Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $69,990 +21.8% vs national
Median hourly $33.65
10th percentile $50,440
90th percentile $84,440
Employed locally 6,230
National median $57,440

Compare Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity salary & buying power

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Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
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Chicago, IL-IN
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $50,440
    25th
    $64,020
    50th (median)
    $69,990
    75th
    $84,440
    90th
    $84,440

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity salary vs area income 79% Median Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity salary is 21% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity

    Metro areaMedian salary
    New York $82,420
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $81,400
    Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $80,870
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $79,440
    Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $78,220
    Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $77,130

    Nearby metros — Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $80,870
    Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $78,220
    Illinois $69,950
    Champaign-Urbana, IL $65,160
    Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA $63,770
    Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL $60,380

    Related occupations in Chicago, IL-IN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $40,030
    Stockers and Order Fillers $37,940
    Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $62,430
    Light Truck Drivers $47,270
    Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $46,760
    Packers and Packagers, Hand $36,680

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity make per hour in Chicago?

    The median hourly wage for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Chicago, IL-IN is $33.65, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $41.34 or more per hour.

    Is Chicago above or below average for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity salaries?

    The median Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 21.8% above the national median of $57,440. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Chicago?

    Entry-level Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity (10th percentile) earn around $50,440 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $64,020.