How much does a Bus Driver make?
Bus drivers play a vital role in communities, transporting people to work, school, and other destinations. Their annual salary reflects the importance of their job. The average yearly salary for bus drivers is around $44,948. This figure can vary based on factors like experience, location, and the type of employer.
The salary range for bus drivers shows how much potential there is for growth. Here is a quick look at what bus drivers earn at different points in their career:
- 10% of bus drivers earn $28,000 or less.
- 25% earn between $28,000 and $36,000.
- 50% earn between $36,000 and $44,000.
- 75% earn between $44,000 and $52,000.
- 90% earn between $52,000 and $60,000.
What are the highest paying cities for a Bus Driver?
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $65,069
In San Francisco, you'll navigate beautiful city streets with a mix of residents and tourists. Companies like Muni offer many chances to travel through iconic landmarks. The city's diverse routes help you meet many people every day.
Find Bus Driver jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $63,564
San Jose has a fast-growing tech industry that needs reliable transit. Working here, you’ll find routes that connect tech hubs and residential areas. With Valley Transportation Authority, you’ll serve a vibrant community.
Find Bus Driver jobs in San Jose, CA
-
Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $60,415
In Santa Rosa, you’ll drive through charming neighborhoods and wineries. Serving the community, you’ll find routes that link downtown to outlying areas. Sonoma County Transit offers a friendly environment and good benefits.
Find Bus Driver jobs in Santa Rosa, CA
-
Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $59,931
Stockton provides a laid-back atmosphere with easy access to nature. You’ll work with San Joaquin RTD, serving both city and rural areas. The city’s growing business sector needs dependable transport.
Find Bus Driver jobs in Stockton, CA
-
Worcester, MA
Average Salary: $58,913
In Worcester, you’ll navigate routes that connect the city’s educational and commercial centers. The Central Mass Transit offers a stable environment. You’ll be an important part of daily commutes for many residents.
Find Bus Driver jobs in Worcester, MA
-
Portland, OR
Average Salary: $58,849
Portland offers scenic routes through a beautiful city. With TriMet, you’ll serve a community that values public transport. The city's green initiatives make your job part of a larger effort for sustainability.
Find Bus Driver jobs in Portland, OR
-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $58,008
In Seattle, you’ll travel through a city known for its innovation and beauty. King County Metro provides modern buses and a strong network. Your routes will take you past famous landmarks and through vibrant neighborhoods.
Find Bus Driver jobs in Seattle, WA
-
Greeley, CO
Average Salary: $56,580
Greeley has a welcoming community where you’ll connect rural and urban areas. Weld County Transportation offers a mix of routes that keep you busy. The city's growth offers many opportunities for career development.
Find Bus Driver jobs in Greeley, CO
-
Visalia, CA
Average Salary: $56,157
Visalia provides a mix of agricultural and urban routes. With Visalia Transit, you’ll serve a growing city. The area's expanding economy needs reliable transport options for everyone.
Find Bus Driver jobs in Visalia, CA
-
Buffalo, NY
Average Salary: $56,118
Buffalo offers a mix of urban and suburban routes. With NFTA Metro, you’ll serve a community that relies on public transport. The city’s rich history and cultural scene make your job rewarding.
Find Bus Driver jobs in Buffalo, NY
What are the best companies a Bus Driver can work for?
-
Town of Snowmass Village
Average Salary: $67,974
Town of Snowmass Village offers excellent Bus Driver positions. They operate in Colorado, providing transportation services for tourists and residents. Bus drivers here enjoy a friendly community and beautiful surroundings.
-
HALLCON
Average Salary: $65,756
HALLCON provides Bus Driver jobs with a competitive salary. They offer positions across various states, including Texas and California. Drivers benefit from a supportive work environment and opportunities for professional growth.
-
Arlington Central School District
Average Salary: $65,668
Arlington Central School District offers Bus Driver jobs with a good salary. They operate in New York, providing school transportation services. Drivers here enjoy stable hours and the satisfaction of supporting student education.
-
Manassas City Public Schools
Average Salary: $65,535
Manassas City Public Schools offers Bus Driver jobs with a solid salary. They operate in Virginia, providing transportation for students. Drivers here enjoy a structured work schedule and the chance to be part of a dedicated school community.
-
Ace Express Coaches
Average Salary: $65,139
Ace Express Coaches provides Bus Driver positions with an attractive salary. They have operations in New Jersey and New York. Drivers here enjoy competitive pay and opportunities to work with a reliable company.
-
Greeley-Evans School District 6
Average Salary: $62,947
Greeley-Evans School District 6 offers Bus Driver jobs with a decent salary. They operate in Colorado, focusing on school transportation. Drivers here enjoy stable employment and the opportunity to contribute to student education.
-
Safeway Transportation
Average Salary: $61,800
Safeway Transportation offers Bus Driver positions with a good salary. They operate across multiple states, including California and Texas. Drivers here benefit from a well-established company with diverse work environments.
-
Los Alamitos Unified School District
Average Salary: $60,664
Los Alamitos Unified School District provides Bus Driver jobs with a solid salary. They operate in California, focusing on school transportation. Drivers here enjoy a stable work schedule and the chance to be part of a supportive school community.
-
Royal Coach Lines
Average Salary: $60,465
Royal Coach Lines offers Bus Driver positions with a good salary. They operate in California, providing various transportation services. Drivers here enjoy competitive pay and a dynamic work environment.
-
NRT Bus, Inc.
Average Salary: $59,804
NRT Bus, Inc. offers Bus Driver jobs with a fair salary. They operate in Florida, providing transportation services. Drivers here benefit from a stable work environment and opportunities for growth within the company.
How to earn more as a Bus Driver?
Becoming a bus driver offers many opportunities to earn a good income. There are several ways to increase earnings in this profession. Consider these key factors that can boost your salary and job satisfaction.
Firstly, gaining experience and seniority can lead to higher pay. Bus companies often have pay scales that increase with the number of years a driver has been with the company. Second, working overtime or during peak hours can also boost income. Many employers offer higher rates for these hours. Third, obtaining specialized licenses can lead to higher-paying routes. For example, a driver with a hazardous materials endorsement can work on routes that transport hazardous goods, which usually pays more.
Fourth, continuing education and training can open up higher-paying opportunities. Advanced training in areas such as defensive driving or customer service can make a driver more valuable to an employer. Lastly, working for a private company instead of a public transit system can sometimes lead to better pay. Private companies may offer higher wages to attract and retain experienced drivers. These strategies can help a bus driver earn more and advance in their career.
- Gain experience and seniority.
- Work overtime and peak hours.
- Obtain specialized licenses.
- Continue education and training.
- Work for private companies.
