On November 22, 2022, the Martin County School Board approved several measures intended to address staffing challenges related to student transportation. The School Board approved a starting salary increase from $16.71 to $20.00 per hour for school bus operators, making Martin County bus operators among the highest paid in the state. Existing school bus operators will also receive salary increases according to the schedule included below. Current employees are eligible to participate in a referral program that will award them a financial incentive for each successful candidate they refer for employment as a school bus operator.
“Our School Board continues to prioritize the compensation of the dedicated professionals who safely and reliably transport our students to and from school each day,” Superintendent Dr. John D. Millay said. “While there is more to be done to address our most critical staffing challenges, these important initiatives will allow us to demonstrate our appreciation for our bus operators and remain competitive with surrounding counties.”
The following employment incentives are available to MCSD school bus operators:
- Starting pay increased to $20.00 per hour. Current bus operators will receive a salary increase based on their years of experience (see below).
- Robust benefits package – medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
- Paid CDL training at a rate of $20.00 per hour.
- Flexible work schedules – full- and part-time shifts available.
Basic job requirements for MCSD school bus operators are:
- Licensed driver.
- Safe driving record.
- Ability to pass DOT physical examination.
- Able to communicate in English.
- Enjoys working with children.
Current employees can earn a $500 bonus up to $5,000 per year for each external applicant they refer who is successfully hired as a school bus operator. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (772) 219-1200 ext. 30103 or AskHR@martinschools.org.
| Years of Experience | Step | Previous Level II Hourly Rate | New Level II Hourly Rate |
| 0, 1, 2 | 1 | $16.71 | $20.00 |
| 3, 4 | 2 | $17.08 | $20.50 |
| 5 | 3 | $17.24 | $20.75 |
| 6 | 4 | $17.57 | $21.00 |
| 7 | 5 | $17.85 | $21.25 |
| 8 | 6 | $18.13 | $21.50 |
| 9 | 7 | $18.39 | $21.75 |
|
| 8 | $18.65 | $22.00 |
| 10 | 9 | $18.92 | $22.50 |
| 11 | 10 | $19.20 | $22.75 |
| 12 | 11 | $19.47 | $23.00 |
| 13 | 12 | $19.73 | $23.25 |
| 14+ | 13 | $22.01 | $23.50 |
Note: Substitute school bus operators will be paid the hourly rate for Level II, Step 1.
School Bus Operators who are above the top of step 13 shall be paid an additional 4% per hour above their current hourly rate. The Lead Bus Operator shall be paid an additional 4% per hour above their current hourly rate.
