How much does a Bus Driver make?
Bus drivers play a vital role in keeping communities connected. They earn a respectable salary that reflects their important work. On average, a bus driver makes about $44,355 per year. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and the type of bus service they provide.
The salary range for bus drivers can be quite broad. At the lower end, some drivers earn around $24,000 annually. As drivers gain more experience and move to higher-paying areas, they can earn up to $67,540 or more each year. This range shows that there are good opportunities for growth in this career.
What are the highest paying cities for a Bus Driver?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $64,618
In San Francisco, driving a bus offers a unique experience. The city's hilly terrain and iconic landmarks provide a scenic route. Major employers like Muni offer stable jobs with good benefits.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $63,161
Santa Rosa provides a peaceful environment for bus drivers. The city's smaller size means shorter routes and more community interaction. Companies like Sonoma County Transit ensure reliable schedules and good pay.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $62,564
San Jose's bus drivers navigate a bustling tech hub. The city's growing population means steady demand for public transport. VTA offers competitive salaries and opportunities for career growth.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $59,509
Stockton offers a more relaxed pace for bus drivers. The city's diverse routes cover both urban and suburban areas. Stockton Area Transit provides a supportive environment with good benefits.
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Worcester, MA
Average Salary: $58,100
In Worcester, bus drivers enjoy a mix of urban and rural routes. The city's rich history and vibrant culture add to the job's appeal. The Worcester Regional Transit Authority offers stable employment and good benefits.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $57,443
Portland's bus drivers experience a vibrant city life. The city's eco-friendly initiatives make the job rewarding. TriMet offers a supportive work environment with opportunities for career advancement.
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Visalia, CA
Average Salary: $56,883
Visalia provides a friendly community for bus drivers. The city's smaller size means shorter commutes and a close-knit work environment. Visalia Transit offers good pay and benefits.
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Greeley, CO
Average Salary: $56,619
Greeley offers a welcoming environment for bus drivers. The city's growing population means more routes and opportunities. Transfort provides a supportive workplace with good benefits.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $55,890
Seattle's bus drivers navigate a dynamic city. The city's iconic landmarks and vibrant culture make the job enjoyable. King County Metro offers competitive salaries and career growth opportunities.
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Buffalo, NY
Average Salary: $55,838
In Buffalo, bus drivers enjoy a mix of urban and suburban routes. The city's rich history and cultural events add to the job's appeal. NFTA Metro offers stable employment and good benefits.
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What are the best companies a Bus Driver can work for?

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Manassas City Public Schools
Average Salary: $68,444
Manassas City Public Schools offers rewarding Bus Driver positions. They serve students in Manassas, Virginia, providing safe and reliable transportation. Drivers work with a dedicated team to ensure students reach school on time.
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Craven County Schools
Average Salary: $66,311
Craven County Schools in North Carolina offers Bus Driver jobs with a competitive salary. They operate in various locations, including New Bern and Greenville. Drivers play a key role in student safety and punctuality.
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HALLCON
Average Salary: $65,136
HALLCON provides Bus Driver opportunities with a strong focus on safety. They operate in multiple states, including California and New York. Drivers work with a supportive team to ensure smooth transportation services.
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Arlington Central School District
Average Salary: $64,734
The Arlington Central School District in New York offers Bus Driver jobs with a good salary. They serve students in Arlington and surrounding areas. Drivers are essential in providing safe and timely transportation for students.
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Ace Express Coaches
Average Salary: $63,655
Ace Express Coaches offers Bus Driver positions with a competitive salary. They operate in several states, including Florida and Georgia. Drivers work with a professional team to ensure excellent service.
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Berkeley Unified School District
Average Salary: $62,897
Berkeley Unified School District in California offers Bus Driver jobs with a good salary. They serve students in Berkeley and the surrounding areas. Drivers are crucial in ensuring student safety and punctuality.
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Zum Services, Inc
Average Salary: $62,790
Zum Services, Inc. provides Bus Driver positions with a solid salary. They operate in various locations, including Texas and Illinois. Drivers work with a supportive team to ensure reliable transportation services.
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Greeley-Evans School District 6
Average Salary: $61,993
Greeley-Evans School District 6 in Colorado offers Bus Driver jobs with a good salary. They serve students in Greeley and Evans. Drivers are essential in providing safe and timely transportation for students.
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Safeway Transportation
Average Salary: $60,884
Safeway Transportation offers Bus Driver positions with a competitive salary. They operate in multiple states, including California and Washington. Drivers work with a professional team to ensure excellent service.
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Los Alamitos Unified School District
Average Salary: $60,664
Los Alamitos Unified School District in California offers Bus Driver jobs with a good salary. They serve students in Los Alamitos and the surrounding areas. Drivers are crucial in ensuring student safety and punctuality.
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 with the right strategies. Bus drivers can increase their earnings through various means. These include gaining experience, pursuing additional certifications, and choosing the right employer. Each of these factors plays a key role in boosting income and job satisfaction.
Experience is one of the most important factors in earning more as a bus driver. Companies often pay higher wages to drivers with more years on the job. Gaining experience can lead to promotions and higher pay. Drivers should also consider getting additional certifications. These can include hazardous materials handling or school bus operation. Such certifications can make a driver more valuable to employers. They can also open up higher-paying job opportunities. Another way to increase earnings is to choose the right employer. Some companies offer better pay and benefits than others. Researching and comparing different employers can lead to finding a better-paying job. Finally, working in high-demand areas can also increase a driver's income. Urban areas with high commuter traffic often offer higher wages.
Here are some key factors to consider for earning more as a bus driver:
- Gain experience and seek promotions.
- Pursue additional certifications.
- Choose employers that offer competitive pay.
- Work in high-demand areas.
- Consider overtime and shift differentials.



