How much does a taxi driver make?

In the United States, pay can change with the city, how many hours or busy shifts a driver works, and tips; good service can bring better tips. Drivers may own or lease a cab, and fuel, maintenance, and lease costs affect what they keep.

Drive a motor vehicle to transport passengers on an unplanned basis and charge a fare, usually based on a meter. Excludes “Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs” (53-3053).

What's a typical day like?

Drivers get requests from a dispatcher or wait at taxi stands and other pickup spots. They take passengers where they ask to go and use a meter to calculate the fare.

U.S. drivers usually need no diploma, but must have a regular driver’s license; local rules may require a taxi permit. Short employer training covers safety, streets, and meters, and some places require tests or background checks.

High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

A typical New York City cab travels about 70,000 miles and carries over 10,000 passengers in a year.

The US figure is the median and the Japan figure is the average, so it's not a perfect comparison. Prices differ too.