Bus Drivers
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$48,370
~$23/hr · ~$4,031/mo
US Jobs
546K
Slower than average
AI & Automation Risk
4/10
Low Risk
AI & Automation Risk
Low Risk 4/10
While autonomous driving technology is a direct long-term threat to the core task of vehicle operation, the role involves significant physical and interpersonal responsibilities that AI cannot yet replicate. School bus drivers must manage student behavior and safety, while transit and charter drivers assist passengers with disabilities and handle physical luggage, creating a substantial barrier to full automation in the near term.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus, OHBEST VALUE | $72,480 | Below avg (94.6) | $76,593 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $77,130 | Above avg (103.2) | $74,750 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $78,220 | Above avg (106.7) | $73,299 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $81,400 | Above avg (112.7) | $72,207 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | $65,160 | Below avg (90.7) | $71,838 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $80,870 | Above avg (112.8) | $71,710 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | $70,700 | Average (98.9) | $71,483 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $65,780 | Below avg (92.4) | $71,208 |
| Joplin, MO-KS | $59,740 | Below avg (85.2) | $70,126 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $69,990 | Average (102.5) | $68,292 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $63,340 | Below avg (93.2) | $67,959 |
| Peoria, IL | $60,300 | Below avg (88.8) | $67,879 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $60,380 | Below avg (89.2) | $67,719 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $79,440 | Above avg (117.6) | $67,579 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $63,820 | Below avg (97.0) | $65,811 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
10-Year Growth
+1% (Slower than average)
Hourly Rate
~$23/hr
Monthly Income
~$4,031/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)