What does a Bus Driver, 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.

What is the salary of a Bus Driver, Transit and Intercity?

The typical salary range is $40,208 - $80,416 per year.

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Automotive, Aviation, & MaritimeStable

Bus Driver, Transit and Intercity

Operational-level

Also known as: Bus Driver, Bus Operator, CDL Bus Driver (Commercial Driver's License Bus Driver), Charter Bus Driver

Automotive, Aviation, & MaritimeBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a bus driver, you operate buses and motor coaches for regular routes, charters, or private trips. You'll assist passengers with their baggage and collect fares or tickets. This job involves a lot of sitting in an enclosed vehicle, using your hands for controls, and interacting with diverse people. You'll make frequent decisions throughout your shift, impacting passengers and your company. It's a role for those who enjoy driving and responsibility.

Transit OperationsCommercial DrivingPassenger TransportationTransportation LogisticsCustomer ServiceOperations ManagementPublic ServiceLogisticsAutomotive

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Microsoft Windows

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

+4.1%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

21,100

per year (US)

Jobs today

166,400

in 2025 → 173,300 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

Low

Working in a team

Moderate

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

High

Time pressure

High

Time spent sitting

High

Working outdoors

Moderate

Indoor, climate-controlled

Moderate

Dealing with customers

High

Level of competition

Low

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This career is stable, with about 21,100 job openings each year through 2035 and a projected 4.1% employment growth. The median annual wage for bus drivers is $59,050 per year. While a high school diploma is typical for entry, you can advance into roles like Transit Operations Supervisor or Logistics Coordinator.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Delivery Driver
School Bus Driver
Shuttle Driver

Bus Driver, Transit and Intercity

Where it can lead

Transit Operations Supervisor
Driving Instructor
Logistics Coordinator

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will significantly impact bus drivers through advancements in autonomous driving technology, potentially automating driving tasks in the long term. In the next 5-10 years, AI will primarily assist drivers with route optimization, predictive maintenance, and real-time traffic management, enhancing efficiency and safety. This aims to improve service reliability and reduce operational costs rather than immediately replacing human drivers.

Salary

$59,050

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position