School bus driver salary in the USA can be a good option for people who want a driving job with a regular school schedule and do not want a long college degree. In May 2025, the median school bus driver salary was $47,920 per year, or about $23.04 per hour, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Pay is not the same in every state, and school bus driver pay can be much higher in states such as Massachusetts, Washington, Connecticut, California and New Jersey. This guide explains the average school bus driver salary, school bus driver hourly pay, yearly and monthly earnings, salary by state, job duties, work schedule, CDL requirements, benefits and other factors that can change how much a school bus driver makes in the United States.
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School Bus Driver Salary in the USA
A school bus driver is responsible for taking students to and from school and sometimes driving them for sports, field trips or other school activities. The job looks simple from outside, but there is a lot of responsibility because drivers are carrying children and must follow traffic and school safety rules.
According to the latest BLS May 2025 wage data, the median salary for school bus drivers in the United States is $47,920 per year. The median hourly wage is $23.04 per hour. This means half of school bus drivers earn more than this amount and half earn less.
The salary range can also be wide. The lowest 10 percent of school bus drivers earned less than $29,240 per year, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $65,730 per year. So a new driver and an experienced driver working in a higher-paying location can have a pretty big difference in income.
- Median school bus driver salary: $47,920 per year
- Median school bus driver hourly pay: $23.04 per hour
- 25th percentile salary: $38,650 per year
- 75th percentile salary: $58,430 per year
- Top 10% salary: More than $65,730 per year
- Employment in the USA: About 402,930 school bus drivers
These figures are for the occupation classified by BLS as Bus Drivers, School, SOC 53-3051. The BLS data includes school bus drivers working in different types of employers and locations, so actual job offers can be different from the national median.
School Bus Driver Salary by State
School bus driver salary can change a lot depending on the state. Location, local school district budgets, union contracts, experience and whether the driver works full-time or part-time can all affect pay. The table below uses the May 2025 median annual wage for school bus drivers by state. This gives readers a simple state-by-state salary comparison.
| State | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $17,630 |
| Alaska | $54,200 |
| Arizona | $46,050 |
| Arkansas | $45,500 |
| California | $61,040 |
| Colorado | $52,620 |
| Connecticut | $61,520 |
| Delaware | $42,390 |
| Florida | $44,690 |
| Georgia | $44,950 |
| Hawaii | $59,090 |
| Idaho | $46,250 |
| Illinois | $49,090 |
| Indiana | $48,020 |
| Iowa | $46,320 |
| Kansas | $45,860 |
| Kentucky | $44,830 |
| Louisiana | $29,450 |
| Maine | $48,640 |
| Maryland | $56,450 |
| Massachusetts | $65,170 |
| Michigan | $46,380 |
| Minnesota | $48,940 |
| Mississippi | $30,640 |
| Missouri | $46,880 |
| Montana | $46,220 |
| Nebraska | $47,760 |
| Nevada | $37,280 |
| New Hampshire | $50,990 |
| New Jersey | $59,430 |
| New Mexico | $45,470 |
| New York | $56,640 |
| North Carolina | $37,460 |
| North Dakota | $50,790 |
| Ohio | $45,860 |
| Oklahoma | $36,920 |
| Oregon | $51,270 |
| Pennsylvania | $47,530 |
| Rhode Island | $58,700 |
| South Carolina | $39,900 |
| South Dakota | $39,730 |
| Tennessee | $44,510 |
| Texas | $44,490 |
| Utah | $52,890 |
| Vermont | $56,580 |
| Virginia | $50,190 |
| Washington | $63,370 |
| West Virginia | $33,360 |
| Wisconsin | $47,760 |
| Wyoming | $45,520 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. State figures shown above are median annual wages for Bus Drivers, School (SOC 53-3051).
Highest Paying States for School Bus Drivers
The highest school bus driver salaries are generally found in states where school transportation jobs have stronger wage levels. In May 2025, Massachusetts had the highest reported median annual wage among the states at about $65,170. Washington was next at $63,370, followed by Connecticut at $61,520 and California at $61,040.
New Jersey, Hawaii, Rhode Island and New York also had relatively high school bus driver pay compared with the national median. But a higher salary does not always mean more money left over because living costs can also be higher in some of these states.
- Massachusetts — $65,170
- Washington — $63,370
- Connecticut — $61,520
- California — $61,040
- New Jersey — $59,430
- Hawaii — $59,090
- Rhode Island — $58,700
- New York — $56,640
How Much Does a School Bus Driver Make a Year?
The typical school bus driver makes around $47,920 a year at the national median. But this should not be treated like a guaranteed salary for every driver. School bus driving is often part-time, and many drivers work only during school hours or when school is in session. Because of that, the amount a driver actually earns in a year can be different from a simple hourly rate multiplied by 40 hours every week.
Some drivers work extra routes, activity trips, field trips or other transportation duties. These extra hours can increase yearly income. Experienced drivers in higher-paying states or districts can also earn well above the national median.
How Much Does a School Bus Driver Make Per Hour?
The median school bus driver hourly pay in the USA was about $23.04 per hour in May 2025. The middle 50 percent of workers were between about $18.58 and $28.09 per hour.
Hourly pay is one of the most useful numbers for people searching for school bus driver jobs because many positions are paid by the hour rather than through a traditional fixed yearly salary. The exact hourly rate depends on the school district, private transportation company, state and experience.
- 10th percentile: about $14.06 per hour
- 25th percentile: about $18.58 per hour
- Median: about $23.04 per hour
- 75th percentile: about $28.09 per hour
- 90th percentile: about $31.60 per hour
For someone comparing job offers, it is important to check the guaranteed weekly hours too. A higher hourly rate may not produce a higher yearly income if the job provides fewer working hours.
School Bus Driver Salary Per Month
If you look at the national median school bus driver salary of $47,920 a year, the simple monthly equivalent is around $3,993 per month before taxes. But actual monthly income can be lower or higher because school bus drivers are often paid hourly and may not work the same number of hours every week.
For example, a driver making around $23.04 per hour and working 25 hours a week would earn much less in a year than a driver who gets regular full-time hours plus extra routes. This is why school bus driver salary per month should be looked at together with weekly hours, paid trips and benefits.
- Annual median salary: $47,920
- Simple monthly equivalent: about $3,993
- Simple weekly equivalent: about $922
- Median hourly pay: $23.04
These monthly and weekly figures are simple calculations from the annual median. They are not a guarantee of what a school bus driver receives in an actual paycheck. Taxes, insurance, retirement contributions and unpaid school breaks can change take-home pay.
How Much Does a School Bus Driver Make in a Week?
A school bus driver working around 40 paid hours at the national median hourly wage of $23.04 would make about $922 per week before taxes. However, many school bus drivers do not have a normal 40-hour work week.
The work schedule can be split between a morning route and an afternoon route. Some drivers may have several hours in the middle of the day when they are not driving. Others can get extra hours through field trips, sports events, activity trips or other school transportation work.
So when checking a school bus driver job, do not only ask about the hourly pay. It is also useful to ask:
- How many hours are guaranteed each week?
- Are field trips paid separately?
- Is training paid?
- Are school breaks paid?
- Are benefits available for part-time drivers?
- Can drivers take extra routes or activity trips?
School Bus Driver Salary by Experience
Experience can make a difference in school bus driver pay, but it is not the only thing that decides salary. A new driver may start at a lower hourly rate and then receive increases after gaining experience. Some school districts also have step-based pay schedules where the hourly wage increases after certain years of service.
An experienced school bus driver may also qualify for better routes, additional driving assignments or specialized transportation work. Drivers who have a strong safety record and good attendance can become more valuable to an employer.
Entry-Level School Bus Driver Salary
Someone starting as a school bus driver will usually earn less than an experienced driver. The exact starting wage depends heavily on the local school district or transportation company. Training and CDL preparation can also be part of the beginning stage.
New drivers should look at the complete job package instead of only the starting hourly wage. A job with slightly lower starting pay but guaranteed hours and good benefits can sometimes be better than a higher-paying job with very limited hours.
Experienced School Bus Driver Salary
With several years of experience, drivers can have more opportunities to earn higher hourly wages. Some may also take extra work during school activities or special transportation assignments.
Experience is especially important in this job because drivers need to manage traffic, weather conditions, student behavior and unexpected situations while keeping the bus safe.
- More years with the same school district may bring pay increases.
- Extra routes can increase yearly income.
- Field trips may provide additional paid hours.
- Good driving records can help with continued employment.
- Higher-paying states and districts can offer better wages.
Do School Bus Drivers Get Paid in Summer?
One of the most common questions about school bus driver jobs is whether drivers get paid during summer. The answer is it depends on the employer and pay arrangement.
Many school bus drivers do not work their normal school route during summer because students are out of school. Some drivers may still work summer school routes, camps, special programs or other transportation assignments. Other employers may offer a way for workers to spread their annual earnings across the year.
Because of this, anyone comparing school bus driver jobs should ask the employer exactly how summer pay works. A job advertised with a yearly salary may have a different pay arrangement from an hourly school bus driver position.
How Many Hours Does a School Bus Driver Work?
School bus drivers often work fewer hours than many traditional full-time workers. A typical schedule can include a morning route before school starts and an afternoon route when school ends. The exact schedule depends on the school district and the route.
Some drivers work additional hours for field trips, athletic events and other activities. School bus drivers may also have different schedules during holidays, summer school and special school programs.
This unusual schedule can actually be one of the attractive parts of the job for some workers. Parents, retirees and people looking for part-time work may like having work hours that follow the school day.
- Morning student pickup
- School transportation route
- Afternoon student drop-off
- Field trips and school activities
- Sports and event transportation
- Summer school transportation in some districts
What Does a School Bus Driver Do?
A school bus driver does much more than simply drive a bus from one location to another. The main responsibility is to safely transport students while following traffic laws, school transportation rules and employer policies.
Drivers normally inspect the bus before starting a route and make sure students board and leave the bus safely. They also need to watch traffic, road conditions and the behavior of students during the trip.
- Pick up students from assigned bus stops.
- Drive students safely to and from school.
- Follow the assigned route and transportation schedule.
- Complete required vehicle safety checks.
- Follow traffic and school bus safety laws.
- Report accidents, vehicle problems or safety concerns.
- Maintain order and safe behavior inside the bus.
- Communicate with school transportation staff when needed.
- Drive students to field trips or school activities when assigned.
School Bus Driver CDL Requirements
In the United States, school bus drivers normally need the proper commercial driver's license and endorsements required by their state. The exact requirements can vary, but school bus driving generally involves a CDL with passenger and school bus endorsements.
Drivers may also need to complete background checks, driving record checks, physical requirements and additional school bus training. State rules can be different, so a person interested in this career should check the requirements with the state's motor vehicle agency and the local school district.
Getting the required license can be one of the biggest steps for someone starting this career. Some employers provide or help with training, which can make it easier for new drivers to enter the field.
How to Become a School Bus Driver
Becoming a school bus driver usually does not require a four-year college degree. This is one reason the job can attract people who want to start working without spending years in college.
The basic process can look different from one state to another, but a person will generally need to meet age and driving requirements, obtain the required commercial driver's license and complete school bus-specific training.
- Meet the basic age and driving requirements.
- Have an acceptable driving record.
- Apply with a school district or transportation company.
- Complete the required CDL process.
- Obtain passenger and school bus endorsements when required.
- Complete background checks and required screenings.
- Complete school bus driver training.
- Pass the required tests and begin supervised or assigned routes.
The requirements are not exactly the same everywhere. Before paying for training, it is smart to check whether a local school district provides training or reimbursement for new drivers.
School Bus Driver Benefits
Salary is only one part of compensation. Depending on the employer, school bus drivers may receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off or other employee benefits. Benefits are more likely to vary between school districts, private transportation companies and part-time positions.
Some school bus drivers also like the predictable school-year schedule. Having weekends, school holidays or part of the daytime free can be valuable for people who want a flexible work arrangement.
- Health insurance at some employers
- Retirement or pension plans in some school districts
- Paid holidays or paid time off depending on employment status
- Paid training at some employers
- Extra pay opportunities for trips and activities
- School-year based schedules
Is School Bus Driving a Good Job?
School bus driving can be a good job for someone who likes driving, working with students and having a school-based schedule. It can also be a useful option for people who do not want a traditional office job or a career that requires a college degree.
The biggest advantage for one person can be the biggest disadvantage for another. The split schedule may be perfect for someone who wants time during the middle of the day, while another person may prefer a normal eight-hour shift with steady hours.
- Good option for: People who enjoy driving and working around schools.
- Good option for: People looking for part-time or school-hour work.
- Good option for: Workers who want a career without a four-year degree.
- Possible downside: Hours may be limited.
- Possible downside: Summer and school breaks can affect income.
- Possible downside: The job comes with major responsibility for student safety.
What Can Affect School Bus Driver Pay?
Two school bus drivers can have different salaries even when they do almost the same job. Pay is affected by location, employer, experience, working hours and the type of transportation work performed.
A driver working in a large metropolitan school district may have a different pay structure from someone working for a small rural district. Union contracts and local government budgets can also influence wages in some areas.
- State and local area
- School district or private employer
- Years of driving experience
- Number of paid hours
- CDL and endorsements
- Extra routes and activity trips
- School transportation contracts
- Union or negotiated pay rates
- Benefits and retirement package
School Bus Driver Salary vs. Other Bus Driver Jobs
School bus driving is one part of the wider bus driving occupation. Transit and intercity bus drivers may have different schedules and pay because they can work longer routes, nights, weekends or holidays. School bus drivers, on the other hand, are mainly connected to school transportation schedules.
For someone deciding between driving careers, the hourly wage should be compared together with working hours, overtime, benefits and schedule. A job with a lower hourly wage can still be attractive if it offers a better schedule or stronger benefits.
School Bus Driver Job Outlook
School transportation continues to require drivers because schools need safe transportation for students. The BLS projects employment for bus drivers, school to grow 2 percent from 2024 to 2034. BLS also expects about 39,500 openings per year for school bus drivers over that period, mainly because workers leave the occupation or move into other jobs.
This means the career is not a very fast-growing occupation, but there can still be a steady need for replacement workers. Local demand can be different from the national outlook, especially in areas where school districts have difficulty finding qualified drivers.
How to Earn More as a School Bus Driver
The easiest way to increase school bus driver income is not always simply waiting for an annual raise. Drivers can look for employers with higher starting wages, take additional paid routes when available and keep the required license and endorsements active.
Experience also matters. A driver who stays with a district for several years may move through its pay scale. Extra school activities, field trips and summer transportation can also add income when those opportunities are available.
- Look for school districts with higher hourly pay.
- Maintain a clean driving record.
- Complete all required CDL and school bus training.
- Take extra routes when they are paid.
- Ask about field trip and activity trip pay.
- Consider summer school transportation work.
- Compare benefits before accepting a new position.
- Build experience and look for higher-paying opportunities.
Final Thoughts on School Bus Driver Salary in the USA
School bus driver salary in the USA can be a solid income option for people who want a driving career without a four-year college degree. The national median pay was $47,920 per year in May 2025, while the median hourly wage was about $23.04. Pay can be much different from one state or school district to another.
The job also has a different schedule than many other driving careers. Morning and afternoon routes, school holidays and summer breaks can affect total yearly income. On the positive side, some drivers can add income through field trips, school activities and other transportation assignments.
If you are comparing school bus driver jobs, do not look at salary alone. Check the hourly rate, guaranteed hours, summer work, benefits, retirement options and local cost of living. For the right person, school bus driving can offer a useful combination of income, predictable school schedules and a relatively accessible path into the transportation field.