Taxi Drivers
SOC code 53-3054 · O*NET-SOC 53-3054.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Transportation
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Taxi Drivers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$42,100
a year
Hourly
$20.24
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$49,930
$24.01 per hour
Middle 50%
$37,790 – $60,960
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$34,650 – $75,800
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
41,050
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $34,650
- $16.66/hr
- 25th percentile
- $37,790
- $18.17/hr
- Median percentile
- $42,100
- $20.24/hr
- 75th percentile
- $60,960
- $29.31/hr
- 90th percentile
- $75,800
- $36.44/hr
What does a taxi driver do?
Drive a motor vehicle to transport passengers on an unplanned basis and charge a fare, usually based on a meter.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Collect fares or vouchers from passengers, and make change or issue receipts as necessary.
- Communicate with dispatchers by radio, telephone, or computer to exchange information and receive requests for passenger service.
- Complete accident reports when necessary.
- Determine fares based on trip distances and times, using taximeters and fee schedules, and announce fares to passengers.
- Drive taxicabs or privately owned vehicles to transport passengers.
- Follow relevant safety regulations and state laws governing vehicle operation, and ensure that passengers follow safety regulations.
- Notify dispatchers or company mechanics of vehicle problems.
- Perform minor vehicle repairs, such as cleaning spark plugs, or take vehicles to mechanics for servicing.
How to become a taxi driver
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.
The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.
Common questions
How much does a taxi driver earn?
The national median is $42,100 a year. The full range runs from $34,650 at the 10th percentile to $75,800 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 taxi driver 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.