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What is a shuttle driver and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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A shuttle driver transports passengers from one location to another, typically within a specific area such as a hotel or airport. They operate vehicles such as vans or buses and follow set routes or schedules. Shuttle drivers must have a valid driver's license, a good driving record, and excellent customer service skills. They also need to be knowledgeable about the local area and able to provide directions and recommendations to passengers.

ScoreShuttle DriverUS Average
Salary
2.8

Avg. Salary $35,367

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.4

Growth rate 20%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.70%

Asian 9.26%

Black or African American 8.39%

Hispanic or Latino 23.94%

Unknown 4.90%

White 52.80%

Gender

female 23.24%

male 76.76%

Age - 48
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 48
Stress level
6.4

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
5.3

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.7

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a shuttle driver?

Pros

  • Ability to work independently

  • No formal education is required

  • Opportunity to explore the city while on the job

  • Steady source of income

  • Employer-provided vehicle

Cons

  • Unpredictable and potentially dangerous driving conditions

  • Long hours spent sitting in a vehicle

  • Potential for dealing with difficult or rude passengers

  • Risk of accidents or damage to the shuttle vehicle

  • Requires a clean driving record and potentially a commercial driver's license

Shuttle driver career paths

Key steps to become a shuttle driver

  1. Explore shuttle driver education requirements

    Most common shuttle driver degrees

    High School Diploma

    37.8 %

    Bachelor's

    24.2 %

    Associate

    18.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific shuttle driver skills

    SkillsPercentages
    CDL28.78%
    DOT15.02%
    Tractor Trailer12.41%
    Cleanliness4.84%
    Vehicle Inspections4.11%
  3. Complete relevant shuttle driver training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New shuttle drivers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a shuttle driver based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real shuttle driver resumes.
  4. Gain additional shuttle driver certifications

    Shuttle driver certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific shuttle driver certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for shuttle drivers include Commercial Driver License (CDL) and OSHA Safety Certificate .

    More About Certifications
  5. Research shuttle driver duties and responsibilities

    • Deliver the morning newspapers to each occupy guest room.
    • Used GPS software for locating customers to be pick up.
    • Be aware of VIP and repeat guests; greet them by name whenever possible.
    • Shuttle new cars for parking to airport for pickup, and return cars to lot to be clean.
  6. Prepare your shuttle driver resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your shuttle driver resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a shuttle driver resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable shuttle driver resume templates

    Build a professional shuttle driver resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your shuttle driver resume.
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  7. Apply for shuttle driver jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a shuttle driver job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first shuttle driver job

Zippi

Are you a shuttle driver?

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Average shuttle driver salary

The average shuttle driver salary in the United States is $35,367 per year or $17 per hour. Shuttle driver salaries range between $22,000 and $54,000 per year.

Average shuttle driver salary
$35,367 Yearly
$17.00 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do shuttle drivers rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Shuttle driver reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2023
Pros

Flexible hours, you can kind of control your income, even travel to high demand areas (while traveling) to make bigger money. It’s just nice to be able to go almost anywhere and have an opportunity to make money.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2022
Cons

The road rage drivers: people lose their empathy when driving. They become aggressive and angry by the slightest event on the road. Hence, taking the fun out of driving. However, driving is still relaxing and fun.


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A zippia user wrote a review on May 2020
Cons

You can make enough money to support your family but you will not be a very big part of that family. Not family oriented, always gone. Missing out on your family's life.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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