Bus Driver Salary Guide
National median: $59,050/yr · Range: $44,878–$74,403 · Source: BLS OEWS May 2025
Last updated: 2026-07-04
National Bus Driver Salary Overview
Data: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2025 OEWS. O*NET code: 53-3052.00. SOC occupation: 53-3052 (Bus Driver).
Bus Driver Salary by City — Top 20 Metros
| Metro Area | 25th Pct | Median | 75th Pct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA | $65,560 | $83,430 | $93,180 |
| San Francisco, CA | $61,150 | $78,900 | $94,940 |
| New York, NY | $64,590 | $78,130 | $84,700 |
| Columbus, OH | $48,250 | $73,790 | $73,790 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $54,130 | $68,020 | $76,040 |
| Denver, CO | $55,610 | $66,590 | $66,840 |
| Chicago, IL | $61,720 | $65,200 | $85,990 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $47,700 | $61,470 | $61,480 |
| San Diego, CA | $54,710 | $61,290 | $61,290 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $46,290 | $57,020 | $72,120 |
| Dallas, TX | $46,220 | $56,120 | $65,100 |
| Fort Worth, TX | $46,220 | $56,120 | $65,100 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $43,640 | $53,020 | $65,710 |
| Nashville, TN | $47,410 | $52,100 | $58,900 |
| San Antonio, TX | $50,880 | $50,880 | $61,440 |
| Houston, TX | $42,610 | $50,430 | $59,050 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $48,120 | $48,120 | $61,950 |
| Austin, TX | $46,860 | $46,860 | $49,820 |
| Charlotte, NC | $42,830 | $42,830 | $45,020 |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates. Click any city for detailed local salary data.
Bus Driver Salary by Experience Level
| Level | Typical Salary | Years of Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level Bus Driver | $42,516 | 0–2 years |
| Mid-level Bus Driver | $54,326 | 3–5 years |
| Senior Bus Driver | $69,679 | 5–8 years |
| Staff / Lead Bus Driver | $83,851 | 8–12 years |
| Principal / Director | $99,204 | 12+ years |
Career path estimates derived from BLS OEWS May 2025 national benchmarks. Actual salaries vary by company, location, and skills.
Skills That Raise Bus Driver Salary
Professionals with these skills typically earn 15–35% above the median:
- CDL with passenger (P) endorsement
- School bus (S) endorsement
- Clean driving record
- ADA passenger-assistance training
- Defensive driving certification
How to Negotiate a Bus Driver Offer
The most effective salary negotiation for Bus Driver roles follows three steps:
- Anchor with data. Quote BLS OEWS median ($59,050) and top-metro benchmarks as your reference point. Numbers beat feelings.
- Frame with ROI. Describe a specific project outcome in dollar terms: "I reduced churn by 8%, which retained $2M ARR." This turns the conversation from cost to investment.
- Negotiate total comp. If base is firm, ask about sign-on bonus, equity refresh, additional PTO, or a 6-month review. Employers have more flexibility in these buckets.
Bus Driver Salary by City — All 81 Locations
Median Bus Driver pay in every metro we track, grouped by state (BLS OEWS May 2025).
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