Transportation & Logistics
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
Also called: Bus Driver, Bus Operator, Charter Bus Driver, Coach Operator
US median pay
$59,050
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+4.1%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
21,100
166,400 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Drive bus or motor coach, including regular route operations, charters, and private carriage. May assist passengers with baggage. May collect fares or tickets.
What they do day to day
- Drive vehicles over specified routes or to specified destinations according to time schedules, complying with traffic regulations to ensure that passengers have a smooth and safe ride.
- Park vehicles at loading areas so that passengers can board.
- Inspect vehicles and check gas, oil, and water levels prior to departure.
- Announce stops to passengers.
- Assist passengers, such as elderly or individuals with disabilities, on and off bus, ensure they are seated properly, help carry baggage, and answer questions about bus schedules or routes.
- Collect tickets or cash fares from passengers.
- Handle passenger emergencies or disruptions.
- Report delays or accidents.
- Advise passengers to be seated and orderly while on vehicles.
- Regulate heating, lighting, and ventilating systems for passenger comfort.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Operation and Control3.9/5
- Operations Monitoring3.6/5
- Time Management3.1/5
- Service Orientation3.1/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.0/5
- Judgment and Decision Making2.8/5
- Coordination2.6/5
- Persuasion2.5/5
Knowledge
- Transportation4.5/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.3/5
- Public Safety and Security4.0/5
- English Language3.4/5
- Law and Government3.1/5
- Administration and Management2.8/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma84%
- Less than high school13%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.