🚌 How much does a bus driver make?
U.S. 10th-percentile cutoffs: $29,240 (school) and $40,030 (transit); medians: $47,920/$59,050; top 10%: $65,730/$84,700. Japan’s 2025 average was ¥4.53M; one firm reported top pay in the ¥7M range.
Pay varies by bus type, hours, location and employer; U.S. school routes are often part-time, and annualized estimates can exceed actual school-year earnings.
US Most people, typical, the top
| Who | Yearly earnings | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| 10th-percentile cutoff (school / transit) | $29,240–$40,030 | May 2025 BLS wage data, as reported by salary sites |
| Median (school / transit and intercity) | $47,920–$59,050 | BLS median wages, May 2025 |
| 90th-percentile cutoff (school / transit) | $65,730–$84,700 | May 2025 BLS wage data, as reported by salary sites |
Bus driver salary in Japan: about $30K a year
Per month and per day
| Who | Per month | Per day (÷365) |
|---|---|---|
| 10th-percentile cutoff (school / transit) | $2,437–$3,336 | $80–$110 |
| Median (school / transit and intercity) | $3,993–$4,921 | $131–$162 |
| 90th-percentile cutoff (school / transit) | $5,478–$7,058 | $180–$232 |
Where does the money come from?
How pay changes with experience
| Stage | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| DeKalb County, Georgia school district: Step 1 | $23,411 Estimate | 2025–26 district scale; based on 180 workdays and 6 hours per day; advancement is not guaranteed. (Source) |
| DeKalb County, Georgia school district: Step 25 | $33,501 Estimate | 2025–26 district scale; based on 180 workdays and 6 hours per day; advancement is not guaranteed. (Source) |
How do you become a bus driver?
In the United States, finish high school or an equivalent and meet your state’s age, health, and driving-record rules. Complete required training for a first CDL or P/S endorsement, then pass the CDL and endorsement tests. Employers may provide route practice and check your background.
- Finish high school or earn an equivalent credential.
- Meet your state’s age, health, and driving-record rules.
- Complete registered training when required for a first CDL or P/S endorsement.
- Pass the CDL and required passenger (P) and school-bus (S) tests.
- Apply for a job and practice the assigned route with employer training.
Qualifications and exams
A CDL and P endorsement are required; school-bus drivers also need S. Many states require age 18+, and interstate drivers 21+. First-time CDL or P/S applicants need registered training.
A day as a bus driver
Before a scheduled run, a U.S. bus driver checks the vehicle and picks up passengers at assigned stops. On a school route, the driver helps children board and leave safely and follows the planned route and timetable.
Common questions
Do city and charter bus jobs pay differently?
In BLS 2025 industry typical pay figures, transit and intercity drivers in local government earned $64,590 a year, compared with $48,420 in the charter bus industry. Pay differs by employer type. Source
Do school field trips or sports runs pay extra?
Yes, some employers pay extra for these runs. Cabot Public Schools’ 2025–26 schedule lists $12 an hour for trips, with a two-hour minimum per trip. Source
Do school bus drivers work during summer?
School-bus work is centered on the school term, and hours are often limited. Whether a driver has summer duties or pay depends on the employer’s schedule. Source
Do long-distance bus drivers get home every night?
Not always. Some intercity and charter drivers finish a round trip and go home, while others stay away overnight on long-distance routes. Source
This section summarizes public sources. We only show numbers that have a source.
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In Japan
Japan Most people, typical, the top
| Who | Yearly earnings | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| National average bus driver (2025) | $30,213 | MHLW survey figure, as reported; an average, not a median |
| Top earners at Willer (press-reported) | $46,667–$53,333 | ITmedia report; one company, with top pay in the ¥7M range |
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Related questions
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Data table and sources
- www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/bus-drivers.htm
- salarybyjob.com/salary/bus-drivers-school
- www.e-stat.go.jp/stat-search/files?cycle=0&layout=datalist&page=1&stat_infid=000
- bus-recruit.jp/post-387
- www.itmedia.co.jp/business/articles/2608/08/news001.html
- www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/drivers
- www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-383
- www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-380/subpa
- www.esuhsd.org/documents/Community/Human_Resources/HR_Job_Descriptions/School_Bu
- resources.finalsite.net/images/v1757688824/dekalbschoolsgaorg/lc7pqfqeqvjorizbnw