Bus Drivers, School Salary in Seattle, WA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Median annual salary $65,110 +38.4% vs national
Median hourly $31.30
10th percentile $55,750
90th percentile $74,770
Employed locally 3,910
National median $47,040

Compare Bus Drivers, School salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Seattle, WA stacks up on salary and cost of living.

Full tool →
Bus Drivers, School
in
Seattle, WA
vs

    In Seattle, WA, school bus drivers earn a median annual salary of $65,110, which is significantly higher than the national median for this occupation at $47,040. This salary translates to a median hourly wage of $31.30. When compared to the local area's median household income of $112,594, school bus drivers in Seattle earn approximately 57% of what an average household earns annually. Despite their above-national-average earnings, these figures highlight that school bus drivers generally earn less than half of the typical Seattle household income, reflecting broader economic trends and the cost of living considerations within the city.

    The salary range for school bus drivers in Seattle varies significantly based on experience level. Entry-level workers, represented by the 10th percentile, earn around $55,750 annually, while those at the 25th percentile make approximately $60,270 per year. In contrast, experienced drivers closer to the 75th and 90th percentiles can expect annual earnings of $70,490 and $74,770, respectively. The disparity in salaries is driven by factors such as tenure, additional certifications, geographic assignments within the city that may require longer or more complex routes, and union negotiations. This range underscores how experience and specific job conditions contribute to income variations among school bus drivers in Seattle.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $55,750
    25th
    $60,270
    50th (median)
    $65,110
    75th
    $70,490
    90th
    $74,770

    Seattle economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.30% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $112,594 2023 • Census ACS
    Bus Drivers, School salary vs area income 58% Median Bus Drivers, School salary is 42% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Bus Drivers, School make per hour in Seattle?

    The median hourly wage for Bus Drivers, School in Seattle, WA is $31.30, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $36.89 or more per hour.

    Is Seattle above or below average for Bus Drivers, School salaries?

    The median Bus Drivers, School salary in Seattle, WA is 38.4% above the national median of $47,040. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Bus Drivers, School in Seattle?

    Entry-level Bus Drivers, School (10th percentile) earn around $55,750 per year in Seattle, WA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $60,270.