Bus Driver Jobs in Arlington, TX
Bus drivers keep Arlington moving, from school routes and city transit to charter and event shuttles serving the Entertainment District. With Arlington ISD as one of the area's largest employers and major venues like AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field driving shuttle demand, driving jobs here are steady and often come with strong benefits. Most Arlington bus drivers earn about $20 to $28 an hour, with school district roles offering set schedules and paid CDL training.
Current bus driver Openings in Arlington, TX
Listings marked External are sponsored openings provided by the Jobs2Careers network.
Top Arlington Employers Hiring Bus Drivers
Bus drivers are needed across Arlington's schools, transit services, and charter operators:
- Arlington ISD - the school district hires school bus drivers with paid CDL training and competitive hourly pay.
- Mansfield ISD - the neighboring district staffs route and special-needs bus drivers.
- RATP Dev / Arlington Trolley - the transit operator runs Arlington's on-demand and shuttle services.
- First Student - the national school transportation contractor hires drivers across the DFW area.
- Charter & Motorcoach Operators - charter companies staff event and stadium shuttle drivers for the Entertainment District.
- Durham School Services - the student transportation provider hires CDL bus drivers with passenger endorsements.
Bus Driver Salaries in Arlington
- Entry level: about $20 to $22 per hour for new school and shuttle drivers.
- Experienced: roughly $23 to $28 per hour with seniority and route experience.
- Transit / charter: $25 to $30+ per hour for full-time transit and motorcoach roles with benefits.
These are estimates that vary by employer, schedule, and route type. School districts often offer set hours, summers off, and retirement benefits, while transit and charter roles may add overtime and event-based premium pay.
How to Become a Bus Driver in Arlington
You need a Class B (or Class A) CDL with passenger (P) and, for school buses, school bus (S) endorsements, plus a DOT physical and clean driving record. Many Arlington employers, including Arlington ISD and contractors like First Student, offer paid CDL training so you can earn your license on the job. You must also pass background checks and drug screening, and school bus roles require additional student-safety training.
What the Job Involves
Bus drivers safely transport passengers along assigned routes or charter trips while following traffic laws and schedules. Daily tasks include pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections, managing passenger boarding, maintaining order and safety onboard, and communicating with dispatch. School bus drivers monitor student behavior and safe loading zones, while transit and charter drivers handle fares, tickets, or event logistics.
Skills Employers Look For
- Class B or A CDL with P and S endorsements
- Clean driving record and safe defensive driving
- Patience and strong people skills, especially with students
- Punctuality and route reliability
- Calm handling of emergencies and passenger issues
- Clear communication with dispatch and passengers
Career Path and Advancement
Many Arlington drivers start with school or shuttle routes to earn their CDL and passenger endorsement, then move into full-time transit, charter, or motorcoach roles for higher pay. From there, the path runs to lead driver, driver trainer, dispatcher, or transportation supervisor. Adding endorsements and building a spotless safety record are the quickest ways to advance in the DFW passenger-transport market.
Related Careers in Arlington
If driving a bus interests you, these related Arlington roles are close matches:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do bus drivers make in Arlington?
New school and shuttle drivers generally start around $20 to $22 per hour, experienced drivers earn $23 to $28, and full-time transit or charter drivers can reach $30 or more per hour with benefits.
Do school districts provide CDL training in Arlington?
Yes. Arlington ISD and national contractors like First Student and Durham School Services commonly offer paid CDL training, so you can earn your Class B license with passenger and school bus endorsements while getting hired.
What endorsements do I need to drive a bus?
You need a passenger (P) endorsement for any bus, plus a school bus (S) endorsement to drive school buses. These are added to a Class B or Class A CDL after passing knowledge and skills tests.
Is bus driving a good part-time job in Arlington?
Yes. School bus routes often run split shifts in the morning and afternoon, which works well for part-time schedules, and event or charter shuttle driving around the Entertainment District offers flexible, seasonal hours.
What disqualifies you from a bus driver job?
Recent DUIs, serious moving violations, a suspended license, failed drug screens, or certain criminal history can disqualify applicants, especially for school bus roles that require strict background checks for student safety.
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