School bus driver salary
BLS occupation: Bus Drivers, School · Transportation and material moving · data for May 2025
Median salary $47,920 a year, US
Median hourly pay $23.04 an hour
Middle half earn $38,650–$58,430 25th to 75th percentile
School bus drivers employed 402,930 +0.7% projected by 2035
How much does a school bus driver make?
- The median school bus driver salary in the US is $47,920 a year ($23.04 an hour): half of the 402,930 school bus drivers BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $48,430.
- The middle half earn between $38,650 and $58,430. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $29,240 and the top 10% more than $65,730.
- That is 6% less than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- Massachusetts pays school bus drivers the most (median $65,170), followed by Washington ($63,370) and Connecticut ($61,520). Alabama pays the least ($17,630).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in Massachusetts, where the median is worth $61,622 in typical US prices, then Connecticut and Washington.
- In 37 of the 342 metro areas with data, the median school bus driver salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of school bus drivers to grow 0.7% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 56,500 openings a year. The typical entry education is a high school diploma or equivalent.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what school bus drivers are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
School bus driver salary range
Half of school bus drivers earn between $38,650 and $58,430 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $29,240
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $38,650
Median Yearly pay: $47,920
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $58,430
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $65,730
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $29,240 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $38,650 |
| Median | $47,920 |
| Top 25% earn over | $58,430 |
| Top 10% earn over | $65,730 |
School bus driver salary by state
Massachusetts pays school bus drivers the most; Alabama the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($47,920), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $65,170 median |
| Washington | $63,370 median |
| Connecticut | $61,520 median |
| California | $61,040 median |
| New Jersey | $59,430 median |
| Hawaii | $59,090 median |
| Rhode Island | $58,700 median |
| New York | $56,640 median |
| Vermont | $56,580 median |
| Maryland | $56,450 median |
| District of Columbia | $55,450 median |
| Alaska | $54,200 median |
| Utah | $52,890 median |
| Colorado | $52,620 median |
| Oregon | $51,270 median |
| New Hampshire | $50,990 median |
| North Dakota | $50,790 median |
| Virginia | $50,190 median |
| Illinois | $49,090 median |
| Minnesota | $48,940 median |
| Maine | $48,640 median |
| Indiana | $48,020 median |
| Nebraska | $47,760 median |
| Wisconsin | $47,760 median |
| Pennsylvania | $47,530 median |
| Missouri | $46,880 median |
| Michigan | $46,380 median |
| Iowa | $46,320 median |
| Idaho | $46,250 median |
| Montana | $46,220 median |
| Arizona | $46,050 median |
| Kansas | $45,860 median |
| Ohio | $45,860 median |
| Wyoming | $45,520 median |
| Arkansas | $45,500 median |
| New Mexico | $45,470 median |
| Georgia | $44,950 median |
| Kentucky | $44,830 median |
| Florida | $44,690 median |
| Tennessee | $44,510 median |
| Texas | $44,490 median |
| Delaware | $42,390 median |
| South Carolina | $39,900 median |
| South Dakota | $39,730 median |
| North Carolina | $37,460 median |
| Nevada | $37,280 median |
| Oklahoma | $36,920 median |
| West Virginia | $33,360 median |
| Mississippi | $30,640 median |
| Louisiana | $29,450 median |
| Alabama | $17,630 median |
Where school bus driver pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
School bus drivers' pay goes furthest in Massachusetts once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $61,622 |
| Connecticut | $59,377 |
| Washington | $59,217 |
| Vermont | $57,759 |
| Rhode Island | $57,391 |
| North Dakota | $57,094 |
| California | $55,130 |
| New Jersey | $54,621 |
| Maryland | $53,783 |
| Hawaii | $53,742 |
School bus driver pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $65,170 | $31.33 | $44,530 | $71,980 | 9,330 | $61,622 |
| Washington | $63,370 | $30.47 | $49,670 | $75,530 | 9,660 | $59,217 |
| Connecticut | $61,520 | $29.58 | $45,830 | $65,090 | 7,970 | $59,377 |
| California | $61,040 | $29.35 | $45,870 | $73,680 | 16,600 | $55,130 |
| New Jersey | $59,430 | $28.57 | $46,640 | $71,520 | 13,670 | $54,621 |
| Hawaii | $59,090 | $28.41 | $45,760 | $73,970 | 630 | $53,742 |
| Rhode Island | $58,700 | $28.22 | $47,780 | $67,180 | 1,800 | $57,391 |
| New York | $56,640 | $27.23 | $46,270 | $76,070 | 38,320 | $52,483 |
| Vermont | $56,580 | $27.20 | $39,840 | $61,970 | 860 | $57,759 |
| Maryland | $56,450 | $27.14 | $38,280 | $63,950 | 9,020 | $53,783 |
| District of Columbia | $55,450 | $26.66 | $51,850 | $55,480 | 510 | $50,454 |
| Alaska | $54,200 | $26.06 | $36,470 | $59,910 | 790 | $52,951 |
| Utah | $52,890 | $25.43 | $37,010 | $69,110 | 1,920 | $53,498 |
| Colorado | $52,620 | $25.30 | $40,640 | $70,540 | 3,840 | $51,062 |
| Oregon | $51,270 | $24.65 | $45,830 | $67,260 | 5,210 | $49,603 |
| New Hampshire | $50,990 | $24.51 | $36,030 | $60,650 | 2,040 | $48,951 |
| North Dakota | $50,790 | $24.42 | $43,780 | $81,220 | 1,530 | $57,094 |
| Virginia | $50,190 | $24.13 | $38,830 | $67,060 | 12,930 | $49,642 |
| Illinois | $49,090 | $23.60 | $38,310 | $62,560 | 21,230 | $49,111 |
| Minnesota | $48,940 | $23.53 | $36,580 | $62,170 | 13,110 | $49,624 |
| Maine | $48,640 | $23.38 | $39,050 | $58,590 | 1,670 | $50,118 |
| Indiana | $48,020 | $23.09 | $22,900 | $65,240 | 11,780 | $51,452 |
| Nebraska | $47,760 | $22.96 | $36,800 | $58,340 | 2,330 | $53,006 |
| Wisconsin | $47,760 | $22.96 | $38,930 | $62,780 | 7,840 | $50,757 |
| Pennsylvania | $47,530 | $22.85 | $34,950 | $60,660 | 23,670 | $48,713 |
| Missouri | $46,880 | $22.54 | $33,980 | $58,730 | 8,970 | $51,620 |
| Michigan | $46,380 | $22.30 | $37,860 | $54,500 | 8,780 | $48,204 |
| Iowa | $46,320 | $22.27 | $28,440 | $63,200 | 4,840 | $52,779 |
| Idaho | $46,250 | $22.24 | $36,380 | $56,410 | 2,960 | $48,432 |
| Montana | $46,220 | $22.22 | $36,120 | $57,870 | 1,630 | $48,835 |
| Arizona | $46,050 | $22.14 | $37,370 | $52,870 | 5,020 | $45,740 |
| Kansas | $45,860 | $22.05 | $33,570 | $55,810 | 4,830 | $50,917 |
| Ohio | $45,860 | $22.05 | $30,100 | $60,070 | 5,540 | $49,432 |
| Wyoming | $45,520 | $21.88 | $38,830 | $56,130 | 1,360 | $49,109 |
| Arkansas | $45,500 | $21.88 | $24,080 | $63,300 | 4,340 | $52,337 |
| New Mexico | $45,470 | $21.86 | $31,020 | $65,140 | 1,870 | $49,310 |
| Georgia | $44,950 | $21.61 | $20,740 | $62,060 | 16,880 | $46,680 |
| Kentucky | $44,830 | $21.55 | $36,760 | $63,470 | 6,820 | $49,723 |
| Florida | $44,690 | $21.49 | $35,510 | $54,840 | 13,470 | $43,215 |
| Tennessee | $44,510 | $21.40 | $22,900 | $61,600 | 7,050 | $48,449 |
| Texas | $44,490 | $21.39 | $23,690 | $60,740 | 37,550 | $45,839 |
| Delaware | $42,390 | $20.38 | $36,380 | $60,910 | 1,350 | $42,472 |
| South Carolina | $39,900 | $19.18 | $23,640 | $57,150 | 5,900 | $42,560 |
| South Dakota | $39,730 | $19.10 | $33,480 | $50,530 | 1,290 | $44,849 |
| North Carolina | $37,460 | $18.01 | $32,270 | $46,960 | 12,390 | $39,713 |
| Nevada | $37,280 | $17.92 | $37,280 | $50,310 | 2,590 | $37,288 |
| Oklahoma | $36,920 | $17.75 | $20,850 | $48,110 | 3,710 | $42,030 |
| West Virginia | $33,360 | $16.04 | $29,610 | $36,670 | 4,690 | $37,275 |
| Mississippi | $30,640 | $14.73 | $18,680 | $47,300 | 3,790 | $35,237 |
| Louisiana | $29,450 | $14.16 | $21,000 | $50,750 | 6,670 | $33,387 |
| Alabama | $17,630 | $8.48 | $16,560 | $21,580 | 10,410 | $19,848 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
School bus driver salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes school bus driver pay: 345 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- San Jose, CA $75,230
- San Francisco, CA $73,680
- Mount Vernon, WA $72,070
- Bellingham, WA $69,640
- Napa, CA $67,430
- Bremerton, WA $66,880
- Seattle, WA $66,380
- Springfield, MA $65,730
- Worcester, MA $65,640
- Boston, MA $65,170
Where the pay goes furthest
- Mount Vernon, WA $70,351
- Springfield, MA $68,425
- San Jose, CA $68,129
- Bellingham, WA $67,393
- El Centro, CA $65,785
- Pittsfield, MA $64,486
- Minot, ND $64,209
- Worcester, MA $64,025
- San Francisco, CA $63,730
- Bremerton, WA $63,329
All 345 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $75,230 | 610 | $68,129 | 61% |
| San Francisco, CA | $73,680 | 2,350 | $63,730 | 56% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $72,070 | 200 | $70,351 | 36% |
| Bellingham, WA | $69,640 | 300 | $67,393 | 34% |
| Napa, CA | $67,430 | 70 | $59,909 | 52% |
| Bremerton, WA | $66,880 | 330 | $63,329 | 37% |
| Seattle, WA | $66,380 | 4,070 | $59,730 | 41% |
| Springfield, MA | $65,730 | 770 | $68,425 | 36% |
| Worcester, MA | $65,640 | 1,270 | $64,025 | 38% |
| Boston, MA | $65,170 | 6,470 | $60,194 | 55% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $63,710 | 1,760 | $59,618 | 54% |
| Trenton, NJ | $63,400 | 720 | $61,446 | 48% |
| Modesto, CA | $62,870 | 190 | $60,389 | 39% |
| El Centro, CA | $62,610 | 60 | $65,785 | 35% |
| Salinas, CA | $62,390 | 140 | $57,216 | 53% |
| Portland, OR | $62,190 | 2,850 | $58,992 | 35% |
| New Haven, CT | $62,160 | 1,460 | $59,450 | 39% |
| Riverside, CA | $61,900 | 2,980 | $58,154 | 49% |
| Longview, WA | $61,730 | 210 | $63,284 | 28% |
| Oxnard, CA | $61,720 | 380 | $55,838 | 57% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $61,580 | 4,090 | $54,224 | 57% |
| Merced, CA | $61,580 | 300 | $62,661 | 40% |
| Stockton, CA | $61,570 | 260 | $58,588 | 47% |
| Hartford, CT | $61,560 | 2,680 | $59,915 | 39% |
| Waterbury, CT | $61,550 | 930 | $61,687 | – |
| Pittsfield, MA | $61,330 | 180 | $64,486 | 34% |
| Honolulu, HI | $61,220 | 300 | $55,173 | 59% |
| Boulder, CO | $60,950 | 310 | $57,936 | 43% |
| Hanford, CA | $60,600 | 60 | $59,639 | 38% |
| Olympia, WA | $60,460 | 450 | $58,320 | 41% |
| San Diego, CA | $60,440 | 1,160 | $54,019 | 59% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $60,420 | 350 | $55,534 | 65% |
| Sacramento, CA | $60,390 | 600 | $56,614 | 45% |
| Barnstable, MA | $60,270 | 170 | $61,281 | 51% |
| Denver, CO | $59,990 | 1,540 | $56,711 | 38% |
| Medford, OR | $59,850 | 270 | $59,004 | 37% |
| New York, NY | $59,790 | 29,280 | $53,117 | 71% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $59,610 | 2,040 | $54,477 | 45% |
| Visalia, CA | $59,490 | 270 | $59,594 | 35% |
| Bend, OR | $59,330 | 260 | $57,264 | 45% |
| Providence, RI | $59,320 | 2,690 | $58,287 | 44% |
| Norwich, CT | $59,310 | 510 | $59,047 | 42% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $59,100 | 140 | $53,778 | 70% |
| Chico, CA | $58,080 | 60 | $57,393 | 32% |
| Baltimore, MD | $57,850 | 3,120 | $55,366 | 40% |
| Washington, DC | $57,610 | 8,620 | $52,910 | 50% |
| Syracuse, NY | $57,590 | 1,730 | $60,151 | 34% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $57,440 | 410 | $58,104 | 43% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $57,050 | 190 | $52,930 | 56% |
| Burlington, VT | $56,870 | 250 | $56,335 | 55% |
| Provo, UT | $56,790 | 350 | $57,812 | 37% |
| Helena, MT | $56,760 | 120 | $59,326 | 35% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $56,640 | 170 | $54,538 | 37% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $55,990 | 540 | $55,568 | 43% |
| Minot, ND | $55,880 | 140 | $64,209 | 27% |
| Lincoln, NE | $55,760 | 310 | $60,886 | 28% |
| Louisville, KY | $55,640 | 1,780 | $59,780 | 29% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $55,580 | 120 | $55,445 | – |
| Sheboygan, WI | $55,290 | 100 | $58,810 | 29% |
| Decatur, IL | $54,830 | – | $62,009 | 23% |
| Ames, IA | $54,780 | 220 | $61,668 | 25% |
| Ithaca, NY | $54,620 | 220 | $52,866 | 44% |
| Vallejo, CA | $54,030 | 140 | $49,807 | 55% |
| Kennewick, WA | $53,750 | 450 | $53,708 | 38% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $53,270 | 80 | $61,468 | 26% |
| Anchorage, AK | $52,930 | 440 | $50,209 | 43% |
| Ogden, UT | $52,890 | 340 | $52,706 | 37% |
| La Crosse, WI | $52,670 | 190 | $57,394 | 31% |
| Fresno, CA | $52,650 | 750 | $51,538 | 47% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $52,480 | 210 | $51,895 | 45% |
| Yakima, WA | $52,480 | 550 | $54,927 | 31% |
| Lexington, KY | $52,260 | 680 | $56,261 | 37% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $52,250 | 770 | $51,800 | 38% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $51,960 | 8,980 | $50,666 | 44% |
| Portland, ME | $51,910 | 420 | $50,963 | 53% |
| Greeley, CO | $51,890 | 240 | $51,799 | 39% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $51,880 | 470 | $51,424 | 42% |
| Walla Walla, WA | $51,840 | 70 | $52,619 | 34% |
| Rochester, NY | $51,780 | 3,080 | $53,362 | 36% |
| Nashville, TN | $51,600 | 1,880 | $53,561 | 42% |
| Salem, OR | $51,570 | 790 | $49,754 | 38% |
| Buffalo, NY | $51,500 | 2,940 | $53,733 | 34% |
| Kingston, NY | $51,250 | 450 | $50,889 | 47% |
| Omaha, NE | $50,850 | 1,390 | $55,325 | 33% |
| St. George, UT | $50,510 | 130 | $51,900 | 44% |
| Elmira, NY | $50,370 | 190 | $53,359 | 27% |
| Albany, NY | $50,300 | 1,700 | $50,519 | 40% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $50,240 | 8,070 | $47,929 | 41% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $50,200 | 300 | $52,917 | 35% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $50,190 | 2,390 | $51,245 | 45% |
| Monroe, LA | $50,060 | 450 | $59,883 | 28% |
| Spokane, WA | $50,040 | 610 | $49,867 | 36% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $49,890 | 4,020 | $52,134 | 37% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $49,780 | 210 | $49,346 | 46% |
| Allentown, PA | $49,770 | 1,100 | $49,786 | 44% |
| Michigan City, IN | $49,760 | 170 | $54,275 | 29% |
| Hinesville, GA | $49,600 | 60 | $52,804 | 42% |
| Naples, FL | $49,590 | 300 | $48,052 | 63% |
| Elkhart, IN | $49,470 | 410 | $54,769 | 29% |
| Manchester, NH | $49,460 | 660 | $46,812 | 53% |
| Richmond, VA | $49,370 | 2,070 | $50,451 | 41% |
| Chicago, IL | $49,180 | 15,210 | $47,473 | 53% |
| Lewiston, ME | $49,100 | 140 | $51,828 | 39% |
| Corvallis, OR | $49,030 | 100 | $47,137 | 44% |
| Kingsport, TN | $48,820 | 450 | $56,474 | 33% |
| Sioux City, IA | $48,760 | 250 | $56,400 | 32% |
| Rochester, MN | $48,660 | 510 | $53,578 | 39% |
| Athens, GA | $48,630 | 260 | $52,098 | 44% |
| Iowa City, IA | $48,530 | 190 | $53,033 | 43% |
| Traverse City, MI | $48,480 | 170 | $51,921 | 46% |
| Bloomington, IN | $48,450 | 230 | $50,955 | 43% |
| Madison, WI | $48,450 | 790 | $49,801 | 44% |
| Victoria, TX | $48,380 | 110 | $53,852 | 29% |
| Utica, NY | $48,300 | 720 | $52,116 | 35% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $48,290 | 1,880 | $49,816 | 38% |
| Watertown, NY | $48,290 | 180 | $55,069 | 37% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $48,240 | 460 | $48,130 | 57% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $48,210 | 470 | $53,949 | 32% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $48,160 | 460 | $54,957 | 30% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $48,150 | 1,480 | $48,809 | 37% |
| Sebastian, FL | $48,150 | 110 | $48,979 | 53% |
| Eugene, OR | $48,140 | 490 | $47,397 | 44% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $48,110 | 270 | $53,118 | 32% |
| Evansville, IN | $48,110 | 270 | $52,563 | 27% |
| Kansas City, MO | $48,110 | 2,530 | $51,987 | 38% |
| Peoria, IL | $48,100 | 620 | $52,723 | 29% |
| St. Louis, MO | $48,100 | 4,470 | $50,585 | 36% |
| Detroit, MI | $48,060 | 2,320 | $47,917 | 38% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $48,020 | 740 | $51,873 | 32% |
| Yuba City, CA | $48,010 | 70 | $46,060 | 51% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $47,980 | 130 | $51,334 | 44% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $47,970 | 300 | $51,742 | 42% |
| Winchester, VA | $47,670 | 300 | $49,425 | 46% |
| Bismarck, ND | $47,590 | 170 | $52,283 | 33% |
| Albany, OR | $47,580 | 120 | $46,601 | 41% |
| New Orleans, LA | $47,570 | 1,100 | $51,373 | 40% |
| Boise, ID | $47,550 | 1,490 | $48,328 | 49% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $47,550 | 70 | $55,241 | 26% |
| Columbus, OH | $47,380 | 910 | $49,629 | 39% |
| Abilene, TX | $47,370 | 120 | $52,421 | 50% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $47,360 | 270 | $50,964 | 32% |
| Lafayette, IN | $47,350 | 240 | $50,680 | 37% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $47,330 | 590 | $46,998 | 45% |
| Reading, PA | $47,330 | 970 | $48,764 | 39% |
| Atlanta, GA | $47,310 | 11,190 | $47,283 | 47% |
| Niles, MI | $47,210 | 580 | $51,110 | 36% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $47,180 | 1,680 | $47,425 | 43% |
| South Bend, IN | $47,150 | 440 | $50,776 | 32% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $47,120 | 590 | $51,580 | 40% |
| Waterloo, IA | $47,100 | 130 | $54,102 | 26% |
| York, PA | $47,060 | 950 | $49,021 | 35% |
| Gainesville, FL | $47,050 | 370 | $48,639 | 42% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $47,040 | 130 | $53,470 | 26% |
| Dallas, TX | $47,030 | 9,030 | $45,620 | 42% |
| Austin, TX | $46,910 | 3,050 | $47,835 | 41% |
| Rome, GA | $46,890 | – | $52,007 | 32% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $46,870 | 2,530 | $49,145 | 39% |
| Fargo, ND | $46,840 | 470 | $51,546 | 28% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $46,840 | 5,570 | $49,477 | 38% |
| Racine, WI | $46,840 | 240 | $48,811 | 37% |
| El Paso, TX | $46,800 | 1,180 | $52,051 | 39% |
| Appleton, WI | $46,790 | 230 | $50,628 | 31% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $46,790 | 210 | $54,486 | 32% |
| Duluth, MN | $46,780 | 380 | $52,699 | 34% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $46,760 | 3,020 | $45,259 | 44% |
| Casper, WY | $46,740 | 70 | $49,814 | 37% |
| Davenport, IA | $46,720 | 490 | $52,448 | 26% |
| Missoula, MT | $46,650 | 180 | $48,370 | 42% |
| Albany, GA | $46,640 | – | $53,200 | 28% |
| Bangor, ME | $46,630 | 300 | $48,317 | 39% |
| Crestview, FL | $46,630 | 190 | $48,057 | 51% |
| Green Bay, WI | $46,610 | 440 | $50,072 | 29% |
| Logan, UT | $46,600 | 40 | $48,579 | 37% |
| Lancaster, PA | $46,590 | 1,080 | $47,416 | 41% |
| Mankato, MN | $46,580 | 450 | $51,212 | 32% |
| Bozeman, MT | $46,510 | 110 | $45,371 | 57% |
| Charleston, SC | $46,460 | 950 | $46,017 | 53% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $46,460 | 140 | $46,309 | 55% |
| Springfield, IL | $46,450 | 370 | $50,084 | 31% |
| Williamsport, PA | $46,420 | 150 | $50,265 | 28% |
| Salisbury, MD | $46,400 | 100 | $48,527 | 50% |
| Lansing, MI | $46,380 | 1,510 | $48,826 | 34% |
| Roanoke, VA | $46,380 | 550 | $49,542 | 36% |
| Joplin, MO | $46,330 | 220 | $54,049 | 32% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $46,320 | 200 | $50,289 | 40% |
| Binghamton, NY | $46,270 | 540 | $49,826 | 42% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $46,270 | 180 | $47,074 | 47% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $46,260 | 350 | $46,658 | 53% |
| Farmington, NM | $46,260 | 180 | $52,744 | 36% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $46,230 | 1,050 | $48,385 | 42% |
| Billings, MT | $46,220 | 180 | $49,419 | 36% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $46,220 | 340 | $51,954 | 32% |
| Des Moines, IA | $46,210 | 860 | $50,392 | 33% |
| Wausau, WI | $46,200 | 240 | $49,865 | 25% |
| Wichita, KS | $46,120 | 1,250 | $51,852 | 31% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $46,040 | 80 | $53,703 | 32% |
| Charlotte, NC | $46,020 | 3,970 | $47,274 | 45% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $45,980 | 70 | $50,784 | 30% |
| Springfield, MO | $45,970 | 280 | $51,894 | 33% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $45,950 | 320 | $49,517 | 30% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $45,950 | 220 | $48,423 | 44% |
| Lawrence, KS | $45,930 | 130 | $50,896 | 41% |
| Lakeland, FL | $45,900 | 580 | $47,251 | 47% |
| Tampa, FL | $45,860 | 1,720 | $45,455 | 52% |
| Manhattan, KS | $45,850 | 150 | $50,853 | 33% |
| Monroe, MI | $45,830 | 100 | $49,020 | 33% |
| Cleveland, OH | $45,780 | 790 | $48,742 | 38% |
| Lewiston, ID | $45,750 | 80 | $50,186 | 39% |
| Reno, NV | $45,700 | 710 | $45,241 | 54% |
| Staunton, VA | $45,700 | 190 | $50,149 | 38% |
| State College, PA | $45,660 | 210 | $47,188 | 51% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $45,630 | 370 | $50,115 | 39% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $45,610 | 180 | $51,949 | 26% |
| Gainesville, GA | $45,590 | – | $47,114 | 45% |
| Rockford, IL | $45,560 | 460 | $49,439 | 34% |
| Miami, FL | $45,540 | 2,810 | $39,893 | 70% |
| Valdosta, GA | $45,540 | 220 | $51,591 | 35% |
| Topeka, KS | $45,510 | 330 | $51,238 | 33% |
| Bloomington, IL | $45,500 | 280 | $48,644 | 34% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $45,470 | 610 | $47,590 | 39% |
| Akron, OH | $45,440 | 190 | $48,667 | 34% |
| Jackson, MI | $45,440 | 140 | $49,510 | 31% |
| Saginaw, MI | $45,340 | 130 | $49,884 | 28% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $45,250 | 360 | $50,178 | 32% |
| Champaign, IL | $45,240 | 280 | $48,800 | 37% |
| Dayton, OH | $45,200 | 220 | $48,763 | 35% |
| Longview, TX | $45,110 | 430 | $50,411 | 31% |
| Scranton, PA | $45,010 | 1,060 | $48,110 | 36% |
| Columbus, GA | $44,950 | 510 | $50,338 | 36% |
| Kankakee, IL | $44,870 | 160 | $46,549 | 35% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $44,670 | 300 | $47,100 | 35% |
| Owensboro, KY | $44,560 | 160 | $50,288 | 33% |
| Flint, MI | $44,520 | 330 | $47,853 | 28% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $44,480 | 140 | $47,113 | 39% |
| Muncie, IN | $44,390 | 240 | $50,358 | 28% |
| Columbia, MO | $44,090 | 580 | $49,297 | 40% |
| Deltona, FL | $44,040 | 390 | $44,321 | 48% |
| Bay City, MI | $44,020 | 60 | $47,889 | 28% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $44,000 | 320 | $46,491 | 36% |
| Tucson, AZ | $43,990 | 810 | $45,399 | 41% |
| Greenville, SC | $43,940 | – | $47,116 | 43% |
| Pueblo, CO | $43,940 | 120 | $47,885 | 36% |
| Muskegon, MI | $43,720 | 90 | $47,255 | 35% |
| Houston, TX | $43,570 | 9,730 | $44,176 | 45% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $43,510 | 60 | $48,607 | 36% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $43,490 | 240 | $50,346 | 28% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $43,090 | 360 | $43,088 | 53% |
| Erie, PA | $43,050 | 280 | $47,334 | 31% |
| Kokomo, IN | $42,920 | 150 | $47,876 | 31% |
| Youngstown, OH | $42,890 | 200 | $49,077 | 29% |
| McAllen, TX | $42,680 | 1,320 | $49,689 | 31% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $42,460 | 870 | $46,423 | 43% |
| Great Falls, MT | $41,910 | 120 | $43,275 | 41% |
| Jackson, TN | $41,590 | 280 | $48,631 | 40% |
| Killeen, TX | $41,200 | 710 | $45,209 | 38% |
| Lubbock, TX | $41,080 | 330 | $44,986 | 39% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $40,760 | 40 | $41,269 | 57% |
| Altoona, PA | $40,750 | 260 | $45,527 | 30% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $40,720 | 260 | $47,411 | 32% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $40,710 | 140 | $43,263 | 45% |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $40,660 | 170 | $45,561 | 38% |
| Durham, NC | $40,650 | 500 | $41,662 | 48% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $40,600 | 270 | $46,130 | 38% |
| Beaumont, TX | $40,580 | 410 | $45,066 | 39% |
| Rapid City, SD | $40,330 | 170 | $45,233 | 43% |
| Waco, TX | $40,320 | 310 | $43,566 | 42% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $40,120 | 590 | $39,199 | 55% |
| Little Rock, AR | $39,830 | 990 | $44,571 | 37% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $39,690 | 320 | $43,793 | 38% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $39,640 | 120 | $41,082 | 46% |
| The Villages, FL | $39,550 | 60 | $46,298 | 52% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $39,520 | 370 | $46,033 | 41% |
| Johnstown, PA | $39,460 | 490 | $45,922 | 27% |
| Brunswick, GA | $39,330 | 190 | $44,842 | 51% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $39,270 | 390 | $41,813 | 45% |
| Yuma, AZ | $39,210 | 100 | $42,295 | 44% |
| Tulsa, OK | $38,940 | 900 | $43,648 | 42% |
| Orlando, FL | $38,790 | 1,600 | $38,248 | 60% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $38,740 | 690 | $41,138 | 50% |
| Asheville, NC | $38,620 | 260 | $40,018 | 53% |
| Macon, GA | $38,610 | – | $43,613 | 38% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $38,570 | 170 | $39,255 | 59% |
| Raleigh, NC | $38,530 | 2,120 | $39,253 | 52% |
| Pensacola, FL | $38,320 | 290 | $39,215 | 54% |
| Brownsville, TX | $38,250 | 720 | $44,490 | 47% |
| Lawton, OK | $38,250 | 120 | $44,507 | 35% |
| College Station, TX | $38,220 | 410 | $42,023 | 47% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $38,010 | 1,390 | $42,043 | 44% |
| Memphis, TN | $37,920 | 1,150 | $41,137 | 44% |
| Paducah, KY | $37,750 | 130 | $43,853 | 37% |
| Dover, DE | $37,620 | 330 | $38,582 | 57% |
| Greensboro, NC | $37,280 | 1,030 | $40,144 | 45% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $37,280 | 1,520 | $37,200 | 56% |
| Gulfport, MS | $37,130 | 590 | $41,253 | 46% |
| Burlington, NC | $36,990 | 70 | $39,691 | 43% |
| Hickory, NC | $36,970 | 250 | $41,781 | 52% |
| Columbia, SC | $36,960 | 990 | $39,461 | 51% |
| North Port, FL | $36,840 | 360 | $35,971 | 69% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $36,820 | 630 | $40,003 | 50% |
| San Antonio, TX | $36,780 | 3,170 | $38,832 | 46% |
| Greenville, NC | $36,500 | 190 | $41,289 | 48% |
| Amarillo, TX | $36,490 | 330 | $39,741 | 43% |
| Wilmington, NC | $36,490 | 140 | $37,844 | 57% |
| Enid, OK | $36,470 | 50 | $43,278 | 37% |
| Jackson, MS | $36,310 | 750 | $40,776 | 49% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $35,870 | 320 | $38,245 | 50% |
| Pinehurst, NC | $35,790 | 60 | $40,516 | 62% |
| Sherman, TX | $35,470 | 160 | $37,826 | 46% |
| Florence, SC | $35,460 | 310 | $40,865 | 51% |
| Wheeling, WV | $35,350 | 160 | $40,024 | 29% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $35,190 | 130 | $39,780 | 52% |
| Beckley, WV | $35,070 | 250 | $39,686 | 36% |
| San Angelo, TX | $35,060 | 110 | $37,922 | 45% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $35,050 | 450 | $38,107 | 50% |
| Laredo, TX | $34,790 | 310 | $40,009 | 39% |
| Charleston, WV | $34,540 | 740 | $38,933 | 42% |
| Weirton, WV | $34,450 | 170 | $38,697 | 28% |
| Morgantown, WV | $34,330 | 350 | $36,786 | 47% |
| Huntington, WV | $34,050 | 520 | $38,509 | 38% |
| Panama City, FL | $33,850 | 150 | $34,791 | 62% |
| Toledo, OH | $33,810 | 60 | $36,969 | 45% |
| Slidell, LA | $33,620 | 370 | $36,257 | – |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $31,650 | 140 | $32,290 | 75% |
| Knoxville, TN | $31,340 | 730 | $33,856 | 66% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $30,070 | 350 | $32,112 | 69% |
| Houma, LA | $29,510 | 250 | $34,676 | 53% |
| Lafayette, LA | $29,130 | 690 | $33,403 | 57% |
| Savannah, GA | $28,180 | 370 | $29,599 | 75% |
| Shreveport, LA | $27,240 | 270 | $32,136 | 56% |
| Canton, OH | $27,070 | 70 | $30,278 | 51% |
| Tyler, TX | $26,780 | 330 | $29,059 | 59% |
| Clarksville, TN | $26,620 | 410 | $29,270 | 61% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $24,930 | 1,630 | $27,462 | 66% |
| Texarkana, TX | $23,100 | 240 | $27,496 | 65% |
| Augusta, GA | $21,220 | 460 | $23,090 | 83% |
| Huntsville, AL | $18,750 | 1,170 | $20,146 | 89% |
| Birmingham, AL | $18,260 | 1,700 | $19,925 | 92% |
| Mobile, AL | $18,000 | 770 | $20,432 | 85% |
| Daphne, AL | $17,840 | 270 | $18,840 | 114% |
| Decatur, AL | $17,720 | 320 | $20,318 | 73% |
| Montgomery, AL | $17,490 | 470 | $19,502 | 95% |
| Florence, AL | $17,260 | 290 | $20,350 | 75% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $17,130 | 680 | $19,528 | 117% |
| Dothan, AL | $16,970 | 310 | $20,243 | 86% |
| Anniston, AL | $16,570 | 260 | $19,279 | 70% |
What the median school bus driver salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $47,920 |
| Month | $3,993 |
| Every two weeks | $1,843 |
| Week | $922 |
| Hour | $23.04 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a school bus driver: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | Short-term on-the-job training |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +0.7% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 56,500 |
| Self-employed | 0.1% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Truck driver | $58,640 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Train conductor | $78,000 | High school diploma |
| Air traffic controller | $148,080 | Associate's degree |
| Airline pilot | $232,140 | Bachelor's degree |
| Flight attendant | $63,580 | High school diploma |
| Forklift operator | $46,420 | No formal education |
| Warehouse worker | $40,240 | No formal education |
| Bus driver | $59,050 | High school diploma |
Questions about school bus driver pay
How much does a school bus driver make an hour?
The median is $23.04 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $14.06 and the top 10% over $31.60.
How much does a school bus driver make a month?
About $3,993 a month before taxes at the median salary of $47,920, or $1,843 every two weeks.
What state pays school bus drivers the most?
Massachusetts, with a median of $65,170. Washington ($63,370), Connecticut ($61,520), California ($61,040) and New Jersey ($59,430) follow.
Where do school bus drivers make the most after cost of living?
Massachusetts: its median of $65,170 is worth $61,622 at typical US prices. Connecticut, Washington and Vermont come next.
How much do entry-level school bus drivers make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of school bus drivers earn under $29,240 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $38,650, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a school bus driver?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a high school diploma or equivalent. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: short-term on-the-job training.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 53-3051 (Bus Drivers, School). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.