How Much Does a Commercial Bus Driver Make in California?

Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Commercial Bus Driver in California is $41,243. While Salary.com is seeing that Commercial Bus Driver salary in CA can go up to $50,263 or down to $32,462, but most earn between $36,647 and $45,965. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Related Job Titles to Commercial Bus Driver
Bus Driver
$55,847
California
Per Year
City Bus Driver
$55,901
California
Per Year
Municipal Bus Driver
$55,902
California
Per Year
Shuttle Bus Driver
$55,903
California
Per Year
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Similar Job Salaries to Commercial Bus Driver by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
Transdev
Bus Driver
$42,756/yr
$38,805
$46,708
RANGE: $38,805 - $46,708
$45,438/yr
$41,019
$49,858
RANGE: $41,019 - $49,858
$46,628/yr
$42,093
$51,163
RANGE: $42,093 - $51,163
$54,798/yr
$48,314
$61,282
RANGE: $48,314 - $61,282
$46,886/yr
$42,324
$51,448
RANGE: $42,324 - $51,448
$46,886/yr
$42,324
$51,448
RANGE: $42,324 - $51,448
Pomona USD
Bus Driver
$83,242/yr
$74,360
$92,124
RANGE: $74,360 - $92,124

Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Commercial Bus Driver Jobs in California

It is important to understand how location impacts your career prospects in the United States. There are some cities where a Commercial Bus Driver can find a job easily with a greater salary paid then achieve a higher standard of living. Below is the top cities list for Commercial Bus Driver job salaries in California. Some cities can pay higher salaries for Commercial Bus Driver jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Commercial Bus Driver positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Commercial Bus Driver salary is higher than other cities in California. San Jose takes first place in this list, followed by Santa Clara, Fremont. The Commercial Bus Driver salary is $47,162 in San Jose, which is higher than the national average. There are 76 cities' Commercial Bus Driver salary higher than national average in California.
The average salary for a Commercial Bus Driver in California is $41,243, but we found that the city with the highest salary for Commercial Bus Driver jobs is San Jose, CA, and it is higher than Santa Clara. Commercial Bus Driver jobs in San Jose can have the opportunity to earn higher salaries than in other cities in California.
CITY ANNUAL SALARY MONTHLY PAY WEEKLY PAY HOURLY WAGE
San Jose $47,162 $3,930 $907 $23
Santa Clara $47,162 $3,930 $907 $23
Fremont $47,073 $3,923 $905 $23
San Francisco $46,699 $3,892 $898 $22
Daly City $46,699 $3,892 $898 $22
Berkeley $45,663 $3,805 $878 $22
Oakland $45,663 $3,805 $878 $22
Hayward $45,588 $3,799 $877 $22
Antioch $43,083 $3,590 $829 $21
Vallejo $42,066 $3,505 $809 $20

What Does a Commercial Bus Driver Do?

If you are a commercial driver and your CDL has been expired for over two years, you’ll need to take a skills test for the type of commercial motor vehicle you will be driving to renew your license.
Updated November 11, 2021
However, some states offer single state commercial driver’s licenses to potential commercial vehicle drivers between eighteen and twenty years of age.
Updated December 22, 2021
Pennsylvania has called on 375,000 drivers with commercial-vehicle licenses to fill the gaps in the bus driver shortage, officials told AP.
Updated December 21, 2021
– Possible school bus drivers must obtain a CDL S Endorsement, undergo a comprehensive background check, and pass a road skills test and written knowledge test.
Updated December 19, 2021
Drivers also frequently receive tips, and the industry standard for gratuity is typically 10 – 20% of the cost of the charter bus rental.
Updated December 19, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Commercial Bus Driver Salaries

What is the average of a Commercial Bus Driver in California?

The Commercial Bus Driver salary range is from $36,647 to $45,965, and the average Commercial Bus Driver salary is $41,243/year in California. The Commercial Bus Driver's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Commercial Bus Driver salary in the United States?

The Commercial Bus Driver salary in San Jose, CA is $47,162 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Commercial Bus Driver's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Commercial Bus Driver.

What is the growth rate of the Commercial Bus Driver's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Commercial Bus Driver or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Commercial Bus Driver.