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First Student vs. Stock Transportation: School Bus Driver Pay (2026 Guide)

Is the "Split Shift" worth it for a $2,000 bonus? We compare the two biggest school bus companies in Canada, the 2026 hourly rates in Ontario and Alberta, and why the "Child Ride Along" program might save you thousands in daycare.
A yellow First Student school bus parked next to a Stock Transportation bus in a snowy lot, with a driver in a high-vis vest performing a pre-trip inspection.

If you are a parent looking for a job that matches your kids' school schedule, or a retiree who loves driving but hates heavy lifting, you have likely seen the "Now Hiring" signs on yellow school buses.

In Canada, two giants dominate the industry: First Student and Stock Transportation.

On the surface, they look identical. Both drive yellow buses. Both offer "Split Shifts." Both promise weekends off.

But in 2026, the pay structures and "Retention Bonuses" are surprisingly different.

  • First Student is aggressive with Signing Bonuses (up to $3,000 in some regions) to steal drivers.
  • Stock Transportation (often under National Express) focuses more on Charter Work (extra hours for field trips).

This guide compares their hourly rates, the reality of the "unpaid gap" in the middle of the day, and the "Child Ride Along" policy that makes this the ultimate job for moms and dads.

Hate driving? Check out Patient Observer for a hospital job or Inventory Counter for travel work.

The Pay: Hourly Rates & The "Split Shift" Trap

School bus driving is Part-Time Work masquerading as a full-time commitment.

1. Hourly Rates (2026 Averages)

  • First Student:
    • Ontario (GTA): $21.00 - $24.50/hour.
    • Alberta: $22.00 - $25.00/hour.
    • Bonus: Often offers a $1,000 - $3,000 Signing Bonus (paid out over 6-12 months).
  • Stock Transportation:
    • Ontario: $20.50 - $24.00/hour.
    • Charter Rate: sometimes higher ($25+) for specialized trips.

2. The "Split Shift" Reality

This is where people get confused. You do not get paid for 8 hours.

  • Morning Run: 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM (2 hours).
  • The Gap: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Unpaid). Go home, watch Netflix, do laundry.
  • Afternoon Run: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (2 hours).
  • Total Pay: 4 hours x $22 = **$88/day.**
  • Weekly Pay: ~$440.
  • The Hack: To make real money, you must pick up "Mid-Day Runs" (Kindergarten drop-offs or Field Trips) to fill the gap.

3. EI (Employment Insurance) Loophole

  • Summer Off: You don't work in July and August.
  • The Perk: Because it is a "Seasonal Layoff," most drivers qualify for EI all summer. You get paid to stay home with your kids.
  • RoE Code: Make sure they mark "Shortage of Work" (Code A) on your ROE, not "Quit."

The "Child Ride Along" Program (Daycare Hack)

This is the #1 reason parents take this job.

  • The Policy: Most First Student and Stock Transportation yards allow you to bring your preschool-aged child (1-4 years old) on the bus with you while you drive.
  • The Savings: Daycare in Toronto costs $1,500/month. Bringing your kid on the bus is FREE.
  • The Rules:
    • The child must be in a proper car seat (strapped to a bus seat).
    • They must behave (cannot distract you).
    • Note: Always confirm this with the specific Location Manager during the interview. Some school boards ban it, even if the company allows it.

Practical Questions Answered

Personal Finance Canada to find the depot gossip.

"Is the license hard to get?"

It's easier than AZ.

  • Ontario: You need a Class B license.
  • Alberta: Class 2-S.
  • The Best Part: The company Pays for Your Training.
    • Value: ~$2,000.
    • Time: 2-3 weeks.
    • Catch: You usually have to sign a contract to work for 1 year. If you quit early, you owe them the training cost.

"Do I get paid to clean the bus?"

Usually Yes.

  • You get paid ~15-30 minutes for "Pre-Trip Inspection" and "Post-Trip Sweep."
  • Winter Reality: You have to scrape ice off a giant windshield at 6:00 AM in -20°C weather. It is physical work.

"Are the kids bad?"

It depends on the route.

  • High School: Loud, vape on the bus, but generally stay in their seats.
  • Elementary: Cute, but loud. You are basically a babysitter who drives.
  • Special Needs (Wheelchair Bus): Usually has a "Monitor" (Assistant) to help you. These runs often pay slightly more.

Deep Dive: Charter Work (The "Real" Money)

If you want to earn $40,000+ instead of $20,000, you need Charters.

  • What are they? Driving a football team to a game, or a class to the Zoo.
  • The Pay: You are paid for the Waiting Time.
    • Example: Drive to Zoo (1 hour) + Wait at Zoo (4 hours) + Drive back (1 hour) = 6 hours pay.
    • Effort: You literally nap in the bus while the kids look at tigers.
  • How to get them: Seniority rules. The old drivers get first pick. But in 2026, shortages are so bad that even rookies can grab these shifts.

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Where to Add This Content:

Insert this new section immediately after the section titled "Deep Dive: Charter Work (The 'Real' Money)" and before the "Frequently Asked Questions" section.

Deep Dive: Medical Loopholes & Bonus Hacks

1. The "Referral Bonus" Side Hustle

Both First Student and Stock Transportation are desperate for drivers in 2026.

  • The Hack: Once you are hired, you become a "Recruiter."
  • The Payout: Most locations offer a $500 to $1,000 Referral Bonus for every new driver you bring in.
  • Strategy: If you convince two other moms from your child's school to drive, you could make an extra $2,000 tax-free (bonuses are taxed, but it feels like free money).
  • The Fine Print: The person you refer usually has to stay for 90 days before you get the cash. Coach them through the first 3 months so they don't quit!

2. Diabetes & Commercial Licenses (The "Class B" Hurdle)

A huge search term for older drivers (retirees) is about medical disqualifications.

  • The Myth: "I have diabetes, so I can't drive a bus."
  • The Reality: You CAN drive a school bus with diabetes in Canada, but it depends on how it is managed.
    • Diet/Pills Controlled: Generally accepted.
    • Insulin Dependent: Much harder. You may need a "Medical Waiver" or be restricted from driving to the US (cross-border trips).
  • The Action: Do not disqualify yourself. Go to the MTO/Alberta Transportation medical exam before you apply. If you pass, the company will hire you.

3. Summer Income: The "Camp Bus" Pivot

Everyone knows about EI in the summer, but what if you want to make more money?

  • The Pivot: In July and August, Day Camps and Summer Camps need buses.
  • The Gig: Driving kids from the YMCA to the beach or swimming pool.
  • The Pay: These are often Charters (Waiting Time Pay). You might sit at the beach for 4 hours while getting paid $22/hour.
  • Who hires: Ask your dispatcher in May. They usually have a sign-up sheet for "Summer Work." It goes by seniority, but many senior drivers want the summer off, leaving these lucrative easy shifts for rookies.

4. "Senior Shuttles": The Retirement Home Contract

  • Stock Transportation often holds contracts for Senior Living Shuttles (taking seniors to grocery stores).
  • Why it's better:
    • No screaming kids.
    • No "Split Shift" (often continuous 10am - 2pm shifts).
    • Tips: Seniors often try to tip you (though you should technically refuse, many drivers get cookies/Tim Cards).
  • How to get it: These routes are rare. Ask specifically for "Adult Transportation" or "Special Needs Adult" routes during your interview.

5. The "Monitor" Role (Non-Driving Option)

  • If you fail the driving test (or are terrified of driving a 40-foot bus), ask to be a Bus Monitor.
  • The Job: You sit in the back and manage the kids (especially on Special Needs routes). You buckle them in and keep them calm.
  • The Pay: $17.50 - $19.00/hour. (Less than driving, but zero stress).
  • The hidden perk: You still get the split shift lifestyle and summers off.

6. Union Dues: Unifor vs. Teamsters

  • Most school bus yards in Canada are unionized.
  • First Student: Often Unifor or Teamsters.
  • The Cost: Expect 1.5% - 2% of your pay to go to Union Dues.
  • The Benefit: Job security. If a parent complains that you "yelled at their kid" (when you didn't), the Union Rep will save your job. Without a union, the company often fires drivers instantly to appease angry parents.
  • Check the Collective Agreement: Before you sign, ask to see the "Union Contract." Look for the section on "Inclement Weather Pay" (Do you get paid on Snow Days when schools are closed? In 2026, many unions fought for this—ensure you get it).

7. "Parker" Privileges (The Rural Hack)

  • We mentioned parking at home is rare, but in Rural Areas (e.g., Caledon, Cochrane, rural Alberta), it is common.
  • The "Parker" Bonus: If you park the bus at your farm/driveway, you save gas money on your personal car and get paid from the moment you turn the key in your driveway.
  • Requirement: You need a driveway long enough for a 40-foot bus and an electrical outlet to plug in the block heater in winter.

8. The "Safe Driving Bonus" (Hidden Cash)

  • Stock and First Student both offer safety bonuses.
  • Criteria: No preventable accidents for 12 months.
  • The Amount: Often $200 - $500 at the end of the school year.
  • The Trap: Hitting a mailbox count as a "Preventable Accident." Even a scratch can cost you your bonus. Drive like you have a carton of eggs on the dashboard.

9. "Spare Driver" vs. "Route Driver"

  • Route Driver: You have the same kids, same stops every day. (Stable, boring).
  • Spare Driver (Cover Driver): You cover for sick drivers. Every day is a different route.
  • The Pay: Spare drivers often get a Premium ($1-$2/hour extra) or guaranteed hours (e.g., guaranteed 6 hours/day even if the route is short) because the job is harder (you don't know the stops).
  • Recommendation: If you have a good GPS and don't stress easily, take the Spare role for higher pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I park the bus at home?

Rarely.

In the 90s, yes. In 2026, most companies require you to park at the yard for security/insurance reasons. This means you have to drive your own car to the yard twice a day.

Do they drug test?

YES.

  • It is a "Safety Sensitive" job.
  • Cannabis: Even though it is legal in Canada, you cannot have it in your system. If you fail the pre-employment urine test, you are out.

What if the bus breaks down?

Not your problem.

You call dispatch. They send a mechanic or a spare bus. You sit and wait (and get paid).

Summary: The Perfect "Mom/Dad" Job

  1. Free License: Let them pay for your Class B/2.
  2. Daycare Savings: The "Ride Along" program is worth $15,000/year in saved daycare costs.
  3. Summer Vacation: Enjoy July/August off with EI.
  4. Choose First Student: Generally has better signing bonuses in 2026.

About the author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian career researcher and digital entrepreneur who studies hiring trends, labour market data, and real entry-level opportunities across Canada. He specializes in simplifying the job search for newcomers, students, and workers using practical, up-to-date information.

Sources

Note

Job availability, wages, and hiring conditions can vary widely by province, employer, season, and experience level. All salary ranges and job examples in this guide are estimates based on current labour market data. Always confirm details directly with the employer before applying.

Published by:

Mc Yow-z Jeff Calixte