Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary in Los Angeles, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA

Median annual salary $65,100 +13.3% vs national
Median hourly $31.30
10th percentile $47,760
90th percentile $83,480
Employed locally 9,800
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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Los Angeles, CA
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    In Los Angeles, CA, bus drivers, transit operators, and intercity drivers earn a median annual salary of $65,100, which equates to a median hourly wage of $31.30. This figure is notably higher than the national median for this occupation, which stands at $57,440 annually. When compared to the local median household income in Los Angeles, which is $93,525 per year, bus drivers' earnings fall below the average household income by approximately $28,425. Despite earning less than the area's median household income, those in this field still enjoy a competitive compensation package relative to national standards for similar roles.

    For entry-level bus drivers in Los Angeles, salaries tend to cluster around the 10th percentile mark of $47,760 annually, reflecting lower wages due to limited experience or fewer qualifications. Conversely, experienced workers often see their earnings rise significantly, with many reaching or exceeding the 75th percentile at $82,640 per year. This disparity is primarily driven by factors such as years of service, skill level, and additional responsibilities that come with seniority. As bus drivers gain expertise and possibly take on supervisory roles, they can command higher wages reflective of their increased value within the industry.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $47,760
    25th
    $52,120
    50th (median)
    $65,100
    75th
    $82,640
    90th
    $83,480

    Los Angeles economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $93,525 2023 • Census ACS
    Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity salary vs area income 70% Median Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity salary is 30% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Los Angeles, CA is $31.30, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $39.40 or more per hour.

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

    The median Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity salary in Los Angeles, CA is 13.3% 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 Los Angeles?

    Entry-level Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity (10th percentile) earn around $47,760 per year in Los Angeles, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $52,120.