Mile after mile and daily, our dedicated transportation team ensures students get to school safely, greet them with a smile to start and their day, and provide extra assistance to those with special needs. Being a bus driver is a vital and rewarding role that supports students’ success every day.
For those who enjoy working with children, have patience, and are committed to keeping our students safe, this role offers a meaningful way to make a difference. If you're looking for a fulfilling career that lets you be an essential part of students’ daily lives, we encourage you to explore opportunities to become a bus driver in our district. Join us in making a difference—one ride at a time.
Wages and Benefits
CDL-licensed substitute Bus Drivers earn $20.50 per hour (new rate increase as of October 14, 2024), with bonuses at 50 days worked ($500), 100 days worked ($750), and 150 days worked ($1000). Prospective applicants will make $15.84 per hour as a Driver in Training (riding on buses) or a certified van driver until you obtain your CDL (B) and are eligible to drive.
Sub-drivers average approximately 30 hours per week.
Full-time driver pay (with CDL B): $22.05/hour
After 18 days of subbing at the 30 hours per week, sub-drivers become eligible for insurance. Sub-drivers can either obtain insurance through the district or accept the Opt-out payment.
Sub-driving positions can eventually evolve into “regular” positions as annual turnover occurs. “Regular” drivers start at $22.09 per hour, have an assigned bus and route, and can make an additional income by taking field trips and bidding on shuttles.
Work Hours
Subdrivers report to work at 6:00 a.m. Morning routes end at approximately 9:15 a.m. Drivers return at 1:45 p.m. for their afternoon runs, which are usually completed around 4:45 p.m.
How we get you your CDL (B)
- Applicants can obtain a Temporary CDL License by taking four tests for that CDL:
- Applicants are assessed in the areas of: General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Passenger and School Bus. Tuesday through Saturday at Hilliard BMV, located at 4740 Cemetery Rd. Hilliard, Oh 43206 or Alum Creek BMV located at 1583 Alum Creek Drive 43209.
- The district provides Class B CDL training. Trainees are not paid for the training but can be employed as sub-aides during the period. Training takes approximately 35 - 50 hours and consists of learning a pre-trip inspection, driving a bus, and the associated driving skills and safety requirements. Training is usually conducted a few hours daily and spread over 2 - 3 weeks.
All new drivers must also attend five pre-service classes conducted by the State. These sessions are coordinated by the State and held somewhere in Central Ohio, lasting approximately 4 hours.
Miscellaneous Information
The role of the Sub-Driver consists of filling in and driving the route of regular drivers who are out on a type of leave. As a dstrict, we understand that many Sub-Drivers come with conditional working schedules and we are happy to accommodate (Ex: I can only work Wed-Fri...or...I can only work afternoom shifts).
Typical routes consist of an Elementary, Intermediate, or Middle school run and a High School run, each with approximately 60 students. Drivers are assisted with turn-by-turn tablets in each bus as a pat of our RouteFinder navigation platform to ease concerns about not knowing all the specifics of a particular neighborhood or route.
If your application is selected, additional information will be discussed during a personal interview. South-Western City Schools thanks you for your time and for considering bus driving as a career.
Substitute Bus Driver - How to Apply
Click on Careers at the top of the page
Click on View all External Positions in the Consortium.
Click on Maintenance/Custodial/Transportation/Security, and you will see the Substitute Bus Driver Position listed.
Click on APPLY, fill out the form, and submit.
Page 4 - Vacancy Desired, leave that page blank (Bus Driver positions are not listed on that page.)
Page 5 - Position Desired - scroll down to Transportation and check - Bus Driver and Substitute Bus Driver.
Substitute Bus Aide - How to Apply
Click on Careers at the top of the page.
Click on View all External Positions in the Consortium.
Click on Maintenance/Custodial/Transportation/Security to see the Full Time and Substitute Bus Aide Position listed.
Click on APPLY, fill out the form, and submit.