On March 27, the Peoria Unified Governing Board approved a higher pay schedule for bus drivers beginning July 1, 2025. The increase in pay places Peoria Unified among the highest paying districts for bus drivers in the valley. The new pay schedule includes a $5.00 increase to the starting hourly rate, allowing Peoria Unified to offer more competitive pay for its transportation staff, increasing the rate to $24.00 an hour with up to ten years of experience at the point of hire, and an equivalent pay increase for current employees.
The higher hourly rate will allow Peoria Unified to attract and retain high-quality employees to transport students safely and efficiently to and from school.
Peoria Unified considers the role of a bus driver a valued one. The district’s transportation department includes a team of driving professionals who are responsible for taking students to and from school safely, on enriching field trips, to compete in the big game and so much more. This school year, Peoria Unified’s transportation team has gone to great lengths to transport students more than 3.4 million collective miles.
Peoria Unified is prepared to support new bus drivers every mile along the way, from obtaining their CDL to continued growth opportunities. With the support of bus drivers and assistants, students can reach their full potential.
Peoria Unified has both full-time and part-time openings for bus drivers as well as bus assistants. The district offers outstanding benefits, state retirement eligibility, and professional growth opportunities. From competitive compensation to potential career growth, Peoria Unified has something to offer drivers in every stage of their career. In Peoria Unified, each employee is known, valued, cared for, and challenged to reach their full potential.
The district also increased its communication to actively recruit new school bus drivers to the district. Those interested in joining Peoria Unified should visit jobs.peoriaunified.org to apply.
To visit Peoria Unified’s Transportation Department, please contact 623-486-6100 or email [email protected].
