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Skilled Trades

Bus Drivers, School

Drive a school bus to transport students. Ensure adherence to safety rules. May assist students in boarding or exiting.

Median salary (BLS)

$47,920

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$29k – $66k

Job outlook

No separate BLS projection for this specific role

AI exposure

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Education

Typical entry: No degree required

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How to qualify

EstimateLicense required

Cost to qualify

$100–$2,600

Time to qualify

3.1 yr

Renewal

$50/yr

  1. 1

    Registered apprenticeship (paid)

    Experience

    Earn-while-you-learn training — apprentices are paid during the program; fees are tools/books, not tuition.

    $0–$2,000 · 36 months · varies by state source

  2. 2

    Journeyman exam & state/local license

    License

    Most states and municipalities test and license journeyman-level trades workers.

    $100–$600 · 1 months · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Bus Drivers, School" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Bus Drivers, School

    Entry / Junior

    $29,240

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Bus Drivers, School

    Established

    $47,920

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Bus Drivers, School

    Senior

    $56,825

Key skills

A typical day

  • •Comply with traffic regulations to operate vehicles in a safe and courteous manner.
  • •Follow safety rules as students board and exit buses or cross streets near bus stops.
  • •Check the condition of a vehicle's tires, brakes, windshield wipers, lights, oil, fuel, water, and safety equipment to ensure that everything is in working order.
  • •Report any bus malfunctions or needed repairs.
  • •Pick up and drop off students at regularly scheduled neighborhood locations, following strict time schedules.

Fields of study

Any field

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