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Create CVIf you’re searching “bus driver salary US” or “how much does a bus driver make in the US?”, you’re likely evaluating whether this career offers stable income, strong benefits, and long-term earning potential.
Unlike many roles, bus driver compensation is heavily influenced by unions, overtime, government budgets, and route type (school vs transit vs charter). This creates huge variation in earnings, especially when overtime and benefits are included.
This guide breaks down real US salary data, total compensation, and how bus drivers actually maximize earnings in the market.
School Bus Driver: $32,000 – $48,000
Transit Bus Driver (City/Public): $45,000 – $70,000
Charter / Private Bus Driver: $50,000 – $75,000
Senior / Union Transit Driver: $65,000 – $85,000+
National average: $52,000 per year
Median salary: $50,000 per year
Bus drivers are typically paid hourly, not salaried.
School bus driver hourly: $16 – $24/hour
Transit bus driver hourly: $22 – $35/hour
Charter driver hourly: $25 – $40/hour
This is where earnings significantly increase.
Entry-Level TC: $35,000 – $50,000
Mid-Level TC: $50,000 – $70,000
Senior / Union TC: $70,000 – $95,000+
Time-and-a-half after 40 hours
Double time in some union contracts
Reality:
Top drivers often earn $10K – $25K+ extra annually from overtime alone
Salary: $32,000 – $45,000
Hourly: $16 – $22
Limited overtime access
Market reality:
You are filling shifts and learning routes. Pay is standardized with little negotiation flexibility.
Salary: $45,000 – $65,000
Hourly: $22 – $30
Overtime: consistent availability
What increases earnings:
Route priority
Seniority scheduling
Reliability
Salary: $60,000 – $85,000
Overtime earnings: $10K – $30K+
Total Compensation: $70,000 – $95,000+
Key difference:
You control your schedule and maximize overtime.
Base: $32,000 – $48,000
Part-time schedules common
Limited overtime
Important:
Many drivers supplement income with:
Second jobs
Split shifts
Base: $50,000 – $75,000
Unionized roles
Strong overtime opportunities
Best stability and benefits in the industry
Base: $50,000 – $75,000
Tips + travel allowances
Irregular schedules
Higher upside but less predictable income
Base: $40,000 – $60,000
Lower overtime
More consistent schedules
California: $55,000 – $85,000
New York: $60,000 – $85,000
Washington: $55,000 – $80,000
Texas: $45,000 – $65,000
Illinois: $50,000 – $70,000
Florida: $45,000 – $65,000
Hourly-based
Predictable income
Time-and-a-half pay
Extra shifts and weekend routes
Example:
Weak Example:
$55K base, no overtime
Good Example:
$55K base + $20K overtime = $75K total
Why the second is stronger:
Overtime dramatically increases annual earnings without changing base pay.
Especially for union transit drivers:
Pension plans (rare in modern jobs)
Healthcare (often fully covered)
Paid leave
Job security
Value: $10K – $25K+ annually
Most public transit drivers are unionized, meaning:
Fixed pay scales
Guaranteed raises
Strong benefits
High-demand urban routes = higher pay
School routes = lower pay due to part-time structure
This is the #1 income driver
Companies prioritize drivers who:
Take extra shifts
Cover shortages
Work weekends
Higher seniority =
Better routes
More overtime access
Higher earnings
Higher base pay
Union protection
Better benefits
Top earners:
Regularly exceed 50–60 hours/week
Take weekend and holiday shifts
Urban areas offer:
Higher hourly wages
More overtime demand
This directly impacts:
Route quality
Schedule control
Income potential
Bus driver salaries are:
Often fixed (union scale)
Non-negotiable individually
Starting step within pay scale
Shift assignments
Signing bonuses (in driver shortages)
Weak Example:
“Can you increase the hourly rate?”
Good Example:
“Can I be placed at a higher step on the pay scale based on my prior commercial driving experience?”
Bus Driver → Senior Driver
→ Route Supervisor
→ Transportation Manager
5-year increase: +20% – +40%
Transition to supervisor: $70K – $100K+
Management roles: $90K – $120K
Ongoing driver shortages in the US
Increased wages in urban transit systems
Growing demand for school and shuttle drivers
In the US market:
School bus drivers: $32K – $48K
Transit drivers: $50K – $75K
Senior / union drivers: $70K – $95K+
Your earnings depend on:
Type of driving role
Overtime participation
Union structure
Location and demand
The biggest difference between average and top-earning bus drivers is not base pay — it is overtime, seniority, and access to high-demand routes.
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