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What is a coach operator and how to become one
A coach operator drives large passenger vehicles, known as coaches, for tours, charters and other scheduled services. Coach operators transport passengers while complying with safety and traffic laws. These drivers must have a thorough knowledge of driving routes and itineraries, and perform daily vehicle checks and maintenance. Excellent customer service skills are essential in this role, as coach operators are frequently required to provide information about destinations and points of interest to passengers.
Avg. Salary $44,612
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 5%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1.15%
Asian 4.90%
Black or African American 25.13%
Hispanic or Latino 17.04%
Unknown 4.12%
White 47.66%
Genderfemale 36.22%
male 63.78%
Age - 56American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 56Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
What are the pros and cons of being a coach operator?
Pros
Opportunity to travel and see new places
Flexible work schedule
Good salary, benefits, and job security
Chance to work independently
Company-provided training and development
Cons
Long hours and irregular schedules
Physical demands of sitting for long periods and handling luggage
High stress due to heavy traffic and tight schedules
Risk of accidents or injuries on the job
Exposure to extreme weather conditions and environmental factors
Coach operator career paths
Key steps to become a coach operator
Explore coach operator education requirements
Start to develop specific coach operator skills
Skills Percentages Transport Passengers 30.75% Safety Rules 14.94% Customer Service 8.26% Incident Reports 7.14% CDL 7.03% Complete relevant coach operator training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New coach operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a coach operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real coach operator resumes.Research coach operator duties and responsibilities
- Train newly hire drivers to obtain CDL for public transit system.
- Used GPS navigation skills to make sure customer are on time for press schedules and events.
- Operate wheelchair lift, and providing assistance to passengers with wheelchairs or scooters by properly securing them.
- Secure and transport disabled passengers with various styles of wheelchairs, scooters, walkers and carts according to U.S. ADA standards.
Prepare your coach operator resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your coach operator resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a coach operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable coach operator resume templates
Build a professional coach operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your coach operator resume.
Apply for coach operator jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a coach operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first coach operator job
Are you a coach operator?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average coach operator salary
The average coach operator salary in the United States is $44,612 per year or $21 per hour. Coach operator salaries range between $28,000 and $69,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do coach operators rate their job?
Coach operator reviews
Not enough overtime , the hours are not enough, and since their are meaningful, being able to sign up for overtime helps . Then there are the class C drivers who take advantage of bus drivers, by cutting us off, or just not being aware that a 40ft/ 60ft bus can not stop on a dime And while class C drivers take unnecessary traffic risk. A bus driver must stay alert and expect the unexpected every minute under the wheel of a bus
The road rage drivers: people lose their empathy when driving. They become aggressive and angry by the slightest event on the road. Hence, taking the fun out of driving. However, driving is still relaxing and fun.
Meeting new people, seeing new places, and the pay when you work for private transportation
traffic in the bay area
Updated January 8, 2025
