CTA

CTA Seeks to Hire Bus Operators and Trade Workers

May 20, 2021

Agency offers new hires paid training, generous starting salary rate and benefits that include family medical and prescription plans. Commercial Driver’s License not required to apply

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is currently seeking applicants to join the nation’s second largest transit agency!  There are various opportunities available, including part-time bus operator positions, a variety of trade positions, multiple management, and professional administration based positions as well.

“There may be a lot of job opportunities available at this time, but very few are offering the level of benefits and career growth opportunities that are available at the CTA,” said Alex Moreno, Vice President, Human Resources. “In addition to offering competitive pay and great benefits, the CTA also offers you an opportunity to lay the groundwork for a future career in a diverse transportation organization that will always be a key part of Chicago.”

The CTA currently has a variety of opportunities available from entry level positions to management positions across all areas of the agency, including operations, trades (i.e. machinists, electricians, mechanics and more), maintenance and administrative. Currently, there is high demand for part-time bus operators and trade workers.

For applicants looking to start a career in transit, the CTA offers paid training, which includes obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or Commercial Learning Permit (CLP) through the part-time bus operator training program.  All positions are locally based. 

Alongside other frontline workers, CTA employees have played a vital role in helping keep the City of Chicago moving during these challenging times. The top priority for the CTA has and will always be the health and safety of its employees. Over the past year, numerous measures have been implemented to better protect CTA employees, including an on-site vaccination program exclusive for CTA employees, distribution of personal protective equipment (i.e. protective eyewear, masks, hand sanitizer, gloves, etc.), use of driver shields on all buses, as well as various adjustments to daily operations and workplaces to encourage social distancing and limit the number of occupants in a space or vehicle.

Part-Time Bus Operator (PTBO) positions:

Those interested in applying for the part-time bus operator position should have strong customer service skills and also be available to work weekends, evenings and holidays. In order to apply, applicants must be 21 years of age, possess a valid State of Illinois driver’s license with an acceptable driving record, and pass a drug and alcohol test as mandated by the Federal Transportation Administration.

Part-time bus operator starting pay is $23.44 per hour with top pay of $36.06 per hour. Bus operator candidates who hold a CDL or CLP will have an expedited start date. 

Based on performance and tenure, part-time bus operators have the opportunity to transition to full-time bus operator positions usually within 12 to 18 months, or sooner.  Over the last few years, hundreds of part-time bus operators have transitioned into full-time operator status and/or other positions throughout the CTA. 

PTBO Job Fair:

A virtual job fair for those interested in applying for the PTBO position will be held on May 26 at 12 p.m. which provides an opportunity to learn more about the position, the benefits package available, as well as information about getting a CDL. Those interested in participating should register ahead of time by visiting: https://bit.ly/2RmxpJB.

Other CTA Career Opportunities:

For a complete list of all available positions including our trade, management, and administrative positions, please visit and apply online at: www.transitchicago.com/careers.

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