Bus Drivers, School Salary in 2026
How Much Do Bus Drivers, Schools Make?
Bus Drivers, Schools earn a median annual salary of $47,040 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $27,680 at the 10th percentile to $63,810 at the 90th percentile — a range of $36,130. The highest-paying state is Massachusetts at $63,030.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $27,680 |
| 25th percentile | $37,490 |
| Median (50th) | $47,040 |
| 75th percentile | $56,140 |
| 90th percentile | $63,810 |
Bus Drivers, School Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Massachusettstop | $63,030 |
| Washington | $60,250 |
| Connecticut | $59,340 |
| New Jersey | $59,140 |
| California | $58,280 |
| New York | $56,510 |
| District of Columbia | $54,450 |
| Oregon | $52,090 |
| Utah | $51,270 |
| Hawaii | $51,210 |
| Maryland | $51,040 |
| North Dakota | $50,420 |
| Alaska | $49,880 |
| Vermont | $49,800 |
| Illinois | $49,760 |
| Minnesota | $49,600 |
| Colorado | $49,490 |
| Rhode Island | $49,430 |
| Virginia | $48,600 |
| New Hampshire | $47,700 |
| Wisconsin | $47,480 |
| Maine | $47,390 |
| Nebraska | $47,320 |
| Indiana | $47,070 |
| Ohio | $46,900 |
| New Mexico | $46,240 |
| Wyoming | $45,960 |
| Montana | $45,810 |
| Pennsylvania | $45,710 |
| Michigan | $45,670 |
| Iowa | $45,380 |
| Kansas | $44,720 |
| Delaware | $44,360 |
| Arizona | $43,610 |
| Missouri | $43,520 |
| Texas | $42,780 |
| South Carolina | $42,330 |
| Idaho | $42,070 |
| Arkansas | $42,020 |
| Tennessee | $41,100 |
| Kentucky | $40,610 |
| Florida | $39,170 |
| South Dakota | $38,710 |
| Georgia | $37,510 |
| Oklahoma | $37,430 |
| North Carolina | $36,620 |
| Nevada | $36,380 |
| Louisiana | $32,030 |
| West Virginia | $30,080 |
| Mississippi | $28,940 |
| Alabama | $17,620 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Bus Drivers, Schools
Bus Drivers, School Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$27,680 – $37,490 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$47,040 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$56,140 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $63,810+ |
How to Earn More as a Bus Drivers, School
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Bus Drivers, Schools in Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA earn $67,040 — $20,000 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($56,140) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Bus Drivers, School Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Bus Drivers, Schoolthis career | $47,040 |
| Parking Enforcement Worker | $47,150 |
| Transit and Railroad Police | $82,320 |
| Crossing Guards and Flagger | $37,700 |
| Dispatcher | $48,880 |
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SOC: 53-3051.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.