What Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs this way: "Drive a motor vehicle to transport passengers on a planned or scheduled basis. May collect a fare. Includes nonemergency medical transporters and hearse drivers."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Arrange to pick up particular customers or groups on a regular schedule"; "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"; "Communicate with dispatchers by radio, telephone, or computer to exchange information and receive requests for passenger service"; "Complete accident reports when necessary"; "Comply with traffic regulations to operate vehicles in a safe and courteous manner".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is no formal educational credential. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 251,500 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 269,400 in 2035, an increase of 17,900 jobs (+7.1%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 35,500 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 14.1% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $37,290, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs earn the most
Across the 5 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $42,679 in Massachusetts to $44,186 in California, a gap of $1,506 (1.04 times). 5 of those 5 states average above the BLS national median of $37,290 and 0 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 28,880, which is 28.1% of the 102,880 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 26,750.
Highest-paying states
California ($44,186), New York ($43,220) and New Hampshire ($42,846) lead the ranking, while Massachusetts ($42,679) and New Jersey ($42,809) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs: pay against the cost of living
We compare 5 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 Rockingham County, NH (Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH) at $7,931. The weakest market is Kings County, NY, where the basics cost $4,162 more than take-home pay.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 2 of the 5 markets and falls short in 3. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 56.7% and 89.2% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity and Bus Drivers, School 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 Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs
What is the national median wage for Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $37,290. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $42,679 to $44,186.
Which state pays Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $44,186. New York is next at $43,220.
What is the job outlook for Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs?
BLS projects employment to grow by 7.1% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 35,500 openings a year.
What education do Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs need?
The typical entry-level education is no formal educational credential and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Rockingham County, NH leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $7,931 on a median wage of $43,590.