Montana Bus Driving Opportunities

What are the requirements to be a school bus driver in Montana?

Becoming a school bus driver in Montana involves meeting specific requirements and completing certain steps. Here’s a detailed guide to help you understand what’s needed:

1. Obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

CDL Requirements:

  • Age: You must be at least 21 years old to drive a school bus across state lines. For intrastate (within Montana) driving, you may be able to start at 18.
  • CDL Class: You need a Class B CDL with a passenger endorsement.
  • Medical Certification: You must pass a DOT medical exam and obtain a Medical Examiner’s Certificate.

Steps to Obtain a CDL:

  1. Study for the CDL Exam: Prepare using the Montana CDL Manual.
  2. Pass the Written Test: Take and pass the written test for the Class B CDL at your local Montana DMV.
  3. Pass the Skills Test: This includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.

2. Obtain a School Bus Endorsement

School Bus Endorsement Requirements:

  • Endorsement: You must pass the School Bus endorsement test, which includes a written exam and a driving skills test.
  • Background Check: You must pass a criminal background check and child abuse registry check.
  • Drug Testing: You must undergo drug and alcohol testing, as required for commercial drivers.

Steps to Obtain the School Bus Endorsement:

  1. Complete Training: You might need to complete specialized school bus driver training. This can be provided by your potential employer or a training school.
  2. Pass the Endorsement Test: Take and pass the written and driving tests specific to school bus operation.

3. Additional Requirements

School Bus Driver Training:

  • Employer Training: Many school districts offer training programs for new school bus drivers. Check with local school districts or transportation companies.
  • Continuing Education: Some districts may require ongoing training or certification.

Driving Record:

  • Clean Record: You must have a clean driving record. Significant traffic violations or criminal records may disqualify you.

Application Process:

  1. Apply to School Districts: Submit your application to local school districts or school bus companies. They will review your qualifications and may provide additional training.
  2. Interview and Testing: You may need to complete an interview, pass a driving test with a school bus, and participate in a background check.

Local Resources

Montana Department of Justice – Motor Vehicle Division (MVD)

Montana Office of Public Instruction

What is the bus driver salary in Montana?

The salary for bus drivers in Montana can vary based on factors like location, experience, and the type of bus driving job (e.g., school bus, transit bus). Here’s a detailed overview:

Average Bus Driver Salaries in Montana

1. School Bus Drivers:

  • Average Salary: School bus drivers in Montana generally earn between $16 and $22 per hour.
  • Annual Salary: For a full-time position, this translates to an annual salary of approximately $33,000 to $45,000.

2. Transit Bus Drivers:

  • Average Salary: Transit bus drivers tend to earn between $18 and $24 per hour.
  • Annual Salary: Full-time transit bus drivers can expect to earn around $37,000 to $50,000 annually.

3. Charter Bus Drivers:

  • Average Salary: Charter bus drivers might earn between $20 and $28 per hour.
  • Annual Salary: This can equate to an annual salary of $40,000 to $58,000 for full-time drivers.

Key Factors Influencing Salary

  1. Location: Salaries may be higher in urban areas compared to rural regions due to the cost of living and demand for bus drivers.
  2. Experience: More experienced drivers or those with specialized skills can command higher wages.
  3. Type of Bus: Drivers operating larger or more complex vehicles (e.g., charter buses) may earn more than those driving standard school or transit buses.
  4. Employer: Different employers, such as school districts, public transit agencies, and private companies, may offer varying pay scales and benefits.

Additional Benefits

Bus drivers often receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave. These benefits can significantly add to the overall compensation package.

Where to Find Salary Information

  1. Job Boards: Websites like Indeed and Glassdoor provide detailed job postings and salary information.
  2. Local School Districts: For specific data related to school bus driver salaries, contact local school districts or visit their websites.
  3. Transit Agencies: For information on transit bus driver salaries, check with local transit agencies or their websites.

Where are the best bus driver jobs in Montana?

Finding the best bus driver jobs in Montana involves evaluating various factors such as salary, benefits, job stability, and work environment. Here’s a detailed guide to help you find the best opportunities:

Top Bus Driver Job Markets in Montana

  1. Urban Areas:
    • Billings: As Montana’s largest city, Billings has a variety of bus driving opportunities with public transit agencies and private companies.
    • Missoula: Home to the University of Montana, Missoula offers jobs with transit systems and charter services.
    • Great Falls: Known for its public transit system and nearby military installations, Great Falls provides steady employment opportunities for bus drivers.
  2. School Districts:
    • Billings Public Schools: Offers positions with competitive pay and benefits. Check their website or contact their transportation department directly.
    • Missoula County Public Schools: Known for a supportive work environment and solid benefits.
    • Bozeman School District: Provides various job openings and a good benefits package for school bus drivers.
  3. Transit Agencies:
    • Yellowstone County Metropolitan Transit Authority: Provides public transportation in Billings and is a major employer of bus drivers in the area.
    • Missoula Urban Transportation District (MUTD): Offers public transit services in Missoula and frequently has openings for bus drivers.
  4. Charter Bus Companies:
    • Montana Trailhead: A well-regarded charter service with potential opportunities for drivers looking for a different kind of work environment.
    • Buffalo Bus Lines: Provides charter services and may offer competitive salaries and benefits.

Where to Find Job Listings

  1. Online Job Boards:
    • Indeed: Lists a variety of bus driver positions throughout Montana, including school, transit, and charter services.
    • Glassdoor: Provides company reviews and salary information along with job postings.
    • ZipRecruiter: Offers a comprehensive list of bus driver jobs and salary estimates.
  2. Local Job Fairs: Attend job fairs and recruitment events in major cities like Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls. These events can provide direct contact with employers and more detailed information about available positions.
  3. Company Websites:
    • Visit the websites of major transit agencies and school districts directly. They often list job openings and provide information on how to apply.
  4. Professional Networks:
    • Join local and regional transportation associations or groups. Networking with industry professionals can help you find out about job openings and get recommendations.

Additional Tips

  • Consider Benefits: Look for positions that offer good benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave.
  • Check Work Environment: Research the work culture and environment at potential employers to ensure it aligns with your preferences.
  • Seek Recommendations: Talk to current or former drivers to get insights into the best employers and working conditions in Montana.

Which schools offer bus driver training in Montana?

In Montana, several institutions and organizations offer training programs for those interested in becoming bus drivers. These programs typically cover the necessary skills and knowledge to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a School Bus (S) endorsement. Here’s a detailed overview of where you can find bus driver training:

1. Montana State University (MSU) – Billings

Program: Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Training

2. Missoula College – University of Montana

Program: CDL Training Program

  • Description: Provides training for various types of CDL, including school bus certifications.
  • Contact: Missoula College – UM
  • Location: Missoula, MT

3. Big Sky Driver Training

Program: CDL and School Bus Driver Training

  • Description: Offers specialized training for school bus drivers, including preparation for the written and driving tests.
  • Contact: Big Sky Driver Training
  • Location: Billings, MT

4. Job Corps Centers

Program: CDL Training with School Bus Endorsement

  • Description: Some Job Corps Centers in Montana offer CDL training with options for school bus endorsements. Programs are designed for youth and young adults.
  • Contact: Montana Job Corps
  • Location: Various locations in Montana

5. Local Community Colleges

Several community colleges across Montana offer CDL training programs that may include school bus endorsements as part of their curriculum. Check with local colleges in your area, such as:

  • Great Falls College MSU
  • Flathead Valley Community College

6. School Districts

Many school districts offer in-house training programs for potential bus drivers. Contact local school districts directly to inquire about training opportunities. Notable districts to contact include:

  • Billings Public Schools
  • Missoula County Public Schools
  • Bozeman School District

Steps to Enroll in a Bus Driver Training Program

  1. Research: Check the program details, costs, duration, and curriculum to ensure it meets your needs.
  2. Contact Institutions: Reach out to the institutions or schools for the latest information and enrollment procedures.
  3. Apply: Follow the application process as outlined by the program provider.
  4. Complete Training: Attend all required classes and practical training sessions.
  5. Obtain CDL: Pass the necessary written and driving tests to receive your CDL with a school bus endorsement.

Additional Resources

  • Montana Department of Transportation: Provides information on CDL requirements and testing. Visit Montana DOT for more details.
  • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): Offers guidelines and resources for CDL training and regulations. Check their website at FMCSA.