School Bus Monitors

O*NET 33-9094.00 · SOC 33-9094

School Bus Monitor is a risky career choice. Median pay is $35k a year with -1.9% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 13,400 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+-1.9%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$35k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
13k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Supervise student behavior on the school bus during routes
  • →Assist young or special-needs students in boarding and exiting
  • →Report bullying or unsafe behavior to school administrators
  • →Ensure all students are seated and wearing seatbelts
  • →Conduct head counts to confirm all students are accounted for

Education & How to Get In

🎓
Job Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

School Bus Monitor roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a School Bus Monitor? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
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Udemy
Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
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Skillshare
Creative and professional skill classes
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Professional development with certificates
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Work Environment

Primary Setting

People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites

Work Style

Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a School Bus Monitor involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningSupervise student behavior on the school bus during routes
MiddayAssist young or special-needs students in boarding and exiting
AfternoonReport bullying or unsafe behavior to school administrators

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Social (Helpers)5.3
Conventional (Organizers)4.8
Realistic (Doers)3.4
Enterprising (Persuaders)1.9
Artistic (Creators)1.7
Investigative (Thinkers)1.5

Who Thrives as School Bus Monitor?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ISFJThe ProtectorESFJThe ProviderISTJThe InspectorESTJThe Executive

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open School Bus Monitor Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

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Job Outlook

Employment of School Bus Monitors is projected to decline 1.9% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

37/100Moderate, likely AI-complementary
  • ·41% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
  • ·41% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
  • ·Industry sector with low automation exposure

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does a School Bus Monitor make?

The median School Bus Monitor earns $35k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace School Bus Monitor jobs?

Our model puts School Bus Monitor at 37 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 41% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 41% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.

Is School Bus Monitor a growing field?

Employment is projected to shrink 1.9% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 13,400 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a School Bus Monitor?

Most School Bus Monitor roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.

How long does it take to become a School Bus Monitor?

Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a School Bus Monitor career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

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