Bus Drivers (School)
O*NET title: Bus Drivers, School
Drive a school bus to transport students. Ensure adherence to safety rules. May assist students in boarding or exiting.
Also called: Bus Drive Coordinator, Bus Driver Route Coordinator, Campus Driver, CDL Bus Driver (Commercial Driver's License Bus Driver), CDL School Bus Driver (Commercial Driver's License School Bus Driver), Public School Bus Driver
Median pay
$47,920
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$29,240 – $65,730
People employed
402,930
Holland code
RCS
Realistic · Conventional · Social
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 2.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 3.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 4.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Bus Drivers (School) pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What bus drivers (school) do
- 01Comply with traffic regulations to operate vehicles in a safe and courteous manner.
- 02Follow safety rules as students board and exit buses or cross streets near bus stops.
- 03Check the condition of a vehicle's tires, brakes, windshield wipers, lights, oil, fuel, water, and safety equipment to ensure that everything is in working order.
- 04Report any bus malfunctions or needed repairs.
- 05Pick up and drop off students at regularly scheduled neighborhood locations, following strict time schedules.
- 06Escort small children across roads and highways.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
Knowledge
- Transportation
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Mechanical
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from bus drivers (school)
- Subway and Streetcar Operators89% · +80%
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters78% · +63%
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers76% · +44%
- Passenger Attendants75% · −21%
- School Bus Monitors74% · −27%
Change into bus drivers (school)
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- School Bus Monitors84% · $35,100
- Passenger Attendants77% · $37,720
- Couriers and Messengers75% · $39,200
- Orderlies74% · $38,290
- Parking Attendants73% · $35,150
Majors that lead here
- Truck and Bus Driver/Commercial Vehicle Operator and Instructor
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.