Strong Interest Inventory® Realistic Theme Code Bus Driver Career

Bus Drivers are considered part of the Realistic careers’ family, according to the Strong Interest Inventory® Assessment. This assessment was developed in the early 20th century to help individuals find careers that leverage their occupational interests. The assessment first analyzes said preferences and uses the results to recommend one’s of top categories of careers. Careers in the “Realistic” category often involve people working with their hands or bodies to accomplish tangible goals at the end of each day. People who gravitate towards Realistic careers may get frustrated by abstract concepts or theoretical ideas. Instead, they prefer using a systematic approach to solve defined problems.

Bus Drivers transport students or other clients, such as elderly or disabled people, from one place to another. As they do so, they need to operate their vehicle along a set route in a timely fashion and follow all traffic rules and regulations to operate their vehicles in a safe and polite manner. In addition, they are responsible for paying close attention to their passengers, assisting them as they board or disembark from the bus, or cross streets near the stops. They also need to keep the bus climate tolerable in terms of temperature and lighting. In the case of school children, Bus Drivers may also need to maintain order to ensure they are not endangering themselves or others. Many busses have security cameras and rearview mirrors to facilitate this process. In addition, Bus Drivers need to evaluate their vehicle’s condition and report any issues to their employers so that they can be documented and repaired in a timely fashion. They may also need to prepare and submit reports that document their trips, hours, fuel, fares, significant incidents, and any other relevant information.

In addition to actually operating their vehicle, Bus Drivers also need to be able to use automated lifts and doors to facilitate accessibility, as well as GPS for navigation or mobile phones for navigation and emergency communication. In case of an emergency, they may also need to use first-aid kits and radio communication until medical professionals arrive on the scene. Bus Drivers do not require much software, apart from Google Maps or other navigation software, and perhaps email software to receive assignments.

Nearly all Bus Drivers have at most, a high school diploma. However, they do have an understanding of transportation and public safety, and also need to speak English fluently and confidently. Bus Drivers also need to be able to operate and control vehicles, and also monitor and assess themselves and other individuals for whom they may be responsible. Even more important than their knowledge, are their skills and abilities. Bus Drivers need to be able to judge distances and make quick decisions to maintain the safety of their passengers. They also need to be able to listen carefully to instructions and follow navigational instructions. Having a service orientation and an interest in helping people is also helpful. In addition, because they spend so much time driving, it is imperative that Bus Drivers have strong depth perception, peripheral vision, and far vision, as well as a fast reaction time to respond to traffic situations. If they are picking up or dropping off passengers late at night, they may also need to be able to see well in the dark. They need to be able to coordinate multiple limbs and adjust the controls of their vehicle precisely and quickly to exact positions.

Bus Drivers are hired by multiple industries, including educational services and transportation departments across the country. The Bus Driver Salary and employment rate is increasing steadily. In some states, like New York, the best-paid Bus Drivers can make over $55,000 per year, though the average salary is closer to $37,000. In other states, like Florida and others in the south, Bus Driver salaries are much lower. In Florida, the upper limit is $37,000, though some drivers may earn as little as $19,000 per year. Employment is generally rising, as much as 30% in Maryland, though the national average is 4-6% projected by 2028.

Below are some employment trends for Bus Drivers:

• Bus Driver Salary: $20.69 hourly, $43,030 annually
• Employment: 183,800 employees
• Projected growth (2018-2028): Average (4% to 6%)
• Projected job openings (2018-2028): 25,000

[Information retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data and 2018-2028 employment projections]

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Explore our Strong Interest Inventory® Blog Pages:

• Strong Interest Inventory Realistic Theme Explained 
• Strong Interest Inventory Artistic Theme Explained
• Strong Interest Inventory Investigative Theme Explained 
• Strong Interest Inventory Social Theme Explained 
• Strong Interest Inventory Enterprising Theme Explained 
• Strong Interest Inventory Conventional Theme Explained 

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References

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data and 2018-2028 employment projections Onetonline.org