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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a City Bus Driver in Illinois is $51,901 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, a City Bus Driver's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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City Bus Driver Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $56,101 | $4,675 | $1,079 | $27 |
| Average | $51,901 | $4,325 | $998 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,601 | $3,883 | $896 | $22 |
O'Reilly Auto Parts - Naperville, IL
Confidential - South Holland, IL
Signal Energy Constructors - Murphysboro, IL
Fieldcrest Community School District 6 - Minonk, IL
A City Bus Driver's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a City Bus Driver's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| City Bus Driver | 0-0 years | $51,855 |
| Chauffeur I | 0-1 years | $36,664 |
| Chauffeur II | 1-3 years | $43,062 |
| Chauffeur III | 3-5 years | $65,414 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract City Bus Drivers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
City Bus Driver salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $58,100. While startup companies pay approximate $49,151.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $49,151 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $51,983 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $56,106 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $58,100 |
For City Bus Driver roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 48% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 28% above the average. In contrast, City Bus Driver positions in Financial Services or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view City Bus Driver as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $66,433 | $32.0 | 28% |
| Internet | $64,876 | $31.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $59,686 | $29.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $58,129 | $28.0 | 12% |
| Insurance | $57,091 | $27.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a City Bus Driver's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $56,101 | $4,675 | $1,079 | $27 |
| Average | $51,901 | $4,325 | $998 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,601 | $3,883 | $896 | $22 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a City Bus Driver, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Driver | $41,000 | -21% |
| Chauffeur I | $36,670 | -29% |
| Auto Delivery Driver | $44,100 | -15% |
| School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) | $40,000 | -23% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current City Bus Driver job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Rockford Public School District #205
Rockford, IL
Rockford Public School District #205 | Rockford, IL
Position Type:Transportation/Bus DriverDate Posted:3/14/2025Location:Sterling Holley Center - Transportation ROCKFORD BOARD OF EDUCATIONROCKFORD PUBLIC SCH... more
2 Days Ago
Centralia City Schools District 135
Centralia, IL
Centralia City Schools District 135 | Centralia, IL
Centralia City Schools District No. 135 is looking for capable bus drivers for the current school year. Those applying must be 21 years of age or older and... more
2 Days Ago
Lake County Schools Consortium
Round Lake, IL
Lake County Schools Consortium | Round Lake, IL
JOB DESCRIPTIONJob TitleSchool Bus TrainerDepartmentOperations-TransportationBargain Unit ClassificationBargaining Unit-EARLReports ToDirector of Transport... more
2 Days Ago
Zion-Benton Township High School District 126
Zion, IL
Zion-Benton Township High School District 126 | Zion, IL
Position Type:Transportation/Bus DriverDate Posted:11/19/2025Location:Zion-Benton Township District 126Date Available:ASAPClosing Date:Until FilledPosition... more
2 Days Ago
YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
Chicago, IL
YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago | Chicago, IL
As a Bus Driver, you will transport children and/or adults for various programs and trips for the YMCA. Provides supervision and direction to children and/... more
2 Days Ago
Lockport Township High School District 205
Lockport, IL
Lockport Township High School District 205 | Lockport, IL
Position Type:Transportation/Bus DriverDate Posted:2/10/2026Location:Transportation DepartmentDate Available:Immediate NeedClosing Date:Until filledLockpor... more
2 Days Ago
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