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Bus driver vs driver

The differences between bus drivers and drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a bus driver has an average salary of $36,879, which is higher than the $34,771 average annual salary of a driver.

The top three skills for a bus driver include CDL, DOT and customer service. The most important skills for a driver are math, basic math, and CDL.

Bus driver vs driver overview

Bus DriverDriver
Yearly salary$36,879$34,771
Hourly rate$17.73$16.72
Growth rate5%11%
Number of jobs359,2291,017,998
Job satisfaction4.54.33
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%High School Diploma, 43%
Average age5848
Years of experience--

What does a bus driver do?

Bus drivers are mainly responsible for safely transporting passengers to their destinations. Bus drivers must be attentive and highly focused to monitor road situations at all times, avoiding any cause of accidents. A bus driver must also ensure to follow all safety policies and procedures during the travel. Bus drivers should also be knowledgeable in monitoring the engine's condition, spot any unusual signals and inconsistencies of the vehicle system that might compromise everyone's safety and comfortability.

What does a driver do?

Drivers are responsible for safely transporting people, packages, or goods from one destination to another. They should be familiar with the different routes that may be taken to reach the desired goal. They should be expert navigators and may use navigation apps to help them along the way. They should also be familiar with the basic mechanics of the vehicle they are using and the proper maintenance and cleaning needed to ensure that the car is running well. Drivers are expected to have excellent customer relation skills, a strong sense of direction, and superb organizations.

Bus driver vs driver salary

Bus drivers and drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Bus DriverDriver
Average salary$36,879$34,771
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $45,000Between $22,000 And $53,000
Highest paying CityNashua, NHBoston, MA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsVermont
Best paying companyPreston High SchoolAir Liquide
Best paying industryEducationManufacturing

Differences between bus driver and driver education

There are a few differences between a bus driver and a driver in terms of educational background:

Bus DriverDriver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%High School Diploma, 43%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Bus driver vs driver demographics

Here are the differences between bus drivers' and drivers' demographics:

Bus DriverDriver
Average age5848
Gender ratioMale, 51.1% Female, 48.9%Male, 83.0% Female, 17.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 2.7% White, 67.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 12.7% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% Asian, 3.5% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage9%4%

Differences between bus driver and driver duties and responsibilities

Bus driver example responsibilities.

  • Demonstrate knowledge of designate routes in metro area.
  • Provide transportation for city of buffalo residents by driving metro city bus.
  • Work as the employee trainer for CDL's as well as performed orientation for all new employees.
  • Drive on narrow streets, in high traffic areas, around trolleys, and heavy pedestrian areas.
  • Operate a bus carrying passengers in accordance with the rules and regulation of the MTA bus company.
  • Help riders with wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, and other conditions board and exit the bus safely.
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Driver example responsibilities.

  • Haul asphalt, gravel, dirt, etc.
  • Maintain accurate logs and comply with all FMCSA regulations.
  • Deliver sand, rock, and asphalt across eastern NC.
  • Provide safe and timely transportation for students, utilizing CDL license and attendant endorsements.
  • Reduce carrier and customer risk by remaining proficiently knowledgeable of FMCSA rules and regulations.
  • Air brakes endorsement but willing and able to get others including tanker, HazMat, and passenger.
  • Show more

Bus driver vs driver skills

Common bus driver skills
  • CDL, 26%
  • DOT, 9%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Safety Rules, 8%
  • CPR, 6%
  • Passenger Endorsement, 6%
Common driver skills
  • Math, 14%
  • Basic Math, 14%
  • CDL, 10%
  • Safety Rules, 10%
  • Cleanliness, 10%
  • Customer Orders, 7%

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