As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Commercial Bus Driver in the United States is $40,103 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Commercial Bus Driver's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Commercial 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 Commercial 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 Commercial Bus Driver | $39,454 |
| Intermediate Level Commercial Bus Driver | $39,912 |
| Senior Level Commercial Bus Driver | $41,033 |
| Specialist Level Commercial Bus Driver | $41,729 |
| Expert Level Commercial Bus Driver | $41,816 |
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 Commercial Bus Drivers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Flexibility | 7.26% |
| Cash Handling | 9.88% |
| Accounting | 1.85% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coaching
|
$46,519 |
16%
|
|
Commitment
|
$44,915 |
12%
|
|
Results Oriented
|
$43,712 |
9%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$43,311 |
8%
|
|
Financial Services
|
$42,910 |
7%
|
|
Initiative
|
$42,509 |
6%
|
For Commercial Bus Driver roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Commercial Bus Driver positions in Financial Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Commercial Bus Driver as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $48,123 | $23.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Commercial Bus Drivers enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Commercial Bus Driver with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $35,318 and $37,543).
Commercial Bus Driver Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.4% |
| High School | 40.1% |
| Associates | 19.4% |
| Bachelors | 36.6% |
| Masters | 3.5% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Commercial 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Commercial Bus Driver can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $43,020 in 2023 to around $42,127 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Commercial Bus Driver salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $43,020 |
| 2024 | $42,769 |
| 2025 | $42,127 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for Commercial Bus Driver roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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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