Coach operator vs transit driver

The differences between coach operators and transit drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a coach operator has an average salary of $44,612, which is higher than the $36,195 average annual salary of a transit driver.

The top three skills for a coach operator include transport passengers, safety rules and customer service. The most important skills for a transit driver are reliable transportation, CDL, and defensive driving.

Coach operator vs transit driver overview

	Coach Operator	Transit Driver
Yearly salary	$44,612	$36,195
Hourly rate	$21.45	$17.40
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	43,963	362,919
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 31%	High School Diploma, 33%
Average age	55	55
Years of experience	-	-

Coach operator vs transit driver salary

Coach operators and transit drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Coach Operator	Transit Driver
Average salary	$44,612	$36,195
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $69,000	Between $27,000 And $47,000
Highest paying City	Hayward, CA	West Haven, CT
Highest paying state	New Jersey	New Jersey
Best paying company	Bank of America	Keurig Dr Pepper
Best paying industry	Technology	Transportation

Differences between coach operator and transit driver education

There are a few differences between a coach operator and a transit driver in terms of educational background:

	Coach Operator	Transit Driver
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 31%	High School Diploma, 33%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Coach operator vs transit driver demographics

Here are the differences between coach operators' and transit drivers' demographics:

	Coach Operator	Transit Driver
Average age	55	55
Gender ratio	Male, 63.8% Female, 36.2%	Male, 59.3% Female, 40.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 25.1% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 4.9% White, 47.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%	Black or African American, 25.1% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 4.9% White, 47.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between coach operator and transit driver duties and responsibilities

Coach operator example responsibilities.

Train newly hire drivers to obtain CDL for public transit system.
Used GPS navigation skills to make sure customer are on time for press schedules and events.
Operate wheelchair lift, and providing assistance to passengers with wheelchairs or scooters by properly securing them.
Secure and transport disabled passengers with various styles of wheelchairs, scooters, walkers and carts according to U.S. ADA standards.
Familiarize with company PPE policies and operating procedures.
Shift safety auditor- safety audits, incident investigations, PPE verification

Transit driver example responsibilities.

Accomplish CDL license with endorsement in doubles/triples.
Obtain full first aid and CPR training.
Well verse with first aid and CPR techniques.
Train new drivers on routes and for require testing for CDL.
Inform and train clients with GPS protocol and designate pick up and drop off points.
Respond to medical emergencies include administering first-aid and relay requests for services and transportation of patients to medical emergencies or appointments.

Coach operator vs transit driver skills

Common coach operator skills

Transport Passengers, 31%
Safety Rules, 15%
Customer Service, 8%
Incident Reports, 7%
CDL, 7%
DOT, 5%

Common transit driver skills

Reliable Transportation, 20%
CDL, 15%
Defensive Driving, 12%
Passenger Endorsement, 5%
Safety Standards, 5%
CPR, 3%

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Transportation Industry
Coach Operator
Coach Operator vs Transit Driver

Updated January 8, 2025

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