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Bus driver vs school bus aide

The differences between bus drivers and school bus aides can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a bus driver has an average salary of $36,879, which is higher than the $27,100 average annual salary of a school bus aide.

The top three skills for a bus driver include CDL, DOT and customer service. The most important skills for a school bus aide are CPR, CDL, and seat belts.

Bus driver vs school bus aide overview

Bus DriverSchool Bus Aide
Yearly salary$36,879$27,100
Hourly rate$17.73$13.03
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs359,22962,917
Job satisfaction4.5-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%High School Diploma, 48%
Average age5858
Years of experience--

Bus driver vs school bus aide salary

Bus drivers and school bus aides have different pay scales, as shown below.

Bus DriverSchool Bus Aide
Average salary$36,879$27,100
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $45,000Between $22,000 And $32,000
Highest paying CityNashua, NHProvidence, RI
Highest paying stateMassachusettsMassachusetts
Best paying companyPreston High SchoolBuffalo Schools
Best paying industryEducationTransportation

Differences between bus driver and school bus aide education

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

Bus DriverSchool Bus Aide
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%High School Diploma, 48%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Bus driver vs school bus aide demographics

Here are the differences between bus drivers' and school bus aides' demographics:

Bus DriverSchool Bus Aide
Average age5858
Gender ratioMale, 51.1% Female, 48.9%Male, 19.2% Female, 80.8%
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, 8.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.9% Asian, 2.5% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between bus driver and school bus aide 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

School bus aide example responsibilities.

  • Provide CPR as needed (certify) & first aid.
  • Provide appropriate intervention in conflict situations according to ISS standards; notify principal or office when necessary.
  • Enroll in CDL training classes.

Bus driver vs school bus aide skills

Common bus driver skills
  • CDL, 26%
  • DOT, 9%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Safety Rules, 8%
  • CPR, 6%
  • Passenger Endorsement, 6%
Common school bus aide skills
  • CPR, 29%
  • CDL, 20%
  • Seat Belts, 10%
  • Student Discipline, 8%
  • Bus Safety, 6%
  • Bus Stops, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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