Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 159,900 people employed as bus drivers, transit and intercity in the United States. The median annual salary is $48,620. Entry level employees earn approximately $30,290 per year and senior employees earn approximately $77,640 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime pay, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Make minor repairs to vehicle and change tires.
• Load and unload baggage in baggage compartments.
• 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.
• 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.
• Record information, such as cash receipts and ticket fares, and maintain log book.
• Maintain cleanliness of bus or motor coach.
• Read maps to plan bus routes.
• Announce stops to passengers.
• Assist passengers, such as elderly or disabled individuals, on and off bus, ensure they are seated properly, help carry baggage, and answer questions about bus schedules or routes.

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