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Paratransit driver vs school bus driver

The differences between paratransit drivers and school bus drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a school bus driver has an average salary of $37,607, which is higher than the $35,386 average annual salary of a paratransit driver.

The top three skills for a paratransit driver include CDL, transport passengers and vehicle inspections. The most important skills for a school bus driver are vehicle inspections, customer service, and safety rules.

Paratransit driver vs school bus driver overview

Paratransit DriverSchool Bus Driver
Yearly salary$35,386$37,607
Hourly rate$17.01$18.08
Growth rate20%5%
Number of jobs199,099112,230
Job satisfaction-1.5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 40%High School Diploma, 35%
Average age4758
Years of experience--

Paratransit driver vs school bus driver salary

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

Paratransit DriverSchool Bus Driver
Average salary$35,386$37,607
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $48,000Between $30,000 And $46,000
Highest paying CityHamden, CTSpringfield, MA
Highest paying stateConnecticutMassachusetts
Best paying companyJohnson Central High SchoolEpic Systems
Best paying industryTransportationEducation

Differences between paratransit driver and school bus driver education

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

Paratransit DriverSchool Bus Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 40%High School Diploma, 35%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Paratransit driver vs school bus driver demographics

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

Paratransit DriverSchool Bus Driver
Average age4758
Gender ratioMale, 60.4% Female, 39.6%Male, 44.7% Female, 55.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 21.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 8.1% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 2.6% White, 69.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage6%9%

Differences between paratransit driver and school bus driver duties and responsibilities

Paratransit driver example responsibilities.

  • Accomplish CDL license with endorsement in doubles/triples.
  • Contract through MTA; drive disabled clients to doctor's appointments, dialysis, and work.
  • Operate hydraulic equipment, GPS and computerize radio communication systems.
  • Respond to medical emergencies include administering first-aid and relay requests for services and transportation of patients to medical emergencies or appointments.
  • Assist with wheelchairs and stretchers during transport.
  • Deliver customers to their destination/homes/doorsteps with luggage/baggage groceries

School bus driver example responsibilities.

  • Transport clients to doctor appointments, health clinic, and rehabilitation clinics for non-emergency services
  • Obtain CDL and perform daily safety checks on the bus for the security of the students.
  • Train and develop skills in using automatic defibrillator, CPR, and first-aid techniques to be prepare for emergency situations.
  • Aid as a monitor at high school during lunch periods in the commons to make sure the kids are safe.
  • Maintain minor vehicle maintenance and cleanliness.
  • Perform daily pre-trip and post trip.
  • Show more

Paratransit driver vs school bus driver skills

Common paratransit driver skills
  • CDL, 17%
  • Transport Passengers, 13%
  • Vehicle Inspections, 11%
  • GPS, 9%
  • Safety Rules, 7%
  • Reliable Transportation, 7%
Common school bus driver skills
  • Vehicle Inspections, 27%
  • Customer Service, 25%
  • Safety Rules, 7%
  • DOT, 6%
  • Post-Trip Inspections, 3%
  • Passenger Endorsement, 3%

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