What Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity this way: "Drive bus or motor coach, including regular route operations, charters, and private carriage. May assist passengers with baggage. May collect fares or tickets."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Inspect vehicles and check gas, oil, and water levels prior to departure"; "Park vehicles at loading areas so that passengers can board"; "Report delays or accidents"; "Advise passengers to be seated and orderly while on vehicles"; "Regulate heating, lighting, and ventilating systems for passenger comfort".
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 moderate-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 166,400 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 173,300 in 2035, an increase of 6,900 jobs (+4.1%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 21,100 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 12.7% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $59,050, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity earn the most
Across the 3 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $68,639 in California to $76,562 in New York, a gap of $7,923 (1.12 times). 3 of those 3 states average above the BLS national median of $59,050 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 22,710, which is 34.6% of the 65,550 counted across them. California follows with 21,570.
Highest-paying states
New York ($76,562), New Jersey ($75,232) and California ($68,639) lead the ranking, while California ($68,639) and New Jersey ($75,232) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity: pay against the cost of living
We compare 3 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 Bergen County, NJ (New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ) at $29,403. The smallest margin is $15,658 in Los Angeles County, CA.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 3 of the 3 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 39.3% and 54.7% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
Bus Drivers, School 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, Transit and Intercity
What is the national median wage for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $59,050. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $68,639 to $76,562.
Which state pays Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity the most?
New York, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $76,562. New Jersey is next at $75,232.
What is the job outlook for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity?
BLS projects employment to grow by 4.1% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 21,100 openings a year.
What education do Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and moderate-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Bergen County, NJ leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $29,403 on a median wage of $78,130.