Position
Salary

How much does a Bus Driver make?

The average salary for a Bus Driver is $44,534 per year in the US.

Bus drivers play a vital role in keeping communities connected. They navigate busy streets and ensure passengers reach their destinations safely. The average yearly salary for a bus driver is around $44,534. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the type of bus service provided.


The salary range for bus drivers can be quite broad. The lowest-paid 10% earn about $24,000 annually, while the top 10% make more than $67,600 each year. Most drivers fall somewhere in the middle, with salaries ranging from $31,927 to $59,673. This range shows that with experience and dedication, bus drivers can see their earnings grow over time.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Bus Driver?

Bus drivers in San Francisco, CA, earn the highest average salary at $64,905. This makes it a top choice for those seeking better pay. Other cities like San Jose, CA, and Santa Rosa, CA, also offer competitive salaries for bus drivers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Bus Driver jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $64,905 and Buffalo, NY with the lowest at $55,853.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $64,905
    In San Francisco, driving a bus offers a unique experience. The city's hilly terrain and iconic routes provide a dynamic work environment. Major employers include Muni, ensuring a stable job with good benefits.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $63,146
    San Jose provides a bustling environment for bus drivers. The city's tech industry means frequent passenger traffic. VTA is a key employer, offering reliable schedules and good pay.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $61,848
    Santa Rosa offers a quieter pace for bus drivers. The city's smaller size means shorter routes and a more personal work experience. Sonoma County Transit provides a supportive work environment.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  4. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $60,088
    Stockton presents a diverse driving experience. The city's varied neighborhoods and routes keep work interesting. San Joaquin RTD is a major employer, offering competitive wages.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in Stockton, CA


  5. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $58,119
    Portland's bus drivers enjoy a vibrant city atmosphere. The city's focus on public transport means a steady flow of passengers. TriMet is a leading employer, providing good benefits.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in Portland, OR


  6. Worcester, MA
    Average Salary: $58,100
    In Worcester, bus drivers navigate a city rich in history and culture. The city's public transport system is well-supported, with the Worcester Regional Transit Authority as a major employer.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in Worcester, MA


  7. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $57,564
    Seattle offers a dynamic environment for bus drivers. The city's hilly terrain and extensive public transport network provide a challenging yet rewarding job. King County Metro is a key employer.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in Seattle, WA


  8. Visalia, CA
    Average Salary: $56,883
    Visalia provides a smaller city feel with a growing community. The city's expanding public transport needs mean more opportunities. Visalia Transit is a major employer, offering a supportive work environment.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in Visalia, CA


  9. Greeley, CO
    Average Salary: $56,456
    Greeley offers a friendly community for bus drivers. The city's smaller size means shorter routes and a close-knit work environment. Transfort is a key employer, providing good job stability.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in Greeley, CO


  10. Buffalo, NY
    Average Salary: $55,853
    Buffalo presents a diverse driving experience with a mix of urban and suburban routes. The city's public transport system is well-established, with NFTA Metro as a major employer.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in Buffalo, NY

What are the best companies a Bus Driver can work for?

Manassas City Public Schools offers one of the highest salaries for bus drivers, with an average of $66,758. Arlington Central School District follows closely, providing an average salary of $65,065. HALLCON also pays well, with an average salary of $64,956 for bus drivers. These top-paying companies offer competitive salaries and benefits, making them attractive options for job seekers. Safe and reliable transportation is crucial, and these companies recognize the value of their drivers. If you are a bus driver, consider applying to these companies for a rewarding career.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Bus Driver jobs, highlighting Manassas City Public Schools with the highest at $66,758 and Royal Coach Lines with the lowest at $60,435.
  1. Manassas City Public Schools
    Average Salary: $66,758
    Manassas City Public Schools offers rewarding Bus Driver jobs. They operate in Manassas, Virginia. The company values safety and community service. Drivers work with students to ensure a secure journey to and from school.


  2. Arlington Central School District
    Average Salary: $65,065
    Arlington Central School District provides Bus Driver positions with a competitive salary. The district operates in the Arlington area. Drivers play a key role in student transportation. They ensure a safe and timely commute for students.


  3. HALLCON
    Average Salary: $64,956
    HALLCON offers Bus Driver jobs with a strong salary. They operate in various locations across the country. Drivers work in diverse environments, ensuring passenger safety and comfort. The company values reliability and punctuality.


  4. Craven County Schools
    Average Salary: $63,997
    Craven County Schools provides Bus Driver jobs with a good salary. They operate in Craven County, North Carolina. Drivers transport students to and from school safely. The company emphasizes teamwork and community involvement.


  5. Ace Express Coaches
    Average Salary: $63,655
    Ace Express Coaches offers Bus Driver jobs with a solid salary. They operate in multiple regions. Drivers ensure passenger safety and comfort. The company values professionalism and customer service.


  6. Zum Services, Inc
    Average Salary: $62,790
    Zum Services, Inc provides Bus Driver jobs with a competitive salary. They operate in various locations. Drivers transport students and other passengers safely. The company emphasizes safety and reliability.


  7. Greeley-Evans School District 6
    Average Salary: $61,738
    Greeley-Evans School District 6 offers Bus Driver jobs with a good salary. They operate in Greeley and Evans, Colorado. Drivers ensure a safe commute for students. The company values community and safety.


  8. Safeway Transportation
    Average Salary: $61,526
    Safeway Transportation provides Bus Driver jobs with a solid salary. They operate in various locations. Drivers ensure passenger safety and comfort. The company values teamwork and reliability.


  9. Los Alamitos Unified School District
    Average Salary: $60,664
    Los Alamitos Unified School District offers Bus Driver jobs with a good salary. They operate in Los Alamitos, California. Drivers transport students safely. The company emphasizes safety and community involvement.


  10. Royal Coach Lines
    Average Salary: $60,435
    Royal Coach Lines provides Bus Driver jobs with a competitive salary. They operate in various regions. Drivers ensure passenger safety and comfort. The company values professionalism and customer service.

How to earn more as a Bus Driver?

Becoming a bus driver can lead to a rewarding career. To earn more, consider these key factors. They can help boost your income and job satisfaction.

First, gaining experience can lead to higher pay. Many companies offer pay raises based on years of service. Second, working overtime can increase earnings. This includes evening, night, and weekend shifts. Third, driving a specialized bus can lead to higher wages. This includes buses for school routes or tourist services. Fourth, obtaining additional certifications can boost pay. Certifications in first aid or hazardous materials handling can be valuable. Lastly, seeking promotions can lead to higher salaries. Positions such as dispatcher or supervisor often come with increased pay.

By focusing on these areas, bus drivers can enhance their earning potential. This can lead to a more financially rewarding career.

  • Gain experience for pay raises
  • Work overtime for extra income
  • Drive specialized buses for higher wages
  • Obtain additional certifications
  • Seek promotions for higher salaries

Currently 2,337 Bus Driver job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Bus Driver in the US?

Learn what a Bus Driver does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Bus Driver today.
Position
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Bus Driver
2,337 Job Openings