School Bus Monitor

Your Fit

Income

$35K

Preparation

Some

Growth

-3.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a School Bus Monitor?

School Bus Monitors are responsible for assisting in the safe transportation of students to and from school. They oversee the conduct of children on school buses, ensure safety protocols are followed, and assist children in getting on and off the bus.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with School Bus Monitor.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a School Bus Monitor earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$27K per year	$31K per year	$35K per year	$39K per year	$43K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $14K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a School Bus Monitor do?

Work environment

School Bus Monitors work primarily on school buses, accompanying students during their transportation to and from school. The work environment requires adaptability to various weather conditions and the ability to manage groups of children. Hours are typically part-time, coinciding with school hours and may include early mornings and afternoons.

Quick task list

Ensures students' safety and maintains order on the bus.
Assists young or special needs students in getting on and off the bus.
Communicates with the bus driver about any issues or emergencies.
Enforces rules and regulations of bus conduct.
Assists in emergency evacuation drills and procedures.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Special Needs Assistance: Specializing in assisting children with disabilities or special needs.
Behavior Management: Focusing on managing and improving student behavior on the bus.
Emergency Response: Trained in handling medical or other emergencies that may occur during transit.
Route Coordination: Specializing in managing and coordinating efficient bus routes and schedules.
Training and Development: Providing training and guidance to new bus monitors.

Description

The role of a School Bus Monitor is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of students during their daily commutes to and from school. This position requires patience, vigilance, and a genuine interest in working with children. Monitors must enforce rules and maintain discipline, creating an environment conducive to safety and respect.

Communication skills are essential, as School Bus Monitors interact not only with children but also with parents, school staff, and bus drivers. They need to be able to quickly assess and address situations, maintaining calm and control. Understanding the individual needs of students, especially those with special needs or behavioral challenges, is important.

This occupation is well-suited for individuals who enjoy working with children and are passionate about contributing to a safe and positive school experience. It offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students and provides a structured work schedule that aligns with school hours.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Playing a key role in ensuring the safety of children.
Building positive relationships with students and contributing to their daily well-being.
Working in a structured environment with a schedule that follows school timings.

You might make a good School Bus Monitor if you are...

Patient and enjoy working with children of various ages.
Vigilant and able to respond quickly to ensure safety.
Effective in communicating with children and adults alike.
Capable of enforcing rules and maintaining discipline in a kind manner.
Interested in a part-time role that aligns with school hours.

Pros:

Rewarding work in ensuring the safety of students.
Regular, school-aligned work hours.
Opportunities to interact with and positively influence children.

Cons:

The responsibility of managing and disciplining groups of children, which can be challenging.
Part-time hours may not suit those seeking full-time employment.
Potentially stressful situations in managing emergencies or behavioral issues.

How to become a School Bus Monitor

Typical education

Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Additional training in child safety, emergency procedures, and effective communication with children may be provided by employers or required by school districts.

High school preparation

Courses:

Child Development or Psychology to understand the behavior of children.
First Aid and Safety to prepare for handling emergencies.
Communication courses to develop effective interaction skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering in youth programs or summer camps.
Participating in clubs or sports that involve teamwork and leadership.
Babysitting or working in childcare settings for hands-on experience with children.

Preparation after high school

Obtain certification in CPR, first aid, and child safety.
Attend workshops or training programs focused on child behavior management and special needs education.
Gain experience in roles that involve working with children or in educational settings.

More resources

National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) - Provides resources and training for professionals in pupil transportation.
Safe Kids Worldwide - Offers information on child safety, including transportation safety.
American Red Cross - Offers first aid and CPR certification courses.
National Safety Council - Provides safety training resources, including for those working in transportation.
School Transportation News - Features news and articles related to school transportation and safety.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.