Bus Drivers (Transit and Intercity)
O*NET title: Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
Drive bus or motor coach, including regular route operations, charters, and private carriage. May assist passengers with baggage. May collect fares or tickets.
Also called: Bus Driver, Bus Operator, CDL Bus Driver (Commercial Driver's License Bus Driver), Charter Bus Driver, Charter Coach Driver, Charter Driver
Median pay
$59,050
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$40,030 – $84,700
People employed
159,240
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.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 2.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 3.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
The hard parts
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Tight deadlines are common
Bus Drivers (Transit and Intercity) pay by state
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What bus drivers (transit and intercity) do
- 01Drive vehicles over specified routes or to specified destinations according to time schedules, complying with traffic regulations to ensure that passengers have a smooth and safe ride.
- 02Park vehicles at loading areas so that passengers can board.
- 03Inspect vehicles and check gas, oil, and water levels prior to departure.
- 04Announce stops to passengers.
- 05Assist passengers, such as elderly or individuals with disabilities, on and off bus, ensure they are seated properly, help carry baggage, and answer questions about bus schedules or routes.
- 06Collect tickets or cash fares from passengers.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Transportation
- Customer and Personal Service
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Law and Government
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Cooperation
- Self-Control
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 certification can help.
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 (transit and intercity)
- Subway and Streetcar Operators93% · +46%
- Locomotive Engineers80% · +38%
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers79% · +17%
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters78% · +32%
- Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers74% · +3%
Change into bus drivers (transit and intercity)
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Parking Attendants85% · $35,150
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops81% · $37,080
- Passenger Attendants80% · $37,720
- Subway and Streetcar Operators80% · $86,380
- Couriers and Messengers78% · $39,200
Majors that lead here
- Truck and Bus Driver/Commercial Vehicle Operator and Instructor
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.