Unlike other employees, school bus drivers do not have a yearly payment system. Parents pay for transportation services only for the month they use them. Usually, kids stay home during the summer, and bus drivers need an earning source. How do school bus drivers get paid in the summer? Drivers must have an opportunity to explore job opportunities for these months so they are financially independent.
Even if they work during summers, they must have a temporary optional to ensure they are never out of work. You can also request the school authorities to add some policies to distribute their salary evenly. You can also work other jobs to earn money as a side hustle for better financial stability.
School Bus Driver Income During Summer
School bus drivers can file for some “Unemployment Benefits” to get paid during the summer break. You can consult local authorities to check local laws to understand eligibility for these claims. School bus drivers use their vehicles for summer schools, coaching services, or as charter buses to support their families. These jobs offer them some financial stability for a few months so that they can return to their regular jobs after the summer.
Factors Affecting Summer Pay for Bus Drivers
A range of factors can influence summer pay for bus drivers. Here are some key ones:
Employment Status
Whether bus drivers are employed full-time or part-time can affect their summer pay. Full-time drivers might have a more consistent income, while part-time drivers may see fluctuations based on their work schedule.
School District Policies
Bus drivers often work for school districts, and their summer pay can depend on the district’s policies. Some districts offer year-round pay to maintain a stable income for drivers, while others might provide different compensation structures during the summer.
Contracts and Union Agreements
Unionized bus drivers might have specific agreements regarding summer pay. These contracts can outline how pay is handled during the off-season or summer break.
Alternative Employment
Some bus drivers might take on additional work or alternative driving jobs during the summer, which can affect their overall summer income. This could include driving for camps, summer school programs, or other temporary jobs.
Seasonal Work
In regions with seasonal demand for transportation services (such as tourist areas), bus drivers might have opportunities for extra work during the summer, which can supplement their income.
Hourly Wage vs. Salary
Bus drivers who are paid hourly may experience variability in their summer pay based on their work hours. In contrast, salaried drivers might have more consistent pay regardless of their work schedule.
Alternative Income Sources for Bus Drivers
School bus drivers looking for alternative income sources during the summer or throughout the year can explore various options. Here are some potential sources of supplemental income:
Driving for Ride-Sharing Services
Platforms like Uber or Lyft offer flexible driving opportunities. Bus drivers can choose their hours and work around their primary schedule.
Charter Bus Services
Some companies or organizations need drivers for charter buses, especially during peak travel times such as summer vacations, sports events, or corporate retreats.
Tourist Transport Services
In tourist-heavy areas, drivers can find work with companies offering city tours, airport shuttles, or other transport services.
Part-Time or Seasonal Jobs
Consider part-time retail, hospitality, or customer service positions, which can offer flexible hours and additional income.
Summer Camps or Programs
Driving for summer camps or extracurricular programs can provide seasonal income. Camps often need transportation for field trips and daily activities.
School Activities
Some schools run summer programs, including sports camps or academic enrichment programs, that may require additional transportation services.
Delivery Services
Working for delivery companies like Amazon Flex, DoorDash, or Grubhub can be a good option. These roles offer flexibility and the ability to earn based on the number of deliveries made.
Freelance Work
Leveraging skills or hobbies for freelance work, such as tutoring, pet sitting, or freelance writing, can be an excellent way to generate additional income.
Vacation Rentals or Airbnb
If you have extra space in your home, renting it out on platforms like Airbnb can provide a steady stream of additional income.
Read Related Blogs: How to Earn Money by Watching Movies
Summer Employment Options
Summer offers various employment opportunities for those seeking temporary work. From driving summer school bus routes to taking on seasonal positions in retail or hospitality, these options can help support your income during the off-season. Let’s explore different ways to stay financially stable during the summer months.
Summer School Bus Routes
Bus drivers can work as summer school drivers to help out students who study during the off-season. Most schools organize classes for adults to help them cover up their left-out education. These require transportation services, and as a bus driver, you can help out. You might not get a salary similar to regular schools, but this is a great way to support your expenses. You do not have to learn or try anything new; you have to explore some new bus routes.
Charter Bus Driving
Many corporations are looking for charter bus drivers to help their employees and other team members with transportation. Bus drivers who are unemployed for a month or two can work as charter bus drivers to earn extra money. These multinational companies also offer significant cash and are used to travel short and long distances. Connect with new people every day and increase your connections.
Other Driving Jobs
If you want to ensure your career is straightforward, you can work for a daily wage on delivery and rideshare services. You can use your vehicle or rent some to provide cab services or delivery using an online platform. There are various ways to connect and earn money using such applications. This is a great way to earn money without getting temporarily employed anywhere else.
Seasonal Work
There are always job openings in the retail and hospitality sectors. You can work in such sectors during out-of-season situations. Unlike bus driving for schools, these offer jobs that are available all year round and help you support your family during the summers.
Unemployment Benefits
The government also understands the difficulties and challenges faced by individuals who stay unemployed for a few months every year. This is why the government offers unemployment benefits and deductions to support such individuals during their financial crisis phase. People can consult a financial advisor to learn more about these benefits.
Financial Planning for Bus Drivers
Financial planning is crucial for bus drivers, especially during months without a steady income. Bus drivers can maintain financial stability throughout the year by creating a solid budget, saving during the school year, and exploring additional income streams.
Budgeting for Summer Months
The best way to handle a financial crisis due to being unemployed for a few months is by budgeting. A proper budget can help you prepare your expenses for upcoming months and keep your savings well. Most bus drivers who do not budget well might use their emergency funds and need support for unannounced emergencies. You can use Beem to preplan your budgets for summer and relax other months.
Saving During the School Year
You can also invest in some high-yield savings little by little every year to have sufficient funds during the summers. You can use a recurring deposit in your trusted bank or find other investment options to sustain yourself during the financial years. Saving some money during the school year is easy and can help you avoid taking unnecessary loans or help from others.
Exploring Additional Income Streams
You can also work side hustles, invest money, or start some business to add additional income streams. Most bus drivers might become accessible during the afternoon once they are free from school. They can use some hours in the evening to try any new side hustle opportunity and earn money to become financially independent.
Conclusion
Being a bus driver is more challenging a job than it seems. You have a few months of unemployment every year and must find work temporarily. Despite various government benefits and deductions, you must pay taxes and support your family yearly. You must be prepared to find jobs and work some additional side hustle to earn money to help your family. Most drivers find driving or delivery jobs so that they are comfortable with their work.
Beem is a financial app designed to help you manage your finances effectively. With no interest or due dates, it offers up to $1000 in assistance through Everdraft™. You can also explore investment and loan options to tackle financial challenges.
FAQs
Do all school bus drivers get paid during the summer?
No, most bus drivers do not get paid during the summer. They are paid for the months in which school remains open. Some schools pay drivers for additional work or distribute their income evenly throughout the year to help out the drivers. Some schools also provide relief funds to drivers so they do not switch jobs during summer.
How much do school bus drivers make in the summer?
A school bus driver usually makes around $25K a year. They may make more if they work multiple shifts or cover longer routes. You will also find that private school bus drivers earn a bit more than public school bus drivers. The geographical location and type of school also play an essential part in bus drivers’ earnings.
What can school bus drivers do to earn money during the summer?
Bus drivers can work extra jobs to support their families. They can drive charter buses, deliver or provide cab services, or rent their vehicles to earn money. Most bus drivers try out various summer jobs to supplement their income. Some even end up using their emergency funds due to a need for more planning. One must plan one’s budget and expenses for this unemployment phase to prepare for challenges.
