Drive bus or motor coach, including regular route operations, charters, and private carriage. May assist passengers with baggage. May collect fares or tickets.
SOC: 53-3052.00
Common Job Titles
Bus Driver
Bus Operator
Motor Coach Operator
Transit Bus Driver
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onCoordinate multi-sensory monitoring of vehicle instruments, mirrors, and road conditions to ensure safe navigation through traffic and hazard avoidance.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate customer service excellence with operational efficiency balancing passenger satisfaction, schedule adherence, and safety priorities.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate buses and motor coaches on scheduled routes and charter services following traffic regulations and maintaining on-time performance under varying road and weather conditions.
Developing
Hands-onPerform pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections using inspection checklists to ensure mechanical safety and regulatory compliance.
Developing
MindsetEngage with diverse passengers including elderly, disabled, and international travelers providing courteous assistance with boarding, baggage, and route information.
Developing
KnowledgeApply time management strategies to maintain schedule adherence while accommodating passenger needs and responding to traffic delays.
Developing
KnowledgeAssess traffic conditions, passenger behavior, and equipment status to make real-time decisions ensuring passenger safety and service continuity.
Developing
Hands-onManipulate accessibility equipment including wheelchair lifts, kneeling systems, and restraint devices assisting passengers with disabilities in compliance with ADA requirements.
Developing
MindsetRespond to passenger concerns and conflict situations using active listening and de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe and comfortable environment.
Developing
KnowledgeApply knowledge of public safety regulations, traffic laws, and company policies when operating vehicles in urban and intercity transit environments.
Developing
KnowledgeExplain route information, fare structures, and transfer procedures to passengers with varying levels of familiarity with the transit system.
Developing
KnowledgeDocument daily trip logs, incident reports, and fare collections following company protocols and regulatory record-keeping requirements.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
148,980
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $38,250. 25th percentile: U.S. $46,050. 50th percentile: U.S. $57,440. 75th percentile: U.S. $69,090. 90th percentile: U.S. $82,640. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$38,250
10% of workers earn the following or more
$82,640
Workers on average earn
$58,390
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Transportation4.5/5
Customer and Personal Service4.3/5
Public Safety and Security4.0/5
English Language3.4/5
Law and Government3.1/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
