Bus drivers play a crucial role in transportation systems worldwide, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of people from one destination to another.
The question of how much bus drivers make is often a topic of interest for those considering this profession or simply curious about the earning potential.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the salaries of bus drivers across various regions, exploring factors that influence their pay and providing insights into the career outlook.
Bus Driver Salaries per Region
| State | Median Income |
| Massachusetts | $53,530 |
| Washington | $47,407 |
| Utah | $45,869 |
| Montana | $45,587 |
| Minnesota | $44,850 |
| Vermont | $44,763 |
| Oregon | $44,231 |
| California | $44,021 |
| Alaska | $43,963 |
| Nevada | $43,680 |
| Colorado | $43,680 |
| Wyoming | $43,000 |
| Rhode Island | $42,900 |
| Connecticut | $41,928 |
| New Hampshire | $41,925 |
| New Jersey | $41,924 |
| Maryland | $41,600 |
| New York | $41,418 |
| Virginia | $40,950 |
| Wisconsin | $40,474 |
| Iowa | $40,414 |
| Tennessee | $39,794 |
| Illinois | $39,695 |
| Pennsylvania | $39,523 |
| Maine | $39,000 |
| Delaware | $39,000 |
| Nebraska | $39,000 |
| Indiana | $39,000 |
| North Dakota | $38,513 |
| Ohio | $38,113 |
| Arkansas | $38,025 |
| Michigan | $38,025 |
| Arizona | $37,335 |
| New Mexico | $37,060 |
| Louisiana | $36,399 |
| South Dakota | $36,075 |
| Texas | $36,075 |
| Alabama | $36,046 |
| Idaho | $35,588 |
| Georgia | $35,360 |
| Missouri | $35,360 |
| Kansas | $35,315 |
| Kentucky | $34,078 |
| Florida | $33,522 |
| South Carolina | $33,280 |
| North Carolina | $33,280 |
| West Virginia | $31,863 |
| Oklahoma | $31,772 |
| Mississippi | $31,283 |
How Much Do Bus Drivers Make?
Now, let’s explore some specific aspects of bus driver salaries:
How Much Do Bus Drivers Make per Month?
Monthly salaries for bus drivers can range from:
- United States: $2,500 to $5,000 per month
- Russian Federation: 25,000 to 50,000 rubles ($335 to $670 USD)
- Philippines: PHP 15,000 to PHP 25,000 ($280 to $470 USD)
- Australia: AUD 4,000 to AUD 6,000 ($2,750 to $4,125 USD)
How Much Do Bus Drivers Make per Hour?
Hourly wages for bus drivers typically fall within these ranges:
- United States: $12 to $25 per hour
- Russian Federation: 200 to 400 rubles ($2.70 to $5.40 USD) per hour
- Philippines: PHP 100 to PHP 200 ($1.90 to $3.75 USD) per hour
- Australia: AUD 20 to AUD 35 ($13.75 to $24 USD) per hour
How Much Do Bus Drivers Make a Year?
Annual salaries for bus drivers can vary significantly based on factors like experience, location, and the type of bus driving. Here are some typical annual salary ranges:
- United States: $30,000 to $60,000
- Russian Federation: 300,000 to 600,000 rubles ($4,000 to $8,000 USD)
- Philippines: PHP 180,000 to PHP 300,000 ($3,360 to $5,600 USD)
- Australia: AUD 48,000 to AUD 72,000 ($33,000 to $49,500 USD)
How Much Do School Bus Drivers Make?
School bus drivers often have different salary structures compared to other types of bus drivers. Here are some typical earnings:
- United States: $25,000 to $40,000 per year
- Russian Federation: 20,000 to 40,000 rubles ($270 to $540 USD) per month
- Philippines: PHP 10,000 to PHP 20,000 ($185 to $375 USD) per month
- Australia: AUD 40,000 to AUD 60,000 ($27,500 to $41,250 USD) per year
Bus Driver Salary in US per Month
In the United States, the average monthly salary for bus drivers can range from $2,500 to $5,000, depending on factors such as location, experience, and the type of bus driving. Here’s a breakdown of some specific states:
| State | Average Monthly Salary |
| California | $3,500 – $6,000 |
| Texas | $2,800 – $4,500 |
| New York | $3,200 – $5,500 |
| Florida | $2,600 – $4,200 |
How Much Money Does a Bus Driver Make a Week?
Weekly earnings for bus drivers can vary based on the number of hours worked and the hourly rate.
Here are some typical weekly income ranges:
- United States: $500 to $1,200 per week
- Russian Federation: 10,000 to 20,000 rubles ($135 to $270 USD) per week
- Philippines: PHP 6,000 to PHP 10,000 ($112 to $187 USD) per week
- Australia: AUD 800 to AUD 1,400 ($550 to $965 USD) per week
How Much Do Bus Drivers Make in North Carolina (NC)?
In the state of North Carolina, the average annual salary for bus drivers is around $35,000. This figure can vary based on factors such as experience, the specific city or region, and the type of bus driving.
How Much Do Bus Drivers Make in Texas?
In Texas, bus drivers typically earn an average annual salary of around $33,000. This figure can vary significantly depending on the location within the state, with drivers in major cities like Houston and Dallas often earning higher salaries.
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What Is the Average Charter Bus Driver Salary by State?
Charter bus drivers, who transport groups for tours, events, or other purposes, often earn higher salaries compared to regular bus drivers. Here are some average charter bus driver salaries by state in the United States:
- California: $45,000 – $60,000 per year
- Texas: $40,000 – $55,000 per year
- Florida: $38,000 – $50,000 per year
- New York: $45,000 – $65,000 per year
Bus Driver Average Salary in the USA, 2024
According to the latest projections, the average salary for bus drivers in the United States is expected to be around $40,500 in 2024. This figure can vary significantly based on factors such as location, experience, and the type of bus driving.
Bus Driver Salary in the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, bus drivers typically earn an average annual salary of around £24,000 ($30,000 USD). However, salaries can vary based on factors such as the specific region, experience, and the type of bus driving.
Bus Driver Salary in Australia (May 2024)
Based on the latest industry reports, the average salary for bus drivers in Australia is projected to be around AUD 62,000 ($42,700 USD) as of May 2024. This figure can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the type of bus driving.
Bus Driver Salary in California
California is one of the states with higher average salaries for bus drivers in the United States. According to recent data, the average annual salary for bus drivers in California is around $45,000.In major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, salaries can often exceed $50,000 per year.
Factors Affecting Bus Driver Pay
It’s important to note that bus driver salaries can be influenced by various factors, including:
- Experience Level: Generally, more experienced bus drivers tend to earn higher salaries compared to entry-level drivers.
- Urban vs. Rural Routes: Bus drivers operating in urban areas often earn higher salaries due to the higher cost of living and more demanding driving conditions.
- Public Transit vs. Private Company: Bus drivers working for public transit systems may have different salary structures compared to those employed by private companies.
- Unions and Collective Bargaining: In some regions, bus drivers may be represented by unions, which can negotiate better wages and benefits through collective bargaining agreements.
- Cost of Living in the Region: Salaries for bus drivers are often adjusted to reflect the cost of living in a particular area, with higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living.
Career Outlook and Job Growth Projections
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for bus drivers is projected to grow by 4% from 2019 to 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by factors such as increasing urbanization, the need for public transportation, and the demand for school bus services.
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Frequently Ask Question
What is the highest paid bus driver?
The highest paid bus drivers often work in metropolitan areas with large transit systems, earning salaries upwards of $60,000 to $70,000 annually.
How much does a bus driver get paid in the UK?
Bus drivers in the UK typically earn between £20,000 to £30,000 per year, depending on factors like experience, location, and the employer.
How much do bus drivers get paid in Australia?
Bus drivers in Australia generally earn between AU$50,000 to AU$70,000 annually, varying based on factors such as location, experience, and employer.
Is it stressful to be a bus driver?
Bus driving can be stressful due to factors like heavy traffic, dealing with passengers, and adhering to strict schedules, but it can also be rewarding for those who enjoy driving and interacting with people.
Are bus drivers a good exercise?
Bus drivers may engage in some physical activity, such as walking between stops and assisting passengers, but the job itself is not typically considered a form of exercise. However, it does involve long periods of sitting, so it’s essential for drivers to incorporate physical activity into their routine outside of work.
Final Thought
Bus drivers’ earnings vary by region, with differing monthly, hourly, and yearly rates. School bus drivers have distinct pay scales. In the US, monthly salaries are recorded, alongside weekly earnings.
North Carolina and Texas offer specifics on local wages. Charter bus drivers’ average salaries are state-dependent. The 2024 USA average bus driver salary is notable. Also, the UK, Australia, and California outline their respective pay scales, reflecting global differences in bus driver earnings.
