What Bus Drivers, School do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Bus Drivers, School this way: "Drive a school bus to transport students. Ensure adherence to safety rules. May assist students in boarding or exiting."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Check the condition of a vehicle's tires, brakes, windshield wipers, lights, oil, fuel, water, and safety equipment to ensure that everything is in working order"; "Comply with traffic regulations to operate vehicles in a safe and courteous manner"; "Drive gasoline, diesel, or electrically powered multi-passenger vehicles to transport students between neighborhoods, schools, and school activities"; "Follow safety rules as students board and exit buses or cross streets near bus stops"; "Keep bus interiors clean for students".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Bus Drivers, School
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 396,800 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 399,700 in 2035, an increase of 2,900 jobs (+0.7%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 56,500 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 14.2% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $47,920, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Bus Drivers, School earn the most
Across the 14 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $43,134 in Texas to $57,822 in New Jersey, a gap of $14,688 (1.34 times). 12 of those 14 states average above the BLS national median of $47,920 and 2 average at or below it.
New York employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 47,040, which is 14.5% of the 325,360 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 40,490.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($57,822), District of Columbia ($57,610) and New York ($56,850) lead the ranking, while Texas ($43,134) and Georgia ($43,752) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Bus Drivers, School: pay against the cost of living
We compare 17 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Jefferson County, WV (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV) at $26,787. The smallest margin is $6,601 in Kings County, NY.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 17 of the 17 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 27.1% and 69.0% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Bus Drivers, School
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity and Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (53-3000) include Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, Light Truck Drivers and Driver/Sales Workers.
Frequently asked questions about Bus Drivers, School
How much do Bus Drivers, School earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $47,920. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $43,134 to $57,822.
Which state pays Bus Drivers, School the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $57,822. District of Columbia is next at $57,610.
Is Bus Drivers, School a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 0.7% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 56,500 openings a year.
What education do Bus Drivers, School need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Bus Drivers, School afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jefferson County, WV leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $26,787 on a median wage of $57,610.