Find a Job You Really Want In
In 2026, bus drivers continue to be a vital workforce across the United States. This essential role is not limited to certain regions; bus drivers are employed in every state, showcasing the diversity and demand for this profession.
As bus driving remains a significant career path, Zippia has analyzed the current job market to identify the states that offer the best opportunities for bus drivers, including job availability and competitive salaries throughout their careers.
Utilizing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we determined which states provide the most favorable conditions for bus drivers. Here’s a look at the top states:
This list highlights that states like Washington and Illinois are leading the way in providing favorable environments for bus drivers, thanks to high salaries and ample job opportunities.
Curious about how we came to these conclusions? Read on to understand our research methodology and explore the top ten states.
For those interested in the broader job landscape, check out our resources:
- Best Companies To Work For In Seattle, WA
- Top Hiring Companies In Seattle
- 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Seattle
How We Determined the Best States for Bus Drivers
At Zippia, we engage with diverse job seekers and have identified two key factors they prioritize:
- Availability of jobs
- Competitive salaries
To identify the best states for bus drivers, we analyzed job availability and salary competitiveness based on criteria from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics:
- Location quotient: This indicates how common a job is in a particular state.
- Average annual salary.
- Average annual salary for entry-level positions.
- Average annual salary for experienced professionals.
We standardized salary data relative to each state’s cost of living, ensuring a fair comparison. For instance, while bus drivers in California earn an average of $49,560, the higher average salary of $57,080 in Illinois translates to a better quality of life due to lower living costs.
To create the overall ranking, we assigned each state a score based on the criteria, with the lowest score indicating the best state for bus drivers.
Now, let’s dive deeper into what makes each of these states outstanding for bus drivers.
1. Washington
Total Jobs: 5,290
Average Annual Salary: $58,890
Average Entry Level Salary: $39,750
Average Experienced Salary: $80,420
Location Quotient: 1.35
2. Illinois
Total Jobs: 6,600
Average Annual Salary: $57,080
Average Entry Level Salary: $33,880
Average Experienced Salary: $76,400
Location Quotient: 0.92
3. New York
Total Jobs: 19,630
Average Annual Salary: $60,220
Average Entry Level Salary: $35,330
Average Experienced Salary: $81,210
Location Quotient: 1.74
4. Arizona
Total Jobs: 3,550
Average Annual Salary: $42,280
Average Entry Level Salary: $26,860
Average Experienced Salary: $60,490
Location Quotient: 1.06
5. Minnesota
Total Jobs: 3,980
Average Annual Salary: $40,560
Average Entry Level Salary: $30,070
Average Experienced Salary: $55,430
Location Quotient: 1.15
6. Virginia
Total Jobs: 5,080
Average Annual Salary: $42,990
Average Entry Level Salary: $26,240
Average Experienced Salary: $65,790
Location Quotient: 1.1
7. Wisconsin
Total Jobs: 2,220
Average Annual Salary: $46,010
Average Entry Level Salary: $27,590
Average Experienced Salary: $61,790
Location Quotient: 0.65
8. Oregon
Total Jobs: 2,950
Average Annual Salary: $48,020
Average Entry Level Salary: $31,880
Average Experienced Salary: $63,080
Location Quotient: 1.3
9. Massachusetts
Total Jobs: 4,730
Average Annual Salary: $55,700
Average Entry Level Salary: $33,110
Average Experienced Salary: $89,470
Location Quotient: 1.1
10. Texas
Total Jobs: 11,240
Average Annual Salary: $39,000
Average Entry Level Salary: $26,060
Average Experienced Salary: $52,810
Location Quotient: 0.77
Top States for Bus Drivers in 2026
If you’re starting your journey as a bus driver, these states should be at the forefront of your considerations. They offer competitive salaries, ample job opportunities, and potential for career advancement.
Additionally, for those curious about the less favorable states for bus driving, here are the bottom three:
For further insights, explore these resources:
Comprehensive List of Top States for Bus Drivers
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $58,890 |
| 2 | Illinois | $57,080 |
| 3 | New York | $60,220 |
| 4 | Arizona | $42,280 |
| 5 | Minnesota | $40,560 |
| 6 | Virginia | $42,990 |
| 7 | Wisconsin | $46,010 |
| 8 | Oregon | $48,020 |
| 9 | Massachusetts | $55,700 |
| 10 | Texas | $39,000 |
| 11 | Ohio | $41,000 |
| 12 | Nebraska | $39,960 |
| 13 | Michigan | $35,740 |
| 14 | Alaska | $56,630 |
| 15 | New Jersey | $48,960 |
| 16 | Iowa | $34,380 |
| 17 | Delaware | $41,030 |
| 18 | Colorado | $38,570 |
| 19 | Missouri | $37,130 |
| 20 | Tennessee | $37,120 |
| 21 | Indiana | $37,530 |
| 22 | Utah | $36,240 |
| 23 | Montana | $37,260 |
| 24 | Wyoming | $36,160 |
| 25 | Nevada | $37,130 |
| 26 | West Virginia | $34,610 |
| 27 | Kentucky | $33,910 |
| 28 | California | $49,560 |
| 29 | Connecticut | $47,270 |
| 30 | Maryland | $43,560 |
| 31 | Mississippi | $31,070 |
| 32 | Florida | $33,320 |
| 33 | Pennsylvania | $36,550 |
| 34 | Louisiana | $35,310 |
| 35 | North Dakota | $36,840 |
| 36 | Maine | $39,010 |
| 37 | Arkansas | $30,840 |
| 38 | Alabama | $30,510 |
| 39 | South Dakota | $34,230 |
| 40 | Idaho | $30,890 |
| 41 | Hawaii | $44,050 |
| 42 | North Carolina | $31,270 |
| 43 | New Mexico | $29,730 |
| 44 | Kansas | $31,330 |
| 45 | Rhode Island | $37,750 |
| 46 | Oklahoma | $28,300 |
| 47 | Georgia | $28,780 |
| 48 | New Hampshire | $38,960 |
| 49 | South Carolina | $32,740 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
