As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Student Transport Driver in the United States is $39,180 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Student Transport Driver's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Student Transport 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Student Transport 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Student Transport Driver | $38,632 |
| Intermediate Level Student Transport Driver | $39,180 |
| Senior Level Student Transport Driver | $40,467 |
| Specialist Level Student Transport Driver | $40,643 |
| Expert Level Student Transport Driver | $40,935 |
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 Student Transport Drivers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 13.93% |
| Service Quality | 2.6% |
| Beacon | 1.52% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Special Education
|
$42,314 |
8%
|
|
Teamwork
|
$41,531 |
6%
|
|
Service Quality
|
$41,139 |
5%
|
|
Interviewing
|
$40,747 |
4%
|
|
Safety Inspections
|
$40,747 |
4%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$40,355 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Student Transport Drivers 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 Student Transport Driver with a No Diploma is between $33,542 and $37,873).
Student Transport Driver Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
Understanding how a Student 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 January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Student 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 | 3% |
| Chauffeur II | $42,300 | 8% |
| Auto Delivery Driver | $43,300 | 11% |
| Van Driver II | $41,200 | 5% |
Salaries for a Student Transport Driver 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 Student Transport Driver salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $44,693 |
| 2024 | $43,835 |
| 2025 | $43,134 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Becoming a school bus driver can be a rewarding career for those who love working with kids and have a knack for driving. With a salary range from $31,560 to $47,630, it offers job security, benefits, and the chance to make a real impact on students' daily lives. The mid-salary of $39,090 reflects a stable income for this important role.
As of January 17, 2025, the average hourly pay for a Student Transport Driver in the United States ranges from approximately $15.16 to $22.87, based on an annual salary of $31,560 to $47,630. The mid-salary of $39,090 translates to about $18.79 per hour, reflecting the typical earnings for this role across the country.
The top pay for a school bus driver can vary significantly. Based on the salary data, the maximum salary for a Student Transport Driver is $47,630 annually. In comparison, top earners in Los Angeles can make around $65,293, indicating that local salaries may exceed the general data for this role.
The salary data for Student Transport Drivers indicates a range from $31,560 to $47,630, with a midpoint of $39,090. While some states like New York and Washington offer higher salaries for bus drivers, the average pay for Student Transport Drivers is significantly lower than those figures.
Being a school bus driver is often considered a part-time job, yet it comes with full-time responsibilities. At First Student, we seek individuals with a compassionate attitude who are dedicated to ensuring student safety. The salary for this role ranges from $31,560 to $47,630, reflecting the importance of the responsibilities our drivers uphold.
Germany is an excellent choice for truck drivers, offering competitive salaries ranging from $31,560 to $47,630 annually. The country is known for prioritizing driver welfare, providing benefits such as health insurance, pensions, and paid vacation time, making it a prime destination for those in the trucking profession.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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