How Much Does a Shuttle Bus Driver Make? (2025)
A shuttle bus driver safely transports passengers between locations such as airports, hotels, and event venues. They navigate traffic conditions, ensure passenger comfort, and maintain vehicle safety, playing a vital role in timely and reliable group transportation.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for bus drivers, including shuttle bus drivers, is expected to grow by 1% over the next decade from 2024 to 2034, which translates to 81,800 job openings each year. Salary.com reports that the average yearly salary for shuttle bus drivers in the US is $50,903 for 2025.
Learn more about the salary trend for shuttle bus drivers and top-paying cities in the US, as well as some FAQs about the occupation.
What is the Average Shuttle Bus Driver's Salary
As mentioned above, the average annual salary for shuttle bus drivers in the United States is $50,903 in 2025. As of August 14, 2025, the salary range for shuttle bus drivers in the US is between $41,160 and $59,118, with most earning $45,803 to $55,203 per year.
2025 Average Salary for Shuttle Bus Drivers: $50,903 per year ($24 per hour)
A shuttle bus driver's average monthly salary is $4,242, while the average weekly pay is $979. Meanwhile, the salary of a shuttle bus driver per hour is $24 according to the report.
| Percentile | By Hour | By Week | By Month | By Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $20 | $792 | $3,430 | $41,160 |
| 25th Percentile | $22 | $881 | $3,817 | $45,803 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $24 | $979 | $4,242 | $50,903 |
| 75th Percentile | $27 | $1,062 | $4,600 | $55,203 |
| 90th Percentile | $28 | $1,137 | $4,926 | $59,118 |
Shuttle Bus Driver Salaries State by State
Shuttle bus driver salaries may vary across US states depending on key factors such as state minimum wage, occupation demand, location, and standards of living.
As shown in the table below, the three (3) states with the lowest average annual salary for shuttle bus drivers in the United States are Mississippi, West Virginia, and South Dakota with $45,403, $45,903, and $46,303 respectively.
Meanwhile, the three (3) states with the highest average annual salary for shuttle bus drivers are the District of Columbia, California, and New Jersey with $56,403, $56,203, and $55,203, respectively.
| States | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $55,103 |
| Alabama | $46,803 |
| Arkansas | $46,003 |
| Arizona | $49,603 |
| California | $56,203 |
| Colorado | $52,003 |
| Connecticut | $54,403 |
| District of Columbia | $56,403 |
| Delaware | $51,603 |
| Florida | $48,203 |
| Georgia | $49,103 |
| Hawaii | $53,203 |
| Iowa | $48,703 |
| Idaho | $47,603 |
| Illinois | $51,903 |
| Indiana | $48,903 |
| Kansas | $48,503 |
| Kentucky | $47,903 |
| Louisiana | $48,403 |
| Massachusetts | $55,403 |
| Maryland | $52,503 |
| Maine | $49,703 |
| Michigan | $50,203 |
| Minnesota | $52,103 |
| Missouri | $48,403 |
| Mississippi | $45,403 |
| Montana | $48,103 |
| North Carolina | $48,403 |
| North Dakota | $50,303 |
| Nebraska | $48,003 |
| New Hampshire | $51,503 |
| New Jersey | $55,203 |
| New Mexico | $47,203 |
| Nevada | $50,403 |
| New York | $54,103 |
| Ohio | $49,603 |
| Oklahoma | $47,103 |
| Oregon | $51,703 |
| Pennsylvania | $50,703 |
| Rhode Island | $52,803 |
| South Carolina | $47,703 |
| South Dakota | $46,303 |
| Tennessee | $47,603 |
| Texas | $49,703 |
| Utah | $48,803 |
| Virginia | $51,303 |
| Vermont | $50,003 |
| Washington | $55,203 |
| Wisconsin | $50,103 |
| West Virginia | $45,903 |
| Wyoming | $48,803 |
What are the Best-Paying Cities for Shuttle Bus Drivers?
Shuttle bus driver salaries also vary by city due to the differences in standard of living, local demand for the occupation, and industry rates in metropolitan areas.
The table below shows that the labor industry in California is offering higher average annual salaries for shuttle bus drivers, specifically in cities like San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland. Certain cities such as New York, Queens Village, and Paramus, also show signs of increased demand for shuttle bus driver occupations:
| Cities | Average Pay |
|---|---|
| San Jose, California | $64,203 ($31 per hour) |
| San Francisco, California | $63,603 ($31 per hour) |
| Oakland, California | $62,203 ($30 per hour) |
| New York, New York | $59,003 ($28 per hour) |
| Queens Village, New York | $58,603 ($28 per hour) |
| Paramus, New Jersey | $58,203 ($28 per hour) |
How Does Experience Affect Shuttle Bus Driver Salaries?
Having more experience gives shuttle bus drivers an edge over their peers and plays an important role in increasing their salary.
Salary.com reports that entry-level shuttle bus drivers earn an average annual income of $49,328. Having 2 more years of experience can increase a shuttle bus driver's salary to $49,481.
After 2 to 4 years of experience, the salary for shuttle bus drivers could increase to about $50,090. Specialist and expert-level shuttle bus drivers can earn up to $51,003 and $52,382, respectively.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Shuttle Bus Driver | $49,328 |
| Intermediate Level Shuttle Bus Driver | $49,481 |
| Senior Level Shuttle Bus Driver | $50,090 |
| Specialist Level Shuttle Bus Driver | $51,003 |
| Expert Level Shuttle Bus Driver | $52,382 |
How to Increase Salary as a Shuttle Bus Driver?
Shuttle bus drivers generally need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with a passenger endorsement and skills in driving safety, customer service, and navigation. To increase their salary, shuttle bus drivers can pursue the following advancements and certifications:
Shuttle Bus Driver Advancements:
- Licenses and Certifications: Obtaining a CDL with a Passenger (P) endorsement and Air Brake (L) endorsement enhances job opportunities and salary potential. Additional certifications like the Certified Transportation Professional (CTP) or Commercial Vehicle Driver Safety Course (CVD) demonstrate advanced skills and dedication.
- Professional Growth: Experience gained from driving in diverse environments such as airports, corporate campuses, or even shuttles can lead to supervisory or dispatch roles. Pursuing roles like Fleet Manager or Driver Trainer often comes with higher pay.
- Additional Skills: Learning vehicle maintenance, mastering transportation management software, and earning a First Aid/CPR certification improved employability. Multilingual abilities are also valued in customer-facing roles.
- Salary and Outlook: Median shuttle bus driver salaries range from approximately $35,000 to $55,000 annually, increasing with certifications, experience, and location. Demand remains strong with steady growth projected as transportation services expand.
A career as a shuttle bus driver offers steady employment and opportunities for growth through certifications, experience, and skill development. By pursuing endorsements like the passenger CDL and additional certifications, drivers can enhance their earning potential and advance into leadership roles. With the ongoing demand for reliable transportation services, shuttle bus driving remains a practical and rewarding profession in 2025.
Shuttle Bus Driver Skills:
Gaining sought-after skills for a shuttle bus driver is an effective way to earn a higher salary and unlock more career opportunities. The Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report indicates that the most in-demand skills for shuttle bus drivers are vehicular incident reporting and driver logs, with 10.80% and 10.70%, respectively.
Also, essential skills such as data entry and pre- and post-trip inspections can increase the salary for shuttle bus drivers by 10.08% and 8.84%, respectively.
| Skill | Demand | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Data Entry | 10.40% | +10.08% |
| Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections | 10.50% | +8.84% |
| Vehicle Safety Checks | 10.60% | +7.64% |
| Vehicular Incident Reporting | 10.80% | +7.53% |
| Driver Logs | 10.70% | +7.53% |
| Passenger Assistance | 10.60% | +7.53% |
What are the FAQs About Shuttle Bus Driver Salaries?
Here are some common questions about the shuttle bus driver salary:
What does a shuttle bus driver do?
A shuttle bus driver is responsible for transporting passengers safely and efficiently between designated locations such as airports, hotels, event venues, and corporate campuses. They ensure a comfortable and timely travel experience while maintaining vehicle safety and adhering to traffic laws. Here are some of their key job responsibilities:
- Operate shuttle buses safely, following all traffic regulations and company policies.
- Assist passengers with boarding, luggage handling, and provide excellent customer service.
- Perform pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections to ensure the shuttle is in good working condition.
- Navigate routes using maps, GPS, and real-time traffic updates to maintain schedules.
- Communicate effectively with dispatchers and report any issues or delays promptly.
- Maintain cleanliness and orderliness inside the bus to ensure passenger comfort.
- Handle emergency situations calmly, including providing first aid if necessary.
What educational background or degree is needed to become a shuttle bus driver?
Shuttle bus drivers generally do not require a college degree to start their careers. The most important qualification is obtaining a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with a passenger endorsement. High school diploma or equivalent is usually sufficient.
Additional training in defensive driving, customer service, and basic vehicle maintenance can enhance job prospects. Some employers may prefer candidates who have completed specialized driver training programs or hold certifications such as the Certified Transportation Professional (CTP).
For those seeking advancement into supervisory or management roles, pursuing courses or degrees in transportation management, logistics, or business can be beneficial but is not mandatory.
Are shuttle bus drivers in demand?
Yes. BLS reports that the job outlook for bus drivers, including shuttle bus drivers, from 2024 to 2034, is expected to grow by 1%. Despite limited employment growth, about 81,800 job openings are still projected each year.
