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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cdl Bus Driver in Iowa is $35,885 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
However, a Cdl Bus Driver's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Cdl Bus Driver Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $38,815 | $3,235 | $746 | $19 |
| Average | $35,885 | $2,990 | $690 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,440 | $2,787 | $643 | $16 |
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A Cdl 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 Cdl 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 |
|---|---|
| Cdl Bus D... Level Cdl Bus Driver | $36,055 |
| Returns C... Level Cdl Bus Driver | $39,912 |
| Returns C... Level Cdl Bus Driver | $44,072 |
| Returns S... Level Cdl Bus Driver | $56,482 |
| Returns M... Level Cdl Bus Driver | $63,417 |
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 Cdl 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:
For Cdl Bus Driver roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Cdl Bus Driver positions in Aerospace & Defense or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cdl Bus Driver as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $43,062 | $21.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Cdl 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 | $38,815 | $3,235 | $746 | $19 |
| Average | $35,885 | $2,990 | $690 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,440 | $2,787 | $643 | $16 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Cdl Bus Driver job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
LifeWise Academy
Malvern, IA
LifeWise Academy | Malvern, IA
LifeWise CDL Bus Driver. As a LifeWise CDL bus driver, you will provide safe and reliable transportation for public school students to and from the LifeWis... more
8 Days Ago
Winterset Community Schools
Winterset, IA
Winterset Community Schools | Winterset, IA
Position Type:Transportation/Bus DriverDate Posted:4/7/2025Location:Bus BarnDate Available:08/25/2025Winterset CSD:We will strive for excellence, ensuring ... more
7 Days Ago
Link Associates
West Des Moines, IA
Link Associates | West Des Moines, IA
About the JobAbout Job:Shift:Monday - Friday/Split Shift/No Evenings/No Weekends/Full Time and Part-Time.Position Summary:Transport adults with disabilitie... more
7 Days Ago
South Central Calhoun CSD
Rockwell City, IA
South Central Calhoun CSD | Rockwell City, IA
Bus DriverQualifications:High School DiplomaCDL and school bus endorsementDOT physicalS.T.O.P. class completed within 1st year of employment and each year ... more
7 Days Ago
Marshalltown Community School District
Marshalltown, IA
Marshalltown Community School District | Marshalltown, IA
Thank you for your interest in MCSD job opportunities. We are centrally located in Iowa in a beautiful town called Marshalltown. Our district has over 5,00... more
7 Days Ago
CAM Community School District
Anita, IA
CAM Community School District | Anita, IA
Driver Position. CAM CSD in SW Iowa is searching for full-time/substitute drivers for 2026-2027. Must have a clean driving record and have or be able to ob... more
7 Days Ago
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