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Public Transport Driver Salary in the United States

How much does a Public Transport Driver make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Public Transport Driver in the United States is $50,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.

However, a Public Transport Driver's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $58,733
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $45,700 to $55,000
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $40,966
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Public Transport Driver Salaries

A Public Transport Driver's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Public Transport Driver Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Public Transport Drivers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $56,400.
  • California: $56,200.
  • Massachusetts: $55,400.

Top Paying Cities for Public Transport Drivers

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:

  • San Jose: $64,200
  • San Francisco: $63,500
  • Oakland: $62,200

What Skills Can Increase a Public Transport Driver's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 19.59% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Logistics (Mentioned in 3.14% Job Postings): In a general business sense, logistics is the management of the flow of things between the point of origin and the point of consumption to meet the requirements of customers or corporations.
  • Waste Management (Mentioned in 1.62% Job Postings): The collection, transportation, handling, and disposal process of dealing with removal of human waste.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 19.59%
Logistics 3.14%
Waste Management 1.62%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Public Transport Driver's salary.

  • Products and Services: Can increase your salary by up to 19%.
  • Waste Management: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
  • Container: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Products and Services $60,571
19%
Waste Management $60,062
18%
Container $58,026
14%
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Public Transport Driver Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Public Transport Driver salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $56,883. While startup companies pay approximate $48,117.

Public Transport Driver Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $48,117
Growth Stage 51~500 $50,889
Established 501~5000 $54,928
Enterprise 5000+ $56,883

Public Transport Driver Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Public Transport 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, Public Transport Driver positions in Financial Services or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Public Transport Driver as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Public Transport Driver

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$65,152$31.028%
Internet$63,625$31.025%
Energy & Utilities$58,535$28.015%
Aerospace & Defense$57,008$27.012%
Insurance$55,990$27.010%

Public Transport Driver Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Public Transport 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.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$45,700
Average $50,900/year
$55,000
$3,808
Average $4,242/month
$4,583
$879
Average $979/week
$1,058
$22
Average $24/hour
$26
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $55,000 $4,583 $1,058 $26
Average $50,900 $4,242 $979 $24
25th Percentile $45,700 $3,808 $879 $22

Public Transport Driver Salary Growth & Career Path

Public Transport Driver

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Public Transport 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 $40,300 -21%
Chauffeur I $35,970 -29%
Auto Delivery Driver $49,100 -4%
School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) $39,200 -23%

Most common benefits for Public Transport Driver

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Public Transport Driver

Here are companies hiring for Public Transport Driver and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Public Transport Driver

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Public Transport Driver?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Public Transport Driver roles, with salaries approximately 28% above the market median.

2. How much do transport truck drivers make in the US?

Transport truck drivers in the US typically earn between $39,600 and $51,600 annually, with a mid-salary of around $45,600. This reflects a competitive wage in the industry, providing a solid income for those in this profession. Salary data is based on various sources and reflects current market trends.

3. Are bus drivers underpaid?

Bus drivers often face challenges related to compensation. With a minimum salary of $39,600, a mid-range salary of $45,600, and a maximum of $51,600, many argue that this pay does not reflect the demands of the job. The disparity in earnings compared to other professions contributes to ongoing driver shortages and dissatisfaction within the industry.

4. What is the highest pay bus driver?

The highest pay for a public transport driver typically ranges from $39,600 to $51,600 annually, with a mid-salary of $45,600. While specific city salaries vary, these figures provide a general benchmark for earnings in this profession across the United States.

5. Can bus drivers make 100k a year?

No, bus drivers cannot make $100,000 a year. The salary range for public transport drivers is between $39,600 and $51,600 annually, with a mid-salary of $45,600. Even in higher-paid positions, earnings do not typically exceed this range.

6. How much do taxi drivers make in the US?

Taxi drivers in the US earn between $39,600 and $51,600 annually, with a median salary of $45,600. Entry-level positions typically start at $39,600, while experienced drivers can earn up to $51,600 per year. This reflects a more accurate range for taxi driver salaries compared to previous estimates.

7. What is the highest paying job?

The highest paying job varies by field, but for public transport drivers, salaries range from a minimum of $39,600 to a maximum of $51,600, with a mid-salary of $45,600. While this may not compare to top-tier professions like anesthesiologists or orthodontists, it offers a stable income within the transportation sector.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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