Is driving a bus a good job in 2026?
This is a question we get asked a lot, especially by career changers, newly licensed CDL holders, and people exploring their options before committing to a trucking or transportation career.
Before we can fully answer that question, it’s important to look at a few key factors: job demand, pay, work-life balance, long-term stability, and the reality of day-to-day responsibilities.
For many people, bus driving offers something their current job doesn’t: a predictable income, strong job security, and a clear career path without the need for a college degree.
In this article, we’ll break down the pros, cons and future outlook of bus driving in 2026 so you can decide if it’s the right move for you.
What Does A Bus Driver Do?
A bus driver is a professional driver responsible for safely transporting passengers along designated routes or to specific destinations. Depending on the job, this can include city streets, highways, school routes or long-distance travel.
If they work for a commuter line or municipal bus service the driver is also responsible for collecting fees.
Types of Bus Driving Jobs
Bus driving isn’t a one-size-fits-all career. Some of the most common options include:
Public Transit
School Bus
Campus Shuttle
Coach Bus
Each type of role comes with different schedules, pay structures, and lifestyle considerations.
How much do bus drivers make?
So, what does the paycheck actually look like for a CDL Class B bus driver in 2026?
For many people, the earning potential is a major appeal of this career, especially because you don’t need a college degree to qualify.
Bus driving provides a solid, stable income with opportunities for overtime, benefits and long-term financial growth. This makes it an attractive choice for career changers, new CDL holders or anyone seeking a reliable job with room to grow.
According to recent government labor data:
- Transit and intercity bus drivers average about $57,440 annually
- School bus drivers generally earn close to $49,380 per year on average
These figures can vary based on location, experience, and whether you work for a city transit system, school district or private company.
In some unionized metropolitan areas, especially on fixed routes with full hours, bus drivers can earn even more through negotiated wages, overtime pay and benefits.
Source: bls.gov
Why Bus Driver Paychecks Are So Good
- No College Degree Required: You can step into this career with a CDL Class B and the right endorsements, without incurring the time or expense of a traditional degree program.
- Competitive Starting Pay: Bus driving typically pays better than many other non-degree entry jobs, and earnings often increase with experience, seniority, and route seniority.
- Benefits: Many public transit and school systems offer health insurance, retirement plans, paid holidays, and more. These benefits are less common in typical hourly jobs.
- Stability: You know what your work schedule will be weeks ahead of time. No waiting to see if you’re on the schedule.
- Union Labor: Most bus drivers are part of a union, meaning your job is protected from layoffs and you typically have better working conditions.
Overall, bus driving remains a solid earning career path in 2026, offering dependable middle-class wages, benefits, and steady work without the requirement of higher education. It’s no wonder becoming a bus driver is such an interesting job for those looking to earn more money.
Which Bus Drivers Earn the Most?
Public transit and motorcoach drivers in large metro areas typically earn the highest wages.
States like New Jersey, New York and California often have higher bus driver pay rates.
Pros of Driving a Bus
- Solid starting pay
- Minimal training time
- Strong job security and demand
- Benefits and pensions (public sector)
- Predictable routes and schedules
- Independence without isolation
- For school bus drivers, split shifts can allow you to work other part-time jobs
Cons of Driving a Bus
- Early mornings
- Traffic and weather conditions
- Passenger management
- Regular physicals
- Lower pay ceilings compared to other CDL jobs
How Many Bus Drivers Are There?
According to the Bureau of Labor & Statistics there are approximately 546,000 bus drivers in the United States.
Of those around 387,000 are specifically school bus drivers working in K-12 schools. The other 158,000 are charter, transit and city bus drivers.
With the average bus driver being 54 years old, the need for new drivers is growing tremendously.
Bus Driver Shortage
While that seems like a lot of bus drivers out there, the demand for bus drivers continues to be high in the United States. Public transit, school districts, charter companies, and private transportation providers are all facing driver shortages due to retirements, increased travel demand, and population growth.
In total there are an expected 81,800 openings for bus drivers each year, on average, over the next decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who switch to different occupations or retire.
The bus driver shortage has particularly hit school bus drivers. A 2023 survey from the Education Commission of the States found that 65% of school transportation leaders reported ongoing driver shortages, and earlier polls showed that 51% described their driver shortage as “severe or desperate.”
The shortfall has real impacts on students and families: districts are forced to cut or reduce routes, adjust school schedules, or require parents to find alternative transportation when drivers aren’t available.
Now Is The Best Time To Become A Bus Driver
This bus driver shortage is the best reason why now is the perfect time to get your CDL and become a bus driver.
Career Opportunities Beyond Bus Driving
It might seem like driving a bus as a career might pigeonhole you into being a bus driver for the rest of your life.But that’s the great thing about having a CDL!Drive Other Class B Vehicles
Box Truck
Dump Truck
School Bus
Garbage Truck
City Bus
Cement Truck
Tanker Truck
Flatbed
Snow Plow
Crane
While many drivers pursue a Class B specifically to become a bus driver, that license alone qualifies you to operate a wide range of commercial vehicles beyond buses.
With a Class B CDL, you can qualify for jobs driving straight trucks, dump trucks, cement mixers, garbage trucks and delivery box trucks, making it a great option for drivers who still want to stay close to home.
And if you want to make even more money, you can always upgrade your commercial driver’s license to a Class A CDL.
Upgrading To A Class A CDL
Tractor-Trailers
Tanker Trailers
Flatbed Trailers
Livestock Carriers
Car Transporters
With a Class A CDL license you’re able to drive tractor trailers and eighteen wheelers. That’s where the real money is. Class A drivers regularly make over $100,000 per year. And since you would already have years of experience driving, you’d be able to come into the trucking industry as a veteran and not start out with rookie rates.
Having a class B license and a few years of commercial driving experience under your belt, opens up a wide range of opportunities for you.
Is Driving A Bus The Right Job For You?
Ideal Mindset
- You find purpose in being part of people’s daily lives and helping them get where they need to go safely.
- You enjoy routine but can adapt to different routes, schedules and personalities.
- You’re comfortable sitting for extended periods and maintaining a steady, focused pace throughout the day.
A person who thrives as a bus driver is responsible, patient, and calm under pressure. They enjoy interacting with people and can balance the independence of driving with strong social skills, a safety-first mindset and dependability.
Successful bus drivers manage schedules and passengers effectively, even in stressful situations such as heavy traffic or challenging weather conditions.
How To Become A Bus Driver?
In order to drive a city bus, school bus or other passenger vehicle that holds more than 16 people, you’ll need to get a Commercial Driver’s License with a Passenger and/or School Bus add-ons called endorsements.
Eligibility Requirements To Become A Bus Driver
Before applying, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate driving
- Have a valid regular driver’s license or an existing CDL license
- Have a clean or acceptable driving record
- Be legally eligible to work in the U.S.
- Pass a basic background check (For school bus drivers)
Some school districts or transit agencies may also require a high school diploma or GED, but most do not.
Obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
Bus drivers must have a CDL
- Class B CDL (for standard buses)
- You can also have a Class A CDL license
- Passenger (P) Endorsement
- School Bus (S) Endorsement if driving a school bus
How To Get A Bus Driver CDL
Getting a CDL to become a bus driver can be summed up in 4 steps.
- Step 1) Pass the written permit exam AND pass the Passenger or School Bus endorsement knowledge tests
- Step 2) Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
- Step 3) Complete ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel training at a FMCSA approved CDL school like Driving Academy
- Step 4) Pass the 3 parts of the CDL road test in a bus or school bus
Earning your CDL is not easy, but it’s definitely much easier, faster and cheaper than going to college.
If you want to learn more about getting a CDL license we have an in-depth guide that covers everything you need to know.
Final Verdict: Is Driving a Bus a Good Job in 2026?
Yes, bus driving is still a good job in 2026 for the right people.
It offers strong job security, consistent demand, solid pay, and benefits that many other entry-level or non-degree careers simply can’t match. While it may not have the highest earning ceiling in the CDL world, it remains one of the most stable and overlooked transportation careers available today.
Next Steps Toward Becoming a Bus Driver
Getting Your CDL The Right Way Starts With Driving Academy
Choosing the right CDL school is just as important as choosing the right career path, and that’s where Driving Academy stands apart.
We don’t just help you earn your CDL Class B license; we prepare you for long-term success in the transportation industry. With certified, experienced instructors, hands-on training, and a proven curriculum, we make sure you’re confident, capable, and fully prepared to pass your exams and start working.
Driving Academy offers fast and affordable training, flexible payment plan options, and scheduling designed for real life. We’re open seven days a week, including nights and weekends, making it easier to train while working or managing family responsibilities.
Our support doesn’t stop after you pass your test either; we provide lifetime job placement assistance, helping connect you with employers long after graduation.
As a third-party testing site, we also offer training and testing for additional endorsements ( including passenger and school bus), so you can continue expanding your CDL opportunities without starting over.
If you’re ready to get your CDL the right way, with flexibility, affordability, and real career support, Driving Academy is here to help you take the next step with confidence and get on the Road To Freedom!
