Average Bus Driver Salary: How Much Does a Bus Driver Make?

Driving a large vehicle like a bus or truck comes with unique challenges. Although it is not particularly difficult, you need to obtain a special license and receive intensive training before starting.

If you are thinking of becoming a bus driver, read on. This article covers the basics of the position, including roles, certification requirements and bus driver salary expectations for 2022.

What Are the Daily Responsibilities of Bus Drivers?

Bus drivers take on several responsibilities throughout the day, depending on the type of vehicle they drive. School bus drivers, for example, have different roles than those who drive a Greyhound bus, metro bus or MTA bus.

In the general sense, a bus driver performs the following duties:

• Obeying traffic and safety laws
• Keeping the bus clean and orderly
• Collecting fares from passengers
• Escorting unruly passengers off the bus
• Ensuring the safety of passengers
• Reporting accidents and emergencies to dispatchers
• Following specific routes and making alternate plans for delays
• Helping passengers with disabilities ascend the vehicle
• Communicating with passengers and supervisors
• Checking their vehicle for maintenance issues

Depending on your employer, you may have additional or fewer duties than what is on the list.

What Type of Roles Can a Bus Driver Perform?

Bus drivers work with different companies and entities. Some, for example, work for correctional facilities. Others work with schools and mainly deal with students. Tour bus drivers also have different responsibilities and may sell tickets or help passengers unload their cargo. Hotels may hire a bus driver to move their guests from Point A to Point B.

Regardless of your place of work, you must have the proper license and some experience to get started. Driving such a large vehicle is challenging in many city streets. You need to know what to expect and familiarize yourself with this large vehicle to maneuver it seamlessly.

The good news is that most professional companies and employers ensure that you receive proper training before starting.

How Much Is the Average Bus Driver Salary in the United States?

How much does a bus driver make? The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a significant increase in the demand for bus drivers in the upcoming decade, with over 215,000 new job openings by 2030.

The average bus driver salary in the United States is $34,670. The highest earners make over $64,000. The best cities in the US to work as a bus driver are:

• New York - $64,000
• Alaska - $60,000
• Washington - $59,000
• Massachusetts - $56,000
• California - $54,000

Are There Special Licenses and Certifications for This Position?

Every bus driver must have a Commercial Driving License (CDL) from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Additionally, bus drivers must obtain special endorsements to drive a bus. They must also take a written and skills test and have a standard driver’s license beforehand.

Some states, such as New York, now oblige aspiring bus drivers to take Entry-level Driver Training before applying for their CDL. The next step is having the proper endorsement on your CDL. Every different function requires a special one, such as:

• P: To transport passengers
• S: To operate a school bus
• T: To drive triple or double trailers
• N: To operate tank vehicles
• H: Transporting hazardous materials
• X: Combination of Tank and hazardous materials

It’s best to know what type of bus you plan to drive before applying to any open position haphazardly. You can apply for multiple endorsements, but keep in mind that you may have to undergo a written or driving test.

What Are the Physical and Psychological Requirements of This Job?

Bus drivers must be in good physical shape and take a DOT Physical Exam before receiving their CDL. The physician checks for specific issues such as:

• Vision: You must have 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without glasses
• Chronic diseases: The doctor checks if you have diabetes, high/low blood pressure, or similar issues. You must prove that you can manage with prescribed medication if you have one.
• Height and weight: Although there are no height or weight requirements, this is a standard part of your physical and may help the doctor identify potential health issues.
• Hearing: Before 2012, the DOT did not issue licenses to deaf applicants. The ban no longer applies nowadays, but applicants must have a good driving record.
• Reflexes: Another routine exam to ensure that you have the proper muscle control to drive a bus.

Although you won’t visit a mental health specialist, your doctor will ask about your psychological health. Bus driving is a stressful job, and your doctor can help you manage your stress levels to benefit your overall health.

Bus drivers should have a few common personality traits to succeed and enjoy their careers. You should have the ability to remain calm, assess risk, communicate effectively and work well with people. You might find yourself in situations where your life may be at risk, or you may deescalate a violent altercation.

Are There Any Negative Factors to This Position?

Bus drivers have high turnover rates due to the demands of their jobs and lack of routine. Depending on what type of bus driver you are, you may have too much spare time on your hands – or none at all. A tour bus driver in a city that only gets visitors in the summer may have to survive on savings during the winter.

If you are an MTA or city bus driver, you may transport intoxicated, unruly or violent passengers. Erratic hours and shifts may cause fatigue and increase the likelihood of an accident. Some bus drivers have to work during holidays and weekends. Finally – the job involves significant safety considerations as the lives of your passengers are in your hands.

What Are the Educational Requirements for Becoming a Bus Driver?

Bus drivers do not have to have a college degree to apply for this position. You do need a high school diploma or GED, however.

You must also be 18 years old to apply for a bus driver position. Some companies and states require you to be at least 21 years old to pass through state lines.

How Can I Apply to a Bus Driving Position?

After receiving your CDL license, you can start applying to bus driving positions on job boards. Company websites also advertise vacancies, and you can apply directly through their hiring portals.

Make sure that your resume reflects your experience and relays your unique skills, licenses and endorsements.

Start Today With Rocket Resume

If you have the licenses and requirements needed to become a bus driver, it’s time to reflect them on your resume. But not just any work – you need a resume that stands out to Hiring Managers and showcases your skills.

With over 2 million resume templates available, Rocket Resume is your one-stop destination to build a fully-customizable bus driver resume template. Our intuitive tools make it easy to craft a resume in minutes, with industry-specific suggestions relevant to your career.

Our resumes are completely readable by Applicant Tracking Systems and stand the test of time and quality.

Are you ready to build a stellar bus driver resume? Get started now with Rocket Resume.