Position
Salary

How much does a Bus Driver make?

The average salary for a Bus Driver is $43,861 per year in the US.

Bus drivers play a vital role in keeping communities connected. They earn a respectable salary that reflects their important work. The average yearly salary for a bus driver is around $43,861. This means that many drivers can expect to earn a good living from their job.

The salary for bus drivers can vary based on experience and location. Some drivers start with a salary around $24,000. As they gain experience, they can see their salary increase. The top earners, with many years of experience, can make up to $66,740 a year. This range shows that there are good opportunities for growth in this career.

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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 $64,910. 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.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Bus Driver jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $64,910 and Rochester, NY with the lowest at $53,775.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $64,910
    In San Francisco, driving a bus offers a unique experience. The city's hilly terrain provides a dynamic work environment. Major transit companies like Muni offer stable employment.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $62,248
    San Jose provides a bustling environment for bus drivers. The city's tech industry means many commuters rely on public transport. VTA is a key employer in this field.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $62,239
    Santa Rosa offers a mix of urban and rural routes. The city's scenic beauty makes the job enjoyable. Sonoma County Transit provides a variety of driving opportunities.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  4. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $59,644
    Stockton's bus drivers navigate a diverse city. The routes cover both urban and suburban areas. San Joaquin RTD is a prominent employer in this area.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in Stockton, CA


  5. Worcester, MA
    Average Salary: $58,031
    In Worcester, bus drivers connect the city's neighborhoods. The area's vibrant culture adds to the job's appeal. The Worcester Regional Transit Authority is a major employer.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in Worcester, MA


  6. Greeley, CO
    Average Salary: $57,130
    Greeley offers a smaller city feel with a growing population. Bus drivers here enjoy a close-knit community. Transfort provides reliable transit services.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in Greeley, CO


  7. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $56,669
    Portland's eco-friendly culture makes bus driving rewarding. The city's extensive public transit system offers many routes. TriMet is a key player in the transit sector.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in Portland, OR


  8. Buffalo, NY
    Average Salary: $55,425
    Buffalo's bus drivers navigate a city with rich history. The routes cover diverse neighborhoods. NFTA Metro offers a variety of driving positions.
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  9. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $53,922
    Boston's bus drivers experience a city full of energy. The routes are varied and busy. The MBTA provides many opportunities for transit professionals.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in Boston, MA


  10. Rochester, NY
    Average Salary: $53,775
    Rochester offers a mix of urban and suburban routes. The city's vibrant arts scene adds to the job's appeal. RTS is a major employer in the transit industry.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in Rochester, 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, averaging $69,455 per year. HALLCON and Zum Services, Inc. also provide competitive pay, with average salaries around $65,000. Arlington Central School District and A&A Metro Transportation follow closely, offering salaries above $64,000 annually.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Bus Driver jobs, highlighting Manassas City Public Schools with the highest at $69,455 and Dreamchasers Community Services LLC. with the lowest at $59,333.
  1. Manassas City Public Schools
    Average Salary: $69,455
    Manassas City Public Schools offers rewarding Bus Driver positions. They operate in Manassas, Virginia, providing safe and reliable transportation for students. The company values its drivers and offers competitive pay.


  2. HALLCON
    Average Salary: $65,377
    HALLCON is a leading company in the transportation industry. They offer Bus Driver jobs in various locations across the country. HALLCON values its drivers and provides a supportive work environment.


  3. Zum Services, Inc
    Average Salary: $64,786
    Zum Services, Inc. is known for its high-quality bus services. They operate in multiple states, offering Bus Driver jobs with good pay. The company focuses on safety and customer satisfaction.


  4. Arlington Central School District
    Average Salary: $64,530
    Arlington Central School District provides Bus Driver positions with a focus on student safety. They operate in Arlington, New York. The company offers a supportive work environment and competitive salaries.


  5. A&A Metro Transportation
    Average Salary: $64,000
    A&A Metro Transportation offers Bus Driver jobs with good pay and benefits. They operate in several cities, providing reliable transportation services. The company values its drivers and offers a positive work culture.


  6. Trailways of New York
    Average Salary: $62,615
    Trailways of New York offers Bus Driver positions with competitive salaries. They operate in various locations across New York. The company provides a safe and supportive work environment for its drivers.


  7. Bauer's Intelligent Transportation, Inc.
    Average Salary: $62,489
    Bauer's Intelligent Transportation, Inc. offers Bus Driver jobs with good pay and benefits. They operate in multiple states, providing reliable transportation services. The company values its drivers and offers a positive work culture.


  8. Ace Express Coaches
    Average Salary: $62,102
    Ace Express Coaches offers Bus Driver positions with competitive salaries. They operate in various locations, providing safe and reliable transportation services. The company values its drivers and offers a positive work culture.


  9. Greeley-Evans School District 6
    Average Salary: $61,892
    Greeley-Evans School District 6 offers Bus Driver jobs with good pay. They operate in Greeley and Evans, Colorado, providing safe transportation for students. The company values its drivers and offers a supportive work environment.


  10. Dreamchasers Community Services LLC.
    Average Salary: $59,333
    Dreamchasers Community Services LLC. offers Bus Driver positions with competitive salaries. They operate in various locations, providing reliable transportation services. The company values its drivers and offers a positive work culture.

How to earn more as a Bus Driver?

Becoming a bus driver can be a rewarding career. It offers stability and the chance to earn more. Here are some ways to increase earnings in this profession.

First, consider working for a private company. These companies often offer higher wages than public transit systems. Look for opportunities with firms that value their drivers. Second, gain experience. More experienced drivers often earn higher salaries. Take time to learn the routes and improve your skills. Third, work extra shifts. Many bus drivers have the option to work overtime. This can include evening, weekend, or holiday shifts. Fourth, seek out specialized routes. Driving a school bus or a charter bus can pay more. These routes often require additional training but offer higher pay. Lastly, consider certifications. Some companies pay more for drivers with special licenses or certifications. Look into additional training to boost your qualifications.

By taking these steps, bus drivers can increase their earnings. This can lead to a more rewarding career.

  • Work for a private company
  • Gain experience
  • Work extra shifts
  • Seek out specialized routes
  • Consider certifications

Currently 2,761 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
2,761 Job Openings