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Skilled Trades

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.

Median salary (BLS)

$59,050

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$40k – $85k

Job outlook

+4% (faster than average)

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, Transit and Intercity" — 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, Transit and Intercity

    Entry / Junior

    $40,030

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity

    Established

    $59,050

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity

    Senior

    $71,875

Key skills

A typical 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.

Fields of study

Any field

Top colleges for Skilled Trades

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.