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How much does a Bus Driver make?

The average salary for a Bus Driver is $44,735 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 $44,735. 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. At the lower end, some drivers earn about $24,000 per year. As drivers gain more experience, they can see their salaries increase. The highest earners in this field can make up to $67,970 annually. Factors like working for a private company, a public transit authority, or a school district can also influence earnings.

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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 $64,630. This makes it a top choice for those seeking a lucrative career in public transportation. Other cities like San Jose, CA, and Santa Rosa, CA, also offer competitive salaries, making them attractive options for job seekers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Bus Driver jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $64,630 and Buffalo, NY with the lowest at $56,049.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $64,630
    In San Francisco, driving a bus offers a unique experience with its hilly terrain and iconic landmarks. Companies like Muni provide a chance to navigate through vibrant neighborhoods. The city's diverse population ensures a dynamic work environment.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $63,415
    San Jose presents a bustling environment with a mix of urban and suburban routes. Working with VTA, drivers enjoy modern fleets and a supportive team. The city's tech-driven culture adds an exciting backdrop to daily commutes.
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  3. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $61,193
    Santa Rosa offers a more relaxed pace compared to larger cities. Sonoma County Transit provides a chance to connect with the community. The scenic routes through wine country make the job enjoyable and picturesque.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  4. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $59,887
    Stockton provides a stable job with a strong sense of community. Working with San Joaquin RTD, drivers experience a mix of urban and rural areas. The city's growing economy offers good opportunities for career growth.
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  5. Worcester, MA
    Average Salary: $59,041
    In Worcester, bus driving with the Union Station Transit provides a chance to serve a diverse population. The city's rich history and vibrant culture add depth to the job. Routes cover various neighborhoods, making each day different.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in Worcester, MA


  6. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $58,526
    Portland offers a progressive work environment with TriMet. The city's commitment to sustainability makes the job rewarding. Drivers navigate through scenic routes and a lively urban setting, enhancing the overall experience.
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  7. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $58,054
    Seattle presents a dynamic job with King County Metro. The city's iconic landmarks and diverse landscapes make driving a bus exciting. The public transportation system is well-regarded, offering a supportive work environment.
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  8. Visalia, CA
    Average Salary: $56,157
    Visalia offers a smaller city feel with a strong community spirit. Working with Visalia Transit, drivers enjoy a mix of routes through the city and surrounding areas. The job provides a stable and friendly environment.
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  9. Greeley, CO
    Average Salary: $56,074
    Greeley provides a welcoming environment with Transfort. The city's growing economy and friendly community make the job pleasant. Routes cover both urban and rural areas, offering a varied experience.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in Greeley, CO


  10. Buffalo, NY
    Average Salary: $56,049
    Buffalo offers a chance to work with NFTA, navigating through a historic city. The job provides a mix of urban and suburban routes, with a strong sense of community. The city's rich culture adds to the overall experience.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in Buffalo, NY

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

Bus drivers can find rewarding positions with several top-paying companies. The Town of Snowmass Village offers an average salary of $67,974, making it a competitive choice. Arlington Central School District and HALLCON also provide attractive salaries, with averages of $67,676 and $65,146, respectively.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Bus Driver jobs, highlighting Town of Snowmass Village with the highest at $67,974 and Safeway Transportation with the lowest at $61,536.
  1. Town of Snowmass Village
    Average Salary: $67,974
    Town of Snowmass Village offers rewarding Bus Driver jobs with competitive pay. They operate in the picturesque town of Snowmass Village, Colorado. The company values safety and reliability, ensuring a comfortable ride for all passengers.


  2. Arlington Central School District
    Average Salary: $67,676
    Arlington Central School District provides excellent Bus Driver jobs with a strong focus on student safety. They serve the Arlington area in New York. The company offers a supportive work environment and opportunities for professional growth.


  3. HALLCON
    Average Salary: $65,146
    HALLCON offers Bus Driver positions with a good salary and benefits. They operate in various locations, including California and Nevada. The company emphasizes teamwork and safety, making it a great place to work.


  4. Ace Express Coaches
    Average Salary: $64,913
    Ace Express Coaches provides Bus Driver jobs with a competitive salary. They serve multiple cities in the Midwest. The company values punctuality and customer service, ensuring a pleasant experience for all passengers.


  5. Manassas City Public Schools
    Average Salary: $64,460
    Manassas City Public Schools offers Bus Driver jobs with a good salary and benefits. They operate in Manassas, Virginia. The company focuses on providing safe and reliable transportation for students.


  6. Craven County Schools
    Average Salary: $63,997
    Craven County Schools provides Bus Driver positions with a competitive salary. They serve the Craven County area in North Carolina. The company values safety and efficiency, ensuring a smooth ride for all passengers.


  7. Berkeley Unified School District
    Average Salary: $63,151
    Berkeley Unified School District offers Bus Driver jobs with a good salary and benefits. They operate in Berkeley, California. The company emphasizes safety and community service, making it a great place to work.


  8. Zum Services, Inc
    Average Salary: $62,515
    Zum Services, Inc provides Bus Driver positions with a competitive salary. They serve multiple locations across the United States. The company values teamwork and customer satisfaction, ensuring a pleasant experience for all passengers.


  9. Greeley-Evans School District 6
    Average Salary: $61,618
    Greeley-Evans School District 6 offers Bus Driver jobs with a competitive salary. They operate in the Greeley-Evans area in Colorado. The company focuses on safety and reliability, ensuring a smooth ride for all passengers.


  10. Safeway Transportation
    Average Salary: $61,536
    Safeway Transportation provides Bus Driver positions with a competitive salary. They serve multiple cities across the country. The company values safety and efficiency, ensuring a pleasant experience for all passengers.

How to earn more as a Bus Driver?

Becoming a bus driver can lead to a rewarding career. However, like many jobs, there are ways to increase earnings. Bus drivers can earn more by taking certain steps. These steps can help boost income and job satisfaction.

Here are some ways to earn more as a bus driver:

  1. Gain experience: More experience often leads to higher pay. Many companies offer pay raises after a certain number of years of service.
  2. Get specialized training: Certifications in areas like school bus driving or public transit can lead to higher-paying jobs.
  3. Work overtime: Many bus drivers have the option to work extra hours. Overtime can significantly increase earnings.
  4. Switch employers: Some companies offer higher wages than others. Changing employers can lead to a pay increase.
  5. Pursue additional duties: Tasks like cleaning the bus or assisting passengers can sometimes lead to extra pay.

Currently 1,734 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.
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Bus Driver
1,734 Job Openings