Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity

SOC code 53-3052 · O*NET-SOC 53-3052.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Transportation

Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$59,050

a year

Hourly

$28.39

per hour

10th$40,030Median$59,05090th$84,700

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$60,280

$28.98 per hour

Middle 50%

$47,530 – $70,700

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$40,030 – $84,700

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

159,240

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $40,030; $19.25/hr
25th percentile: $47,530; $22.85/hr
Median percentile: $59,050; $28.39/hr
75th percentile: $70,700; $33.99/hr
90th percentile: $84,700; $40.72/hr

What do bus drivers, transit and intercity do?

Drive bus or motor coach, including regular route operations, charters, and private carriage. May assist passengers with baggage. May collect fares or tickets.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Drive vehicles over specified routes or to specified destinations according to time schedules, complying with traffic regulations to ensure that passengers have a smooth and safe ride.
Park vehicles at loading areas so that passengers can board.
Inspect vehicles and check gas, oil, and water levels prior to departure.
Announce stops to passengers.
Assist passengers, such as elderly or individuals with disabilities, on and off bus, ensure they are seated properly, help carry baggage, and answer questions about bus schedules or routes.
Collect tickets or cash fares from passengers.
Handle passenger emergencies or disruptions.
Report delays or accidents.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 84% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)84%
Less than a High School Diploma13%
Post-Secondary Certificate2%
Some College Courses1%

Common questions

How much does a bus drivers, transit and intercity earn?

The national median is $59,050 a year. The full range runs from $40,030 at the 10th percentile to $84,700 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a bus drivers, transit and intercity without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.1/5
Critical Thinking3.1/5
Speaking3.0/5
Monitoring3.0/5
Reading Comprehension2.8/5

Knowledge areas

Transportation4.5/5
Customer and Personal Service4.3/5
Public Safety and Security4.0/5
English Language3.4/5
Law and Government3.1/5
Administration and Management2.8/5
Telecommunications2.8/5
Computers and Electronics2.7/5

Transferable strengths: Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Service Orientation, Time Management, Social Perceptiveness.