Bus Drivers, School: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Bus Drivers, School fall under the Transportation and Material Moving category in the U.S. occupational classification. Bus Drivers, School earn a median salary of $47,040 per year, ranking in the top 71% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +0.2% job growth through 2034, projected to grow slower than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, certifications, or postsecondary credentials, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do bus drivers, school earn?

The median annual wage for bus drivers, school is $47,040. That puts bus drivers, school at #579 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is bus drivers, school a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for bus drivers, school is +0.2%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 387K positions in 2024 to 388K in 2034, a net change of 1K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

What do bus drivers, school do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working bus drivers, school, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Follow safety rules as students board and exit buses or cross streets near bus stops.
2. 2.Check the condition of a vehicle's tires, brakes, windshield wipers, lights, oil, fuel, water, and safety equipment to ensure that everything is in working order.
3. 3.Maintain order among students during trips to ensure safety.
4. 4.Read maps and follow written and verbal geographic directions.
5. 5.Regulate heating, lighting, and ventilation systems for student comfort.
6. 6.Comply with traffic regulations to operate vehicles in a safe and courteous manner.
7. 7.Report any bus malfunctions or needed repairs.
8. 8.Drive gasoline, diesel, or electrically powered multi-passenger vehicles to transport students between neighborhoods, schools, and school activities.

Top skills for bus drivers, school

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become bus drivers, school?

Many bus drivers, school enter the field with a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, though employers increasingly favor candidates with certifications or some postsecondary coursework. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
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• Air Traffic Controllers
  $144,580 median
• Commercial Pilots
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• Ship Engineers
  $101,320 median
• Transportation Inspectors
  $85,750 median
• Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
  $85,540 median

Common questions parents ask about bus drivers, school