School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) Salary in the United States

How much does a School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) in the United States is $39,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.

However, a School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P)'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $46,651
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $36,200 to $43,100
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $33,469
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View as table View as graph 25% $36,200 10% $33,469 90% $46,651 75% $43,100 $39,200 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $43,100 $3,592 $829 $21
Average $39,200 $3,267 $754 $19
25th Percentile $36,200 $3,017 $696 $17
Check out School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) Job Openings in the United States
Columbus School Bus Driver

Universal Transportation Systems - Columbus, OH

Columbus School Bus Driver

Universal Transportation Systs - Columbus, OH

School Bus Driver

First Student - Columbus, OH

Knight CDL Academy Class CDL School

Knight Transportation - Columbus, OH

Search More School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) Jobs in the United States

Key Factors That Influence School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) Salaries

A School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P)'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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P)'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $38,663
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $39,200
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $40,481
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $40,655
  • Expert (over 8 years): $40,946
Levels Salary
Entry Level School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P)$38,663
Intermediate Level School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P)$39,200
Senior Level School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P)$40,481
Specialist Level School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P)$40,655
Expert Level School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P)$40,946
$38,663 0 yr
$39,200 < 2 yrs
$40,481 2-4 yrs
$40,655 5-8 yrs
$40,946 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P)s

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: $49,500
  • San Francisco: $48,900
  • Oakland: $47,900

What Skills Can Increase a School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P)'s Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 13.93% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Service Quality (Mentioned in 2.6% Job Postings): Service quality is a measure of how an organization delivers its services compared to the expectations of its customers.
  • Beacon (Mentioned in 1.52% Job Postings): A beacon sets an organization's vision and direction through an understanding of the contextual landscape. The "leader as coach" inspires and motivates teams to deliver on that vision or mission. The "leader as innovator" explores new potential services or avenues of growth.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 13.93%
Service Quality 2.6%
Beacon 1.52%
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 School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P)'s salary.
  • Special Education: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Teamwork: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Service Quality: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Special Education
$42,336
8%
Teamwork
$41,552
6%
Service Quality
$41,160
5%
Interviewing
$40,768
4%
Safety Inspections
$40,768
4%
Verbal Communication
$40,376
3%
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School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $42,137. While startup companies pay approximate $35,807.

School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$35,807
Growth Stage51~500$37,823
Established501~5000$40,737
Enterprise5000+$42,137

School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) positions in Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P)

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$43,120$21.010%

How Education impacts a School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P)'s Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P)s enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) with a No Diploma is between $33,619 and $37,927).

School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P)
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 8.0%
High School 66.7%
Associates 12.3%
Bachelors 12.3%
Masters 0.7%
Doctorate 0.0%
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School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P)'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 August 01, 2026

School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P), 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.

School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Resident Driver $40,300 3%
Chauffeur II $42,300 8%
Auto Delivery Driver $43,300 10%
Van Driver II $41,200 5%

Salaries of jobs related to School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P)

Salary Trends for School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P)

Salaries for a School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $44,693 in 2023 to around $43,134 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$44,693
2024
$43,835
2025
$43,134
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $44,693
2024 $43,835
2025 $43,134
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P)

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P)

Here are companies hiring for School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
  • Knight Transportation

    Columbus, OH

    Knight Transportation | Columbus, OH

    DescriptionAre you looking to get your CDL Class A and enter the world of trucking. The Knight CDL Academy is the CDL School for you. With small class size... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Knight Transportation

    Columbus, OH

    Knight Transportation | Columbus, OH

    Knight CDL Academy. Are you looking to get your CDL Class A and enter the world of trucking. The Knight CDL Academy is the CDL School for you. With small c... more

    8 Days Ago

  • SRS Distribution

    Columbus, OH

    SRS Distribution | Columbus, OH

    CDL Driver. The CDL Driver at SRS ensures safe, timely delivery of building materials to job sites, verifies inventory, follows safety protocols, and maint... more

    6 Days Ago

  • H&amp;H Recruiting

    Columbus, OH

    H&amp;H Recruiting | Columbus, OH

    CDL Driver. Columbus, OH, USA. 1200-2100 per week. Other. Full Time. Job Title: CDL Truck Driver & Trainees. Job Description. We partner with some of the c... more

    7 Days Ago

  • United Rentals

    Columbus, OH

    United Rentals | Columbus, OH

    Driver CDL A. If you'd like the chance to make your mark with the world's largest equipment rental provider, come build your future with United Rentals. As... more

    7 Days Ago

  • USA Truck

    Columbus, OH

    USA Truck | Columbus, OH

    DB Schenker is now USA Truck - Company Driver Job Openings Solo and Team Company Driver Opportunities Available USA Truck:BACK AND BUILTTo Last Our Drivers... more

    8 Days Ago

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FAQ about School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P)

1. What industry pays the highest salary for School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P)?

The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for School Bus Driver (CDL-S or CDL-P) roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

2. How much is a school bus driver paid in us?

A School Bus Driver in the U.S. typically earns between $31,600 and $47,700 annually. The average salary is around $39,100 per year. Factors such as location, experience, and the type of license held (CDL-S or CDL-P) can influence these figures.

3. What states pay school bus drivers the most?

While specific state salaries for school bus drivers can vary, the average salary range for this role is between $31,600 and $47,700, with a midpoint of $39,100. States like New York and Washington may offer higher salaries, but overall, school bus drivers can expect to earn within this range across the country.

4. What is the highest paying job?

The highest paying job varies by field, but for a School Bus Driver with a CDL-S or CDL-P, salaries range from a minimum of $31,600 to a mid-level of $39,100, reaching up to a maximum of $47,700. While this may not compare to top-tier professions, it offers a stable income within the transportation sector.

5. Where is the best place to be a school bus driver?

The best place to be a school bus driver is Wyoming, where pay, benefits, and opportunities are favorable. School bus drivers can expect salaries ranging from a minimum of $31,600 to a mid-range of $39,100, with top earners making up to $47,700. Gloucester also offers competitive earnings in this field.

6. Do school bus drivers get paid year round?

School bus drivers are full-time professionals, and their pay is calculated annually. For the 2023 salary data, the minimum salary is $31,600, the mid-range salary is $39,100, and the maximum salary is $47,700. This annual salary is then divided into 12 monthly checks, ensuring consistent pay throughout the year, including holiday periods.

7. What bus driver makes the most money?

The highest-paying bus driver roles include Tour Bus Drivers, earning between $50,000 and $75,000 annually, and Motor Coach Operators, with salaries ranging from $42,500 to $56,500. In contrast, School Bus Drivers typically earn between $31,600 and $47,700, with a mid-salary of $39,100.

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.)

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