Bus Driver Salaries

Updated on May 09, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Bus Driver make?

The average salary for a Bus Driver is $43,359 per year in the US.

A Bus Driver's job is important for keeping cities moving. The salary for this role can vary based on experience and location. On average, a Bus Driver earns around $43,359 per year. This figure can change depending on several factors.

Bus Drivers with more experience often earn higher salaries. Entry-level drivers may start at the lower end of the salary range. As they gain experience, their pay can increase. Location also plays a big role. Drivers in larger cities or areas with a higher cost of living may earn more. Some drivers also get extra pay for working overtime or on holidays. This can add to their total earnings.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Bus Driver?

Bus drivers in San Francisco, California, earn the highest average salary among the listed cities. This is a great opportunity for those who want to drive and earn a good income. Other cities like San Jose, Santa Rosa, and Stockton 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 $64,873 and Seattle, WA with the lowest at $51,854.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $64,873
    In San Francisco, driving a bus offers a unique way to explore the city. The city's public transit system is well-known and provides many routes. Companies like Muni offer stable employment and good benefits.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $61,379
    San Jose has a growing population and a busy transit system. Bus drivers here enjoy a mix of city and suburban routes. VTA is a major employer, offering a variety of shifts and good career growth.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $59,772
    Santa Rosa provides a more relaxed environment for bus drivers. The city's transit system is smaller but offers a close-knit community feel. SRTA is a key employer with a supportive work culture.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  4. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $58,714
    Stockton offers a mix of urban and rural routes. The city's transit system is expanding, providing new opportunities. STO provides a stable job with good benefits and a friendly work environment.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in Stockton, CA


  5. Greeley, CO
    Average Salary: $56,945
    Greeley has a smaller, community-focused transit system. Bus drivers here enjoy a friendly atmosphere and a mix of city and suburban routes. Transfort offers a supportive work environment with good career opportunities.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in Greeley, CO


  6. Buffalo, NY
    Average Salary: $55,249
    Buffalo offers a variety of routes in a vibrant city. The NFTA provides a stable job with good benefits. Drivers here enjoy a mix of urban and suburban routes.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in Buffalo, NY


  7. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $54,263
    Boston's transit system is one of the oldest in the country. Bus drivers here enjoy a rich history and a variety of routes. The MBTA offers a stable job with good benefits and opportunities for career growth.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in Boston, MA


  8. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $53,970
    Portland offers a mix of urban and scenic routes. The city's transit system is modern and eco-friendly. TriMet provides a supportive work environment with good benefits and career opportunities.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in Portland, OR


  9. Rochester, NY
    Average Salary: $53,579
    Rochester has a well-established transit system. Bus drivers here enjoy a variety of routes and a supportive work environment. The RTSA offers good benefits and opportunities for career growth.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in Rochester, NY


  10. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $51,854
    Seattle offers a mix of urban and scenic routes. The city's transit system is modern and efficient. King County Metro provides a stable job with good benefits and a supportive work environment.
    Find Bus Driver jobs in Seattle, WA

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

Zum Services, Inc. offers one of the highest salaries for Bus Driver jobs, with an average of $66,476 per year. LUX BUS AMERICA and A&A Metro Transportation also provide competitive salaries, making them attractive options for job seekers. These companies value their drivers and offer good compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Bus Driver jobs, highlighting Zum Services, Inc with the highest at $66,476 and Tahoe Truckee Unified School District with the lowest at $59,399.
  1. Zum Services, Inc
    Average Salary: $66,476
    Zum Services, Inc offers Bus Driver jobs with competitive pay and benefits. They operate in multiple states, providing transportation services for schools, universities, and businesses. Zum Services, Inc values safety and reliability, ensuring a positive experience for both drivers and passengers.


  2. LUX BUS AMERICA
    Average Salary: $65,943
    LUX BUS AMERICA provides luxury bus services and offers rewarding Bus Driver positions. They serve major cities across the country, offering a chance for drivers to travel and experience different locations. LUX BUS AMERICA emphasizes customer satisfaction and professional service.


  3. A&A Metro Transportation
    Average Salary: $63,636
    A&A Metro Transportation is known for its extensive network and offers good salaries for Bus Drivers. They operate in various regions, providing essential public transportation services. A&A Metro Transportation focuses on safety and efficiency, making it a great place for drivers to work.


  4. Bauer's Intelligent Transportation, Inc.
    Average Salary: $62,964
    Bauer's Intelligent Transportation, Inc. offers Bus Driver jobs with a focus on innovation and technology. They serve multiple cities, providing reliable transportation services. The company values teamwork and professional development, offering opportunities for career growth.


  5. HALLCON
    Average Salary: $61,911
    HALLCON provides Bus Driver positions with a strong emphasis on safety and reliability. They operate in various locations, offering diverse routes and schedules. HALLCON values its employees and offers competitive pay and benefits, making it an attractive option for job seekers.


  6. Trailways of New York
    Average Salary: $61,763
    Trailways of New York offers Bus Driver jobs with a focus on customer service and safety. They serve multiple states, providing intercity bus services. Trailways of New York values its drivers and offers a supportive work environment with opportunities for advancement.


  7. Ace Express Coaches
    Average Salary: $61,339
    Ace Express Coaches provides Bus Driver jobs with a focus on reliability and efficiency. They operate in various regions, offering intercity bus services. Ace Express Coaches values its drivers and offers competitive pay, benefits, and a supportive work environment.


  8. NRT Bus, Inc.
    Average Salary: $60,887
    NRT Bus, Inc. offers Bus Driver positions with a focus on safety and customer service. They serve multiple cities, providing essential transportation services. NRT Bus, Inc. values its employees and offers competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities for career growth.


  9. Greyhound
    Average Salary: $59,773
    Greyhound offers Bus Driver jobs with a strong reputation and extensive network. They serve multiple states, providing intercity bus services. Greyhound values its drivers and offers competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities for career growth.


  10. Tahoe Truckee Unified School District
    Average Salary: $59,399
    Tahoe Truckee Unified School District provides Bus Driver positions with a focus on safety and reliability. They serve the Tahoe Truckee area, offering school transportation services. The district values its drivers and offers competitive pay, benefits, and a supportive work environment.

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 earn more. Understanding these strategies can help you maximize your earnings. Consider these key factors to increase your income as a bus driver.

First, gaining experience can lead to higher pay. Many companies offer pay increases for drivers with more years on the job. Second, working overtime can boost your earnings. This can include evening or weekend shifts. Third, taking on additional responsibilities can also lead to higher pay. This might include training new drivers or handling administrative tasks. Fourth, working for a company that offers bonuses can increase your income. Look for employers that reward performance or safety. Lastly, consider working for a private company instead of a public one. Private companies often offer higher wages to attract drivers.

By focusing on these factors, bus drivers can find ways to earn more. Each step can lead to better financial rewards. With dedication and the right approach, it is possible to increase your earnings in this field.

  1. Gain experience for higher pay.
  2. Work overtime for extra income.
  3. Take on additional responsibilities.
  4. Look for bonuses and incentives.
  5. Consider working for private companies.

Currently 1,842 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
1,842 Job Openings