Tomball ISD Approves Major Bus Driver Pay Raise to Tackle Shortages Across Greater Houston
Tomball ISD is taking bold steps to address the growing challenge of recruiting and retaining school bus drivers, joining a wider movement among Greater Houston-area districts working to stay competitive in a tight labor market.
On November 11, the Tomball ISD Board of Trustees approved a significant increase in hourly pay for transportation staff. The new rates will go into effect on November 15, 2025, and apply across several driver categories:
- Full-Time CDL Bus Drivers: $25.00/hour
- Bus Drivers in Training: $20.00/hour
- Substitute Bus Drivers: $22.00/hour
- Non-CDL White Fleet Drivers: $17.00/hour
According to a statement from the district, the raise reflects its ongoing commitment to valuing the professionals who keep students safe and connected to their schools each day.
“This decision reflects Tomball ISD’s ongoing commitment to investing in our people — especially those who play a vital role in keeping our students safe and connected to school each day,” said Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora, Superintendent of Schools. “TISD bus drivers are the first to greet our students in the morning and the last to send them home in the afternoon. Their professionalism, care, and dedication truly make a difference in the lives of our students and families.”
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Responding to a Widespread Shortage
The district’s move comes amid ongoing bus driver shortages across Texas and the nation. According to the Economic Policy Institute, public school bus driver employment remains nearly 10% below pre-pandemic levels, and many districts are struggling to fill vacancies despite offering higher wages and expanded benefits.
In Greater Houston, several school systems — including Cypress-Fairbanks ISD and Spring ISD — have raised hourly wages in recent years to remain competitive. A recent report by Community Impact revealed that Tomball ISD’s full-time CDL pay is rising from $19.10/hour to $25.00/hour, while training driver pay is increasing from $18.00 to $20.00/hour. Substitute and white fleet driver rates are also climbing.
These figures now position Tomball ISD among the most competitive school districts for transportation pay in the Houston area, furthering its goal of becoming what district leaders call a "Destination District" for top education talent.
“This increase not only honors the hard work of current TISD drivers but also positions Tomball ISD as a Destination District for top talent in this highly skilled profession,” the district stated.
Why It Matters for Tomball Families
With new subdivisions and families continuing to move into Tomball and surrounding communities like Magnolia, Spring, and Cypress, the need for dependable, experienced bus drivers is more critical than ever. School buses remain the safest and most efficient mode of daily transportation for students — and keeping those buses staffed is a growing challenge.
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The district also emphasized the importance of making drivers feel recognized and supported. “Tomball ISD understands that there are many options in neighboring districts, and it wants its drivers to know that it values them, wants to retain them, and is committed to paying them a competitive salary,” the release stated.
Drive the Difference: Join Team Tomball
With the new pay scale now in effect, Tomball ISD is actively recruiting new drivers and welcomes applicants with or without a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Those who apply will receive comprehensive training and support from a district known for its team-first culture.
Interested individuals — whether longtime drivers or those seeking a career change — can learn more and apply at tomballisd.net/drive.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
