How much does a Bus Operator make?
Bus operators drive public transportation and provide an essential service to their communities. Their work ensures that people can get to work, school, and other places safely. The average yearly salary for a bus operator is around $42,951. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and other factors.
To understand how salaries break down, consider these numbers: 10% of bus operators earn less than $26,690, while 10% earn more than $68,620. Most operators fall between these amounts. The top 10% of earners make more than $64,808 a year. Factors like city size, local cost of living, and union agreements can impact salaries. Experience and additional skills also play a role in determining a bus operator's pay.
What are the highest paying cities for a Bus Operator?
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $63,414
In Los Angeles, driving a bus means navigating a busy and diverse city. Operators work for companies like Metro and Foothill Transit, ensuring residents and visitors move smoothly. The job offers a chance to see the city up close while enjoying a steady schedule.
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Albany, NY
Average Salary: $61,554
Albany provides a mix of city and small-town feel. Bus operators here work for Capital District Transportation Authority. They connect people to key areas and enjoy a supportive work environment. The job combines routine with the charm of New York's capital city.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $59,707
Sacramento offers a friendly community and a central role in the state. Operators drive for YOLO and RTS. They support the flow of people through the capital city, enjoying a mix of urban and suburban routes. The work provides stability and a close-knit work atmosphere.
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Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $57,596
Anchorage's unique landscape offers a challenging yet rewarding job. Operators here drive for People Mover and Alaska Railroad. They navigate through the city's varied terrains, ensuring everyone gets where they need to go. The job combines the thrill of the wild with city transport duties.
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St. Louis, MO
Average Salary: $56,182
St. Louis provides a rich blend of history and modernity. Operators work for MetroBus, ensuring people move through the city efficiently. The job offers a chance to experience the Gateway to the West while maintaining a steady schedule. It's a role that values reliability and community spirit.
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Hartford, CT
Average Salary: $55,329
Hartford offers a historic charm with modern conveniences. Operators here work for CT Transit, connecting people to the state’s capital. The job combines a dynamic city environment with a strong sense of community. It provides a stable career with opportunities for growth.
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Madison, WI
Average Salary: $53,962
Madison is known for its vibrant university presence and scenic beauty. Operators work for Metro Transit, ensuring smooth travel through the city. The job offers a chance to experience the university town atmosphere while maintaining a regular schedule. It's a role that supports a lively community.
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Lincoln, NE
Average Salary: $52,214
Lincoln offers a friendly and laid-back environment. Operators work for STAR, ensuring reliable transport for residents. The job combines the charm of a mid-sized city with a supportive work culture. It provides a stable career with a close-knit community feel.
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Kansas City, MO
Average Salary: $52,096
Kansas City offers a mix of urban and suburban routes. Operators work for the KCATA, ensuring smooth travel through the city. The job combines a dynamic work environment with opportunities to explore the city's attractions. It provides a stable career with a strong sense of community.
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Orlando, FL
Average Salary: $49,256
Orlando is known for its vibrant attractions and theme parks. Operators work for LYNX, connecting people to the city's attractions and neighborhoods. The job offers a chance to experience the excitement of a tourist hub while maintaining a steady schedule. It's a role that values reliability and a fun work environment.
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What are the best companies a Bus Operator can work for?
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Gordon Food Service
Average Salary: $79,364
Gordon Food Service offers bus operator roles with a competitive salary. They provide services nationwide and their bus operators drive company buses to deliver food products. This position requires strong driving skills and a clean driving record.
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Park City Municipal Corporation
Average Salary: $59,237
Park City Municipal Corporation offers bus operator jobs in Park City, Utah. These bus operators drive public transit routes. The company values community involvement and offers benefits like health insurance.
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Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
Average Salary: $59,128
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority has bus operator positions in Cleveland, Ohio. This company offers a stable work environment with a pension plan. Bus operators here drive public transit buses to various locations across the city.
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Jefferson Lines
Average Salary: $57,500
Jefferson Lines provides bus operator jobs across the United States. Operators drive intercity buses, traveling long distances. The company offers a competitive salary and opportunities to gain experience in the transit industry.
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KEOLIS
Average Salary: $51,369
KEOLIS has bus operator positions in multiple locations, including cities like New York and Los Angeles. This company values safety and offers training programs for new operators. KEOLIS offers a competitive salary and benefits package.
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Utah Transit Authority
Average Salary: $49,634
Utah Transit Authority offers bus operator jobs in Utah. Operators drive public transit buses in cities like Salt Lake City. This company provides a friendly work environment and offers health benefits and retirement plans.
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West Virginia Department of Education
Average Salary: $49,236
The West Virginia Department of Education offers bus operator positions in various cities in West Virginia. They drive school buses to ensure students' safe transportation. This role provides a stable job with a good salary and benefits.
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Transdev
Average Salary: $47,982
Transdev has bus operator jobs in various locations, including major cities. This company values safety and provides training for new employees. Bus operators here drive public transit buses and contribute to the community's transportation needs.
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City of Santa Fe
Average Salary: $47,385
The City of Santa Fe offers bus operator jobs in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Operators drive public transit buses to serve the community. This role provides a stable job with a good salary and opportunities to work in a vibrant city.
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Centre Area Transportation Authority
Average Salary: $45,503
Centre Area Transportation Authority offers bus operator positions in central Pennsylvania. Operators drive public transit buses in cities like State College. The company values teamwork and provides a good salary and benefits package.
How to earn more as a Bus Operator?
Becoming a Bus Operator can lead to a rewarding career, but there are ways to earn more. Improving skills and gaining experience can help increase earnings. Employers often value operators who show a commitment to professional growth.
Consider these strategies to increase income as a Bus Operator. Following them can lead to higher earnings and career advancement.
- Get Certified: Many employers prefer operators with special certifications. These may include CDL licenses and hazardous materials handling. Certifications show dedication to safety and professionalism.
- Gain Experience: More experience can lead to higher pay. Start in entry-level positions and work up. Experience makes operators more valuable to employers.
- Work Overtime: Some companies offer overtime pay. Working extra hours can increase income. This is common in busy areas or during peak travel times.
- Explore Specialized Routes: Operators who drive specialized buses, like school or tour buses, often earn more. These routes may require additional training but offer higher pay.
- Join a Union: Union membership can lead to better pay and benefits. Unions often negotiate higher wages for their members. Research unions in the bus operator field for more information.
