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Bus operator salary
Average bus operator salary
$37,374
Understanding Bus Operator Salaries
As of October 2025, the average salary for a bus operator stands at $37,374 annually, translating to about $18 per hour. Salary varies significantly based on several factors, including geographical location, years of experience, and the specific industry in which one works.
Factors Influencing Salary
In metropolitan areas, bus operators tend to earn more due to higher living costs and demand for public transportation. For instance, bus operators in states like California and New York often see higher salaries compared to those in rural areas. Additionally, factors such as union representation and employer size can also impact wages.
Career Advancement Opportunities
To maximize earning potential, bus operators can pursue additional training or certifications, leading to higher-paying positions within the industry. Understanding the salary trends and opportunities available can help individuals make informed career decisions, ensuring they align their skills and aspirations with the evolving job market.
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Where can a Bus Operator earn more?
Bus operator salary estimates from across the web
Average bus operator salary by state
The average bus operator salary in Washington, New Jersey, and Oregon are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average bus operator salary states are South Carolina, Missouri, and North Carolina.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for bus operators
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | $42,708 | $20.53 |
| 2 | Oregon | $42,793 | $20.57 |
| 3 | New Jersey | $43,593 | $20.96 |
| 4 | Connecticut | $42,474 | $20.42 |
| 5 | Nevada | $41,377 | $19.89 |
| 6 | Washington | $44,381 | $21.34 |
| 7 | Alaska | $40,672 | $19.55 |
| 8 | Massachusetts | $40,357 | $19.40 |
| 9 | North Dakota | $40,380 | $19.41 |
| 10 | Montana | $39,155 | $18.82 |
| 11 | Vermont | $40,057 | $19.26 |
| 12 | Tennessee | $40,384 | $19.42 |
| 13 | Idaho | $38,859 | $18.68 |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | $37,382 | $17.97 |
| 15 | Maine | $39,562 | $19.02 |
| 16 | Georgia | $40,017 | $19.24 |
| 17 | Kansas | $37,492 | $18.02 |
| 18 | New York | $40,247 | $19.35 |
| 19 | Kentucky | $37,602 | $18.08 |
| 20 | Colorado | $39,987 | $19.22 |
| 21 | Indiana | $37,204 | $17.89 |
| 22 | Maryland | $38,248 | $18.39 |
| 23 | Rhode Island | $36,533 | $17.56 |
| 24 | South Dakota | $38,405 | $18.46 |
| 25 | District of Columbia | $38,572 | $18.54 |
| 26 | West Virginia | $38,108 | $18.32 |
| 27 | Ohio | $36,369 | $17.49 |
| 28 | Minnesota | $37,459 | $18.01 |
| 29 | Wisconsin | $36,843 | $17.71 |
| 30 | Texas | $37,550 | $18.05 |
| 31 | Hawaii | $37,712 | $18.13 |
| 32 | Louisiana | $36,545 | $17.57 |
| 33 | California | $38,847 | $18.68 |
| 34 | Iowa | $35,705 | $17.17 |
| 35 | Illinois | $36,430 | $17.51 |
| 36 | Arizona | $35,870 | $17.25 |
| 37 | Utah | $36,726 | $17.66 |
| 38 | Michigan | $35,063 | $16.86 |
| 39 | Oklahoma | $36,276 | $17.44 |
| 40 | Mississippi | $34,886 | $16.77 |
| 41 | Missouri | $34,278 | $16.48 |
| 42 | Nebraska | $35,972 | $17.29 |
| 43 | Arkansas | $34,833 | $16.75 |
| 44 | Alabama | $35,079 | $16.86 |
| 45 | South Carolina | $34,654 | $16.66 |
| 46 | Wyoming | $32,972 | $15.85 |
| 47 | Delaware | $35,069 | $16.86 |
| 48 | North Carolina | $33,821 | $16.26 |
| 49 | Virginia | $35,064 | $16.86 |
| 50 | Florida | $33,083 | $15.91 |
| 51 | New Mexico | $32,636 | $15.69 |
Highest paying cities for bus operators
The highest-paying cities for bus operators are Newark, NJ, Portland, OR, and Stamford, CT.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newark, NJ | $43,738 | $21.03 |
| 2 | Portland, OR | $42,844 | $20.60 |
| 3 | Stamford, CT | $42,319 | $20.35 |
| 4 | Anchorage, AK | $40,727 | $19.58 |
| 5 | Greeley, CO | $40,121 | $19.29 |
| 6 | Columbus, GA | $40,021 | $19.24 |
| 7 | Santa Rosa, CA | $39,336 | $18.91 |
| 8 | Washington, DC | $38,611 | $18.56 |
| 9 | Baltimore, MD | $38,316 | $18.42 |
| 10 | Austin, TX | $37,598 | $18.08 |
| 11 | Saint Cloud, MN | $37,587 | $18.07 |
| 12 | Lawrence, KS | $37,526 | $18.04 |
| 13 | Lafayette, IN | $37,223 | $17.90 |
| 14 | Salt Lake City, UT | $36,748 | $17.67 |
| 15 | Pittsburgh, PA | $36,585 | $17.59 |
| 16 | Chicago, IL | $36,461 | $17.53 |
| 17 | Columbus, OH | $36,119 | $17.36 |
| 18 | Phoenix, AZ | $35,892 | $17.26 |
| 19 | Newark, DE | $35,083 | $16.87 |
| 20 | Fayetteville, AR | $34,939 | $16.80 |
Bus operator salary details
A bus operator's salary ranges from $30,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $46,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a bus operator's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $46,000 | $3,833 | $22 |
| 75th Percentile | $41,000 | $3,417 | $20 |
| Average | $37,374 | $3,115 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,000 | $2,750 | $16 |
| 10th Percentile | $30,000 | $2,500 | $14 |
Highest paying bus operator jobs
The highest paying types of bus operators are interstate bus driver, coach operator, and motor coach operator.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Driver | $36,195 | $3,016 | $17.40 | 362,919 |
| School Bus Driver | $37,607 | $3,134 | $18.08 | 112,230 |
| Bus Driver | $36,879 | $3,073 | $17.73 | 359,229 |
| Operator | $37,928 | $3,161 | $18.23 | 159,077 |
Which companies pay bus operators the most?
Bus operator salaries at Microsoft and City Utilities of Springfield are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average bus operator salary at companies like Northrop Grumman and University of California, Berkeley are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Microsoft | $118,444 | $56.94 |
| 2 | City Utilities of Springfield | $48,426 | $23.28 |
| 3 | Northrop Grumman | $47,516 | $22.84 |
| 4 | University of California-Berkeley | $47,369 | $22.77 |
| 5 | University of California | $45,808 | $22.02 |
| 6 | UC Santa Barbara | $44,058 | $21.18 |
| 7 | Rapid International | $41,240 | $19.83 |
| 8 | Mayor Ethan Berkowitz | $41,099 | $19.76 |
| 9 | George Mc Parland Elementary | $40,368 | $19.41 |
| 10 | Hillsborough Transit Authority | $39,920 | $19.19 |
| 11 | San Diego Transit Corporation | $39,920 | $19.19 |
| 12 | REEF Technology | $39,920 | $19.19 |
| 13 | Parking Company Of America | $39,862 | $19.16 |
| 14 | Solid Ground | $39,815 | $19.14 |
| 15 | GoTriangle | $39,460 | $18.97 |
| 16 | Tulsa Transit | $39,406 | $18.95 |
| 17 | CityBus | $39,337 | $18.91 |
| 18 | Imperial Parking | $39,238 | $18.86 |
| 19 | Reef | $39,216 | $18.85 |
| 20 | Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County | $39,038 | $18.77 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Bus Operator salary by industry
The average bus operator salary varies across industries:
- The average bus operator salary in the education industry is $40,248, the highest of any industry.
- The average bus operator salary in the finance industry is $39,250.
- Bus operators in the transportation industry earn an average salary of $37,718, the lowest of any industry.
Highest paying industries for bus operators
| Rank | Industry | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Education | $40,248 | $19.35 |
| 2 | Manufacturing | $39,250 | $18.87 |
| 3 | Government | $38,247 | $18.39 |
| 4 | Transportation | $37,718 | $18.13 |
High paying bus operator jobs
Bus operator salary trends
The average bus operator salary has risen by $8,360 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average bus operator earned $29,014 annually, but today, they earn $37,374 a year. That works out to a 16% change in pay for bus operators over the last decade.
Compare bus operator salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average bus operator salary over time
Compare bus operator salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Bus operator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,400 | $17.97 | +5.0% |
| 2024 | $35,500 | $17.06 | +3.7% |
| 2023 | $34,200 | $16.43 | +3.1% |
| 2022 | $33,100 | $15.92 | +2.4% |
| 2021 | $32,300 | $15.54 | +3.8% |
Recently added bus operator salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | Hourly Bus Operator (Current and Anticipated Future Openings) | Fayetteville, NC | 06/30/2025 | $41,740 |
| West Virginia Department of Education | Bus Operator | Grantsville, WV | 06/30/2025 | $52,175 |
| Transdev Services, Inc. | Bus Operator-Fairfax Connector | Herndon, VA | 06/29/2025 | $50,151 |
| Indian Trails | Motorcoach-Bus Operator | Owosso, MI | 06/28/2025 | $37,566 |
| Transdev Services, Inc. | Bus Operator | Boynton Beach, FL | 06/27/2025 | $35,479 |
| Brunswick City School District | Bus Operator | Enon, OH | 06/27/2025 | $41,531 |
| Cta | Bus Operator | Chicago, IL | 06/27/2025 | $56,599 |
| Medelite Group, LLC | Shuttle-Bus Operator | Hollywood, FL | 06/27/2025 | $31,305 |
| Transdev Services, Inc. | Bus Operator | Arcadia, CA | 06/26/2025 | $48,001 |
| Transdev Services, Inc. | Bus Operator | Philadelphia, PA | 06/26/2025 | $40,383 |
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