School bus driver

What does a School Bus Driver do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A school bus driver is responsible for transporting students between home and school in a safe, punctual, and responsible manner. The workday often starts early and includes both morning and afternoon shifts following the school schedules. In addition to driving, responsibilities include ensuring passenger safety, handling unexpected traffic situations, and maintaining order and security onboard. The work environment is characterized by a high safety focus, contact with children and school staff, and the challenge of managing various weather and traffic conditions. School bus drivers usually work alone in the vehicle but have ongoing interaction with students and sometimes parents.

Salary Development Over Time

Over the past three years, school bus drivers have seen steady salary increases. In 2022, the average salary was 30,500 SEK per month, which increased to 31 500 SEK in 2023 and further to 32 500 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 6.6% during the period, which is slightly above the general salary level for many similar professions within the transport sector. The driving forces behind this development include increased demand for experienced drivers, especially as retirements have increased and student transportation is prioritized by school authorities. Salary growth has also been influenced by a growing focus on work environment and traffic safety, which has raised the value of the profession.

School Bus Driver Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 32 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,900 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 32,800 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 195 SEK/hour
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 98% of what men do (men: 32 600 SEK, women: 32 100 SEK)
• Regional differences: Salary variations may occur depending on employer and location, but no specific regional statistics are available

Education and Qualifications

To work as a school bus driver, a valid D driver's license and a professional competence certificate (YKB) for passenger transport are required. The training pathway is relatively short but demands high responsibility and suitability. Many employers offer introductory training and supervision for new drivers, and previous bus-driving experience is often advantageous.

• D driver's license: Required to operate buses in commercial traffic (training duration approximately 4–6 months)
• Professional competence certificate (YKB): Mandatory training for professional drivers, covering 140–280 hours
• Introductory training: Common with employers, especially for school bus drivers
• Prerequisites: B driver's license and often some driving experience
• Tips for choosing: Social skills and patience are highly valued during selection

Common Benefits and Compensation

School bus drivers are often covered by collective agreements that entitle them to holiday pay, overtime pay for early mornings or late afternoons, and wellness allowances. In some cases, work clothing, pension contributions, and additional insurance related to the profession are also offered. Opportunities for further training, such as safety courses or first aid, are available from larger employers.

Challenges and Competition

The profession of school bus driver is characterized by a paradoxical labor market where recruitment difficulties coexist with relatively high turnover. Despite high demand, especially in larger urban areas and rural municipalities, working conditions can be demanding due to irregular hours and responsibility for young passengers. The work environment requires high alertness and stress resilience, particularly during winter when road conditions can be challenging. At the same time, the labor market is relatively stable, with 412 job openings in the bus and tram driver sector, providing good opportunities for both recent graduates and experienced drivers.

Tips for Aspiring School Bus Drivers

To succeed as a school bus driver, it is beneficial to combine thoroughness with a calm and pedagogical approach. Being resilient under pressure in traffic reduces mistakes and increases safety for passengers. Social skills are essential, as daily contact with children, parents, and school staff requires a responsive and respectful attitude. Patience is valuable when handling unexpected situations or when students need extra support. Staying updated on traffic rules and safety routines is a given, and early initiative in additional training, such as first aid courses, is wise. Finally, responsibility and punctuality are highly valued, as the work relies on trust and safety.

Key Facts about School Bus Drivers

• Salary range: 31,900–32,800 SEK/month
• Education level: D driver's license and YKB (professional competence certificate)
• Average salary: 32 500 SEK/month
• Work environment: Independent work with daily contact with children
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment, 412 job openings in the profession

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years as a school bus driver, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as traffic supervisor, trainer for new drivers, or take responsibility for larger vehicles and longer routes. Some choose to further educate themselves in transportation management or traffic planning, which can lead to administrative roles within public transport companies. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, the prospects for employment as a school bus driver are large and stable over the coming five years. Despite some competition for permanent positions in attractive areas, demand remains high, especially with increased retirements and societal investments in public transport and student transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions about School Bus Drivers

• What does a School Bus Driver earn?
  - The average salary for a school bus driver is 32 500 SEK per month, with a range between 31,900 and 32,800 SEK.
• How to become a school bus driver?
  - To become a school bus driver, a D driver's license and a professional competence certificate (YKB) are required. Some introductory training is often provided by the employer.
• Are there many job openings for school bus drivers?
  - Yes, there are good opportunities for employment. Currently, there are 412 job openings in the profession.
• Do school bus drivers work full-time or part-time?
  - Many work part-time due to scheduling around school hours, but full-time positions are also available.
• What personal qualities are important for the profession?
  - Patience, responsibility, and social skills are crucial for thriving and succeeding as a school bus driver.
• What are the future prospects for school bus drivers?
  - The outlook is stable with continued high demand, especially due to retirements and increased requirements for student transportation.
• Are there gender differences in salary?
  - Yes, women earn on average 98% of what men do in the profession.