certificate from the CHP, applicants must: 1. The CARES Act did stipulate that schools and contractors, to include pupil transporters and drivers, would be covered. In other states, additional training is required after youve passed the state skills tests for your CDL with P and S endorsements. Theres a reason that great school bus drivers are difficult to find and keep: driving a school bus requires more than just driving skill and patience. Comments are moderated and may not appear for 24 hours or more. And then to find out that were not getting paid by the school district, it does hurt.. The state is providing virtual solutions to keep pace with the need to fill their pipeline with drivers, in anticipation of a school year startup on or about Sept. 1. They need relief and they need it now. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They actually cantnot all the way, anyway. Since you want to be a school bus driver, youll take your test in a school bus. They may also transport students, teachers and staff members to special events beyond their normal route, such as athletic events and field trips. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target. In light of a persisting driver shortage, we are rerunning it and have updated it with some links to related articles offering insights and solutions. (3/1/2018) When schools take a snow day, bus drivers get the day off like everyone else but they dont get paid. 4 Years The CHP revised its first aid examination in July 2015. In the bus driving sector, you may make up to $44,000 per year if you work hard enough. Here's what they earn to do it. Heres a glimpse of what goes on before, during, and after your kid hops on board. Must have at least 20/40 vision and a 70-degree field of vision in each eye. As such, the CHP works to promote safe driving practices through a combination of partnership, public education, and enforcement efforts. By using our buses and drivers, we are still able to provide necessary resources during this time.. If drivers can find summer work, its hourly part-time positions with very low wages. 2 Years School bus drivers make $37,607 per year on average, or $18.08 per hour, in the United States. Needs someone to be at house when Rachele gets off bus in front of house at 2:30pm, son, Rock, gets off bus at 4:40pm approx. comments on Often asked: What Do School Bus Drivers Make? Your email address will not be published. Despite not driving their routes while schools are under a mandatory shutdown, bus drivers will continue to get paid for the foreseeable future, said Oskar Scheikl, superintendent of Rockingham County Public . Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. Applicant Study Guide (Highway Patrol Handbook 82.7, Passenger Transportation Andrew Cuomo described the downside of flattening the coronavirus curve in his daily press briefings. While ZipRecruiter is seeing weekly wages as high as $827 and as low as $298, the majority of School Bus Driver wages currently range between $567 (25th percentile) to $731 (75th percentile) across the United States. In many school districts, the face that parents and guardians see most frequently doesnt belong to the principal, the teacher, or even other studentsits the school bus driver, the man or woman charged with the awesome responsibility of getting dozens of children from their homes to their classroom in a safe and efficient manner. How long does it take to become a bus driver? 3 Years She noted that similar measures were taken in New Mexico, where Gov. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Obtain a Special Driver Certificate from the CHP. School districts across the country are struggling to fill vital school bus driver positions. Daytime activities include field excursions (you remember those, dont you?) School board member Julie Henn said the district is looking to improve driver compensation and working conditions. Obtain a commercial learners permit with a (S) School Bus and/or (P) Passenger endorsement (DMV), or Class B commercial drivers license with (P) endorsement for General Public Paratransit Vehicle and Farm Labor Vehicle. The job requires a unique skill set, and its not as easy as youd think. comments on FAQ: How Much Do School Bus Drivers Get Paid? All bus operators are fully aware of the expenses associated with running a bus service. Her father was angry about what happened to her, but he thanked me several times for checking on her and thanked me again when I saw him the next day. The tests must however be passed before your CPL expires. Agenda topics may be submitted for consideration to ResearchandPlanning@chp.ca.gov, or to any of the SPTAC members. Once again, eligible school bus drivers could receive up to two separate retention bonuses of $1,000 (less applicable taxes) for each term, based on continuous employment in each . Bus drivers are not paid during school holidays or for teachers days. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 401,248 times. To start training with a company, you must hold a full EU driving licence and be aged at least 18. Free plan; Start: $9 a month; Grow: $15 a month; uh. Applicants may be administered a first aid examination and certified by the American Red Cross or any of the approved providers for school bus drivers listed on the Emergency Medical Services Authoritys (EMSA) website, or by the CHP. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. 17 They leave their bags in plain sight and then blame the bus company when their belongings are stolen. Comments that include personal This page must be signed and dated in the presence of the CHP school bus officer or coordinator. Each state governor will then distribute the funds. We are constantly brainstorming more ways to meet our communities needs.. Extra earning opportunities are usually available as well. The most stressful [thing] was other drivers being reckless while students are loading or unloading, Cindy says. (Perfect answer) . Several School Bus Drivers also transport students and teachers on field trips or to sporting events. "This article has been a starting point for me to be a good school bus driver. 2. Unemployment during school breaks a week or longer. Rockingham County Public Schools will continue to pay bus drivers despite their being unable to work because of the coronavirus outbreak. The third part of the skills test evaluates your safe driving skills. To become a bus or coach driver, you will need to complete training for a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence and the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC Driver ). Drivers generally work 180 days a year with summers off; 11 paid Holidays; Routes run from 5:30am to 9:30am and 1:30pm to 5:30pm on average school days, with Mid-Day runs available; School days are Monday through . Federal relief could mean that school bus contractors and their drivers will get paid. I got done around 9 a.m. and didnt have to be back to work until 1:30, says Mike, a retired driver in Central New York. . I give my express consent authorizing TruckersReport and its. Required fields are marked *. This makes for a very bouncy, harsh, uncomfortable ride, which can be fatiguing for a driver who has to deal with it all day long. If you plan to drive school buses with air brakes, you also must pass an additional knowledge test on air brake operation. Now that I've rewritten your question into something resembles English, I will start by simply saying "No, they don't." However, it depends on the company. This could be part of the "beginning of the end," as New York Gov. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) partners with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the California Department of Education (CDE) to assist with the testing school bus driver applicants and farm labor transportation drivers. How much does a School Bus Driver make in the United States? Calls for help came from NYSBCA, as well as the many unions who represent school bus drivers and workers, have been vociferous, and worked with federal, state and local representatives, about the need for school transportation contractors and their workers to stay funded and allow them to continue to receive not only a paycheck but also health insurance benefits which many rely on. 2. Here are six key reasons that school bus drivers hang up their keys. 2020 Notice Register Number 14-Z, April 3, 2020 (ca.gov). Required fields are marked *. The national hourly pay for school bus drivers is $18.08. 1. CT transit bus driver injured in collision with tractor-trailer in West Hartford Hartford's top paid public school administrators oversee 16,827 students. Terms | Answer: It depends on the company. As kids get older, their on-bus behavior can start to become a distraction. School buses only run once or twice a day. ", with a qualified, approved and safe driver. The Ontario Ministry of Education, in partnership with SBO has announced that the School Bus Driver Retention Program (DRP) would continue for the 2022/23 school year. Search more salaries here: Understanding The Salary Benchmarking Process, School Bus Driver Salaries with No Diploma, School Bus Driver Salaries with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate, School Bus Driver Salaries with an Associate's Degree, School Bus Driver Salaries with a Bachelor's Degree, School Bus Driver Salaries with a Master's Degree or MBA, School Bus Driver Salaries with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent, Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions. Where do school bus drivers make the most money? You are going to have to come up with some money, in most cases, for this job even before or at least at the start of your school bus driver training, because you are going to need a pre-employment background check, drug test and a physical. Contact your local CHP office for additional information. and lectures. 2023 School Bus Fleet Magazine, Bobit. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. School bus drivers typically get paid by the hour. In this month's issue, our cover story dives into the details of using student rider data to accurately track Find the latest vehicle production data and budget reports, industry trends, and contact information for state, national and federal 2022 School Transportation News. Health issues that school bus drivers often face includes stress, insomnia, muscular pains, obesity, respiratory and infectious diseases due to exposure to pollutants, gastric disorders due to irregular food habits and more. By clicking the submit button below, you are agreeing with Bobit Business Medias Privacy Policy and this outlined level of consent. Being a School Bus Driver may require a high school diploma or its equivalent. NFTA Bus Driver, Salary estimation for School Bus Driver at companies like : The pre-trip inspection portion of your skills test will evaluate your ability to correctly point out and evaluate monitoring and warning devices, accurately assess brake system condition and evaluate low pressure warnings, and run an operational check of all required alarms and emergency devices. Bookmark +, Why do school bus drivers quit? The base salary for School Bus Driver ranges from $29,831 to $45,033 with the average base salary of $36,952. See user submitted job responsibilities for School Bus Driver. School bus drivers on the lower end of that spectrum, the bottom 10% to be exact, make roughly $30,000 a year, while the top 10% makes $46,000. Sounds breezy, but Mike and most other drivers are paid by the number of hours worked. Your state drivers license office will check your driving record for the past 10 years, including every state in which youve had a license. The states and districts that pay Bus Drivers the highest mean salary are New York ($62,060), Washington ($57,880), Alaska ($55,550), Massachusetts ($54,720), and California ($51,700). School Bus Fleet Blog Kim Morrison Skills associated with School Bus Driver: If she were alive today, I would be telling her that she was right, and she would be grinning, because she saw this coming long before the rest of us. Like so many aspects of COVID-19 and its communal effects, the fate of school bus driver payin the short term, and in the long termis uncertain. Get a physical exam. 7 Steps to Choosing The Right Fleet Maintenance Software For Your (STN Podcast E149) Dont Discount Diesel: EV Nuances & School Bus Energy Choices, WATCH: Illinois School District Highlights Transportation Department, WATCH: South Carolina School District Recognizes Bus Drivers, (Free White Paper) Think Outside Your Budget, (Free White Paper) The Electric Bus Journey. Chokio, MN. The secure and easy all-access connection to your content. Both school bus drivers and school districts must be ready for implementation of the new law. Since the hours are so irregular, it is hard to get another part-time job. Are there any medical restrictions on becoming a bus driver with GoAhead London? % of people told us that this article helped them. Drivers who have been in the hot seat long enough to earn seniority can earn more money, but there are other perks. When I started driving a school bus quite a few years ago, there was a cantankerous old bus driver who always used to say, "There will never be another 30-year bus driver here.". You may access EMSAs web site atemsa.ca.gov/childcare External link . (Solved). The following is a list of school bus driver requirements: Must have a commercial driver's license (CDL) Must be able to speak, read, and understand English. The test requires you to pay a fee before you sit for it. According to a School Transportation News web poll, approximately 38 percent of over 700 readers said school bus drivers at their school district or bus companies were not getting paid. Transports students to and from school and designated locations. We have also used our buses to deliver instructional work packets to our elementary level students. CHP 295, Special Certificate Application(PDF)CHP 295J - Applicant/Carrier Document Checklist (PDF)CHP 296 - Application for School Bus Contractor's License (PDF)CHP 296A - How to Obtain or Renew a School Bus Contractor's License (PDF). New buses can range in price from $90,000 to $290,000, depending on their features and specifications. School Bus Driver drives a bus intended for school activities. Have a complete drivers license and at least one year of driving experience in the United Kingdom*. The rest of the sections are for CHP use only. mp. Your email address will not be published. Must have good hearing. You need to bring one or two forms of legal identification, such as a passport or birth certificate, depending on your states regulations. The op-ed expresses the authors opinions and not necessarily those of SBF. I think people would be surprised how much continuous education there is, Mike says. They usually drive the same routes each day, stopping to pick up students in the morning and returning them to their homes in the afternoon. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $29,831 to $45,033 with the average total cash compensation of $36,952. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). The criteria for this examination are based on all chapters of the 2014 American Red Cross, First Aid/CPR/AED Participants Manual (Item #656756). For a real-time salary target, tell us more about your role in the four categories below. Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence. But New York state has many needs and is commonly called the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. Your email address will not be published. To create this article, 21 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers: Take just three simple steps below to generate your own personalized salary report. The states and districts that pay Bus Drivers the highest mean salary are New York ($62,060), Washington ($57,880), Alaska ($55,550), Massachusetts ($54,720), and California ($51,700). Not all of the little hellraisers are out for blood. I've seen actual cash change hands., Once every kid has de-boarded, drivers usually have to walk the length of the bus to make sure there are no stragglers. Youll find a breakdown of all the fees involved in getting a CDL in your states CDL manual. As these drivers stick with us and their kids get older, they may not get to spend the middle of their days with their children, but they always get to spend summers with them! DOT Regulations, Safety Procedures, Vehicle Safety Checks, Transport Passengers, Recently searched related titles: Your states CDL manual should have a list of approved physicians to perform this exam. This information must be explained and reviewed by the school bus officer or coordinator. They're paid by the pound, so you want the high schoolers lol. That rate can vary depending on the school, geographic location and the driver's experience and safety record. I do take it personally because Im a resident. 5:30pm. You'll be tested on your visual search methods, the appropriate use of signals, your ability to control the vehicle's speed depending on weather or traffic conditions and appropriately position the vehicle when turning or changing lanes. This may include escorting small children across roads and highways. It varies from state to state, but you can check with your local DMV to find out your state's requirements. No. But some school bus drivers have not been getting paid. Recently, a middle school girl boarded my bus in tears because she was jumped or attacked by another girl while walking to the bus. 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