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Bus driver vs driver trainer

The differences between bus drivers and driver trainers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a driver trainer has an average salary of $46,074, which is higher than the $36,879 average annual salary of a bus driver.

The top three skills for a bus driver include CDL, DOT and customer service. The most important skills for a driver trainer are CDL, dexterity, and training programs.

Bus driver vs driver trainer overview

Bus DriverDriver Trainer
Yearly salary$36,879$46,074
Hourly rate$17.73$22.15
Growth rate5%4%
Number of jobs359,229844,436
Job satisfaction4.5-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%High School Diploma, 31%
Average age5848
Years of experience-2

What does a bus driver do?

Bus drivers are mainly responsible for safely transporting passengers to their destinations. Bus drivers must be attentive and highly focused to monitor road situations at all times, avoiding any cause of accidents. A bus driver must also ensure to follow all safety policies and procedures during the travel. Bus drivers should also be knowledgeable in monitoring the engine's condition, spot any unusual signals and inconsistencies of the vehicle system that might compromise everyone's safety and comfortability.

What does a driver trainer do?

Driver trainers are instructors who teach their clients how to drive. They are often considered experts in driving, and they are credible enough to impart their driving knowledge to clients. They teach their clients the basics of handling a car, the different actions one takes while driving, and the meaning of different street signs. They guide their clients during driving lessons and provide feedback so that their clients can improve. At times, driver trainers also handle driving tests and would rate the clients on their driving skills.

Bus driver vs driver trainer salary

Bus drivers and driver trainers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Bus DriverDriver Trainer
Average salary$36,879$46,074
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $45,000Between $30,000 And $70,000
Highest paying CityNashua, NHPortland, OR
Highest paying stateMassachusettsOregon
Best paying companyPreston High SchoolJ. J. Keller & Associates
Best paying industryEducationTransportation

Differences between bus driver and driver trainer education

There are a few differences between a bus driver and a driver trainer in terms of educational background:

Bus DriverDriver Trainer
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%High School Diploma, 31%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Bus driver vs driver trainer demographics

Here are the differences between bus drivers' and driver trainers' demographics:

Bus DriverDriver Trainer
Average age5848
Gender ratioMale, 51.1% Female, 48.9%Male, 84.7% Female, 15.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 2.7% White, 67.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 12.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.1% Asian, 3.6% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage9%4%

Differences between bus driver and driver trainer duties and responsibilities

Bus driver example responsibilities.

  • Demonstrate knowledge of designate routes in metro area.
  • Provide transportation for city of buffalo residents by driving metro city bus.
  • Work as the employee trainer for CDL's as well as performed orientation for all new employees.
  • Drive on narrow streets, in high traffic areas, around trolleys, and heavy pedestrian areas.
  • Operate a bus carrying passengers in accordance with the rules and regulation of the MTA bus company.
  • Help riders with wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, and other conditions board and exit the bus safely.
  • Show more

Driver trainer example responsibilities.

  • Manage delivery locations and execute pickup and delivery routes.
  • Maintain trip logs in compliance with FMCSA regulations.
  • Follow FMCSA requirements for a commercial driver's license.
  • Use of electronic logging system (XATA) and GPS system.
  • Implement the company new hire training program for OTR dry freight drivers.
  • Train new CDL drivers in safety and delivery operations, logbook verification, and route scheduling.
  • Show more

Bus driver vs driver trainer skills

Common bus driver skills
  • CDL, 26%
  • DOT, 9%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Safety Rules, 8%
  • CPR, 6%
  • Passenger Endorsement, 6%
Common driver trainer skills
  • CDL, 33%
  • Dexterity, 17%
  • Training Programs, 13%
  • Defensive Driving, 11%
  • Emergency Equipment, 10%
  • Customer Service, 3%

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