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

United States Transportation Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$59,050

25th–75th pct. $47,530–$70,700

Top pay (est.)

$110,100

Top 10% $84,700

Pay in 5 years

$68,800est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$80,100est.

$68,900–$93,000

Outlook score

57/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

38%

Low

Job growth (10 yr)

+4.1%

21K openings / yr

How to become bus drivers, transit and intercity

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Moderate-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, Transit and Intercity

Key skills

Operation and Control

3.1

Operations Monitoring

3.0

Critical Thinking

2.8

Active Listening

2.8

Time Management

2.8

Service Orientation

2.6

Coordination

2.5

Monitoring

2.5

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service

5.5

Transportation

4.4

Public Safety and Security

3.3

English Language

3.0

Psychology

2.7

Computers and Electronics

2.5

Administration and Management

2.5

Education and Training

2.3

What the work involves

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsCommunicating with People Outside the Organization

Important abilities

Response OrientationReaction TimeFar VisionMultilimb CoordinationControl PrecisionRate Control

Education of workers

High school diploma

84%

Less than high school

13%

Post-secondary certificate

Some college

Training before entry

1–3 months

60%

Up to 1 month

27%

3–6 months

None / short demo

1–2 years

Related work experience

None

38%

1–2 years

18%

3–6 months

11%

1–3 months

10%

2–4 years

6–12 months

6–8 years

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, transit and intercity

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	Bus Drivers, School Drive a school bus to transport students.	$47,920	43/100	45%
5	Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs Drive a motor vehicle to transport passengers on a planned or scheduled basis.	$37,290	63/100	37%
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.