Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
Drive bus or motor coach, including regular route operations, charters, and private carriage. May assist passengers with baggage. May collect fares or tickets.
Common Job Titles
- Bus Driver
- Bus Operator
- Motor Coach Operator
- Transit Bus Driver
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey 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
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft Windows
Technology Skills
- AOL MapQuest
- Microsoft MapPoint
- Web browser software
Tools & Equipment
- Bus kneeling systems
- Cell phones
- Digital surveillance camera systems
- Electronic destination signs
- Emergency first-aid kits
- Lube guns
- Minibuses
- Passenger buses