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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a City Bus Driver in North Carolina is $48,401 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
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 | $52,301 | $4,358 | $1,006 | $25 |
| Average | $48,401 | $4,033 | $931 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,501 | $3,625 | $837 | $21 |
Pitt County Schools - Greenville, NC
Jackson County Schools - Cashiers, NC
Person County School District - Roxboro, NC
East Coast Migrant Head Start Project - Fountain, NC
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 | $48,345 |
| Chauffeur I | 0-1 years | $34,182 |
| Chauffeur II | 1-3 years | $40,147 |
| Chauffeur III | 3-5 years | $60,986 |
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 $54,182. While startup companies pay approximate $45,837.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $45,837 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $48,478 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $52,322 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $54,182 |
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 | $61,953 | $30.0 | 28% |
| Internet | $60,501 | $29.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $55,661 | $27.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $54,209 | $26.0 | 12% |
| Insurance | $53,241 | $26.0 | 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 | $52,301 | $4,358 | $1,006 | $25 |
| Average | $48,401 | $4,033 | $931 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,501 | $3,625 | $837 | $21 |
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 | $38,300 | -21% |
| Chauffeur I | $34,190 | -29% |
| Auto Delivery Driver | $41,100 | -15% |
| School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) | $37,300 | -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.
Avery County School District
Newland, NC
Avery County School District | Newland, NC
GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOBUnder general supervision, operates a school bus on assigned route(s) and schedule to provide safe and efficient transportation so ... more
2 Days Ago
Buncombe County Public Schools
Arden, NC
Buncombe County Public Schools | Arden, NC
Position Type:Transportation/Bus DriverDate Posted:3/12/2026Location:Avery s Creek Elementary SchoolDate Available:03/19/2026Closing Date:04/12/2026Hours p... more
2 Days Ago
Classical Charter Schools of America
Whiteville, NC
Classical Charter Schools of America | Whiteville, NC
Job Description - Fulfillment of MissionThe Roger Bacon Academy is an education management organization that manages multiple award-winning public charter ... more
2 Days Ago
City of Concord
Concord, NC
City of Concord | Concord, NC
The purpose of this position is to transport participants to and from specified designations and to ensure their safety while on the bus and throughout the... more
2 Days Ago
East Coast Migrant Head Start Project
Faison, NC
East Coast Migrant Head Start Project | Faison, NC
$3,000 SIGN ON BONUSAbout the Role:We are seeking responsible Bus Drivers to join our team in Faison, NC.Minimum Qualifications:High School Diploma or Gene... more
2 Days Ago
Cleveland County Schools
Shelby, NC
Cleveland County Schools | Shelby, NC
Classified - Position - Bus DriverJob Number 4600314645Start DateOpen DateClosing DateBus DriverMust have or be willing and able to obtain a NC school bus ... more
2 Days Ago
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