Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary in New York, NY-NJ

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ

Median annual salary $70,700 +23.1% vs national
Median hourly $33.99
10th percentile $53,020
90th percentile $82,640
Employed locally 19,130
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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New York, NY-NJ
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    In New York-NJ, bus drivers working in transit and intercity transportation earn a median annual salary of $70,700, which is significantly higher than the national median for this occupation at $57,440. This positions their earnings well above many other occupations within the region. However, when compared to the local area's median household income of $97,334, bus drivers' salaries are somewhat lower, indicating that while they earn a respectable wage relative to the broader workforce, they may still face challenges in achieving similar financial standings as average households in their locality.

    For entry-level bus drivers in New York-NJ, earnings typically start around the 10th percentile at $53,020 annually. As experience and skills are gained, experienced workers can see salaries rise substantially, with those at the 75th percentile earning up to $82,640 per year. This disparity is driven by several factors including years of service, additional responsibilities such as supervisory roles or specialized routes, and certifications that may be required for certain positions. As a result, experience plays a critical role in determining potential earnings within this field, providing a clear path for salary growth over time.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $53,020
    25th
    $63,020
    50th (median)
    $70,700
    75th
    $82,640
    90th
    $82,640

    New York economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $97,334 2023 • Census ACS
    Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity salary vs area income 73% Median Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity salary is 27% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in New York, NY-NJ is $33.99, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $40.72 or more per hour.

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

    The median Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity salary in New York, NY-NJ is 23.1% 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 New York?

    Entry-level Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity (10th percentile) earn around $53,020 per year in New York, NY-NJ. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $63,020.