How to become bus drivers, schooleducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Transportation Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$47,920

25th–75th pct. $38,650–$58,430

Top pay (est.)

$85,400

Top 10% $65,730

Pay in 5 years

$55,200est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$63,600est.

$54,700–$73,800

Outlook score

43/100

★★☆☆☆ Below average

AI replacement risk

45%

Moderate

Job growth (10 yr)

+0.7%

56K openings / yr

How to become bus drivers, school

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Bus Drivers, School

Key skills

Active Listening

3.2

Monitoring

3.1

Reading Comprehension

3.0

Social Perceptiveness

3.0

Speaking

2.9

Operations Monitoring

2.8

Critical Thinking

2.8

Writing

2.8

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Transportation

4.8

Customer and Personal Service

3.7

Public Safety and Security

3.6

English Language

3.4

Psychology

3.0

Education and Training

2.8

Geography

2.7

Mechanical

2.6

What the work involves

Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentAssisting and Caring for Others

Important abilities

Far VisionReaction TimeResponse OrientationRate ControlOral ComprehensionNear Vision

Education of workers

High school diploma

59%

Less than high school

37%

Post-secondary certificate

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

51%

1–3 months

46%

3–6 months

Related work experience

None

34%

Up to 1 month

31%

3–6 months

14%

1–3 months

1–2 years

2–4 years

6–12 months

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as bus drivers, school

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).	$58,640	53/100	42%
2	Light Truck Drivers Drive a light vehicle, such as a truck or van, with a capacity of less than 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), primarily to pick up merchandise or packages from a distribution center and deliver.	$44,860	56/100	35%
3	Driver/Sales Workers Drive truck or other vehicle over established routes or within an established territory and sell or deliver goods, such as food products, including restaurant take-out items, or pick up or deliver items such as commercial laundry.	$38,770	58/100	32%
4	Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs Drive a motor vehicle to transport passengers on a planned or scheduled basis.	$37,290	63/100	37%
5	Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Drive bus or motor coach, including regular route operations, charters, and private carriage.	$59,050	57/100	38%
6	Parking Attendants Park vehicles or issue tickets for customers in a parking lot or garage.	$35,150	40/100	42%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.