As of April 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a School Bus Driver in the United States is $19, which translates to an annual salary of about $39,179.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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A School 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a School 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level School Bus Driver | $38,631 |
| Intermediate Level School Bus Driver | $39,179 |
| Senior Level School Bus Driver | $40,466 |
| Specialist Level School Bus Driver | $40,641 |
| Expert Level School Bus Driver | $40,934 |
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 School Bus 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
|
$42,313 |
8%
|
|
Teamwork
|
$41,530 |
6%
|
|
Service Quality
|
$41,138 |
5%
|
|
Interviewing
|
$40,746 |
4%
|
|
Safety Inspections
|
$40,746 |
4%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$40,354 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many School Bus 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 School Bus Driver with a No Diploma is between $33,686 and $38,044).
School Bus 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 School 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.
Last Updated on April 01, 2026Salaries for a School Bus 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 School Bus 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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Drives a bus intended for school activities. Transports students to and from school and designated locations. May require a high school diploma or its equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor. Requires a valid driver's license. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
Specify the abilities and skills that a person needs in order to carry out the specified job duties. Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.
Commitment: 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: Service quality is a measure of how an organization delivers its services compared to the expectations of its customers.
Beacon: 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.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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