Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Working effectively with people by building relationships, understanding others, and responding appropriately.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Bus drivers must have a commercial driver's license (CDL), which they sometimes earn during on-the-job training. They also need a good driving record and must meet physical, hearing, and vision requirements. In addition, bus drivers typically need a high school diploma or the equivalent and may be required to pass a background check. PayThe median annual wage for bus drivers, school was $47,920 in May 2025.The median annual wage for bus drivers, transit and intercity was $59,050 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of bus drivers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 77,600 openings for bus drivers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for bus drivers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of bus drivers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about bus drivers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for bus drivers, school was $47,920 in May 2025.The median annual wage for bus drivers, transit and intercity was $59,050 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of bus drivers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 77,600 openings for bus drivers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for bus drivers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of bus drivers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about bus drivers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of bus drivers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 77,600 openings for bus drivers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for bus drivers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of bus drivers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about bus drivers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Bus drivers transport people between various places.
Work Environment
Part-time work is common for bus drivers. Drivers’ schedules may vary and include early mornings, evenings, or weekends. Many bus drivers work for schools, and they work only when schools are in session. Driving through heavy traffic or bad weather and dealing with unruly passengers can be stressful for bus drivers.
How to Become a Bus Driver
Bus drivers must have a commercial driver's license (CDL), which they sometimes earn during on-the-job training. They also need a good driving record and must meet physical, hearing, and vision requirements. In addition, bus drivers typically need a high school diploma or the equivalent and may be required to pass a background check.
Pay
The median annual wage for bus drivers, school was $47,920 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for bus drivers, transit and intercity was $59,050 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of bus drivers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 77,600 openings for bus drivers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for bus drivers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of bus drivers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about bus drivers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Part-time work is common for bus drivers. Drivers’ schedules may vary and include early mornings, evenings, or weekends. Many bus drivers work for schools, and they work only when schools are in session. Driving through heavy traffic or bad weather and dealing with unruly passengers can be stressful for bus drivers.
How to Become a Bus Driver
Bus drivers must have a commercial driver's license (CDL), which they sometimes earn during on-the-job training. They also need a good driving record and must meet physical, hearing, and vision requirements. In addition, bus drivers typically need a high school diploma or the equivalent and may be required to pass a background check.
Pay
The median annual wage for bus drivers, school was $47,920 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for bus drivers, transit and intercity was $59,050 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of bus drivers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 77,600 openings for bus drivers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for bus drivers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of bus drivers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about bus drivers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for bus drivers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of bus drivers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about bus drivers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about bus drivers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.