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

Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity fall under the Transportation and Material Moving category in the U.S. occupational classification. Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity earn a median salary of $57,440 per year, ranking in the top 53% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +4.3% job growth through 2034, projected to grow at roughly 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, transit and intercity earn?

The median annual wage for bus drivers, transit and intercity is $57,440. That puts bus drivers, transit and intercity at #431 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, transit and intercity a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for bus drivers, transit and intercity is +4.3%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 158K positions in 2024 to 165K in 2034, a net change of 7K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.

What do bus drivers, transit and intercity do every day?

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

1. 1.Maintain cleanliness of bus or motor coach.
2. 2.Drive vehicles over specified routes or to specified destinations according to time schedules, complying with traffic regulations to ensure that passengers have a smooth and safe ride.
3. 3.Assist passengers, such as elderly or individuals with disabilities, on and off bus, ensure they are seated properly, help carry baggage, and answer questions about bus schedules or routes.
4. 4.Collect tickets or cash fares from passengers.
5. 5.Handle passenger emergencies or disruptions.
6. 6.Announce stops to passengers.
7. 7.Report delays or accidents.
8. 8.Regulate heating, lighting, and ventilating systems for passenger comfort.

Top skills for bus drivers, transit and intercity

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, transit and intercity?

Many bus drivers, transit and intercity 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
  $226,600 median
• Air Traffic Controllers
  $144,580 median
• Commercial Pilots
  $122,670 median
• 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, transit and intercity