Bus Driver

Your Fit

Income

$48K

Preparation

Some

Growth

5.4%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Bus Driver?

A Bus Driver is responsible for operating buses to transport passengers over specified routes to local or distant points according to a schedule. They ensure passenger safety, adhere to traffic laws, and provide customer service.

Sample job titles:

Bus Driver, Bus Operator, Motor Coach Operator, Transit Bus Driver

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Bus Driver.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Bus Driver earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Bus Driver.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$34K per year	$40K per year	$48K per year	$67K per year	$77K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $17K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Bus Driver do?

Work environment

Bus Drivers work in various settings, including city streets, suburban neighborhoods, or on long-distance routes. The job involves sitting for extended periods and requires constant alertness to traffic conditions. Work hours can include early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Quick task list

Safely operates buses on prescribed routes and adheres to schedules.
Checks the bus for safety issues, performs basic maintenance, and reports any major concerns.
Collects fares, issues tickets, and provides route and schedule information to passengers.
Assists passengers with special needs, including the elderly or disabled.
Maintains a clean and orderly vehicle.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

School Bus Driver: Transporting students to and from school and related activities.
City Transit Bus Driver: Operating buses within a city or metropolitan area.
Intercity Bus Driver: Driving long distances between cities or across states.
Tour Bus Driver: Providing guided tours, often for sightseeing or educational purposes.
Charter Bus Driver: Driving buses for specific group trips or events.

Description

Bus Drivers play a crucial role in public and private transportation sectors, providing a reliable service for many people. The job requires not only the ability to operate a large vehicle safely but also strong customer service skills, as drivers interact directly with the public. They must be knowledgeable about their route and skilled in navigating varying traffic and weather conditions.

Drivers must maintain a high level of focus and patience, especially in congested areas or during long trips. Being a Bus Driver also means adhering to safety regulations and ensuring that passengers are transported securely. Additionally, they are responsible for keeping their vehicle clean and conducting regular safety checks to prevent any operational issues.

Professional development can include pursuing additional endorsements for their license, allowing them to operate different types of buses. Many drivers enjoy the independence of the role and the opportunity to meet and assist a diverse range of people daily.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Providing an essential service to the community.
Interacting with a wide variety of people.
Independence on the road with responsibility for the vehicle.
Opportunities for stable employment in public and private sectors.

You might make a good Bus Driver if you are...

Comfortable driving large vehicles in various traffic conditions.
Skilled in customer service and enjoy interacting with people.
Patient, especially in heavy traffic or with challenging passengers.
Attentive to details and safety protocols.
Able to maintain a calm and professional demeanor under stress.

Pros:

Job stability and opportunities in both public and private sectors.
Meeting new people and serving the community.
Independence while on the road.

Cons:

Potentially stressful situations, including dealing with traffic and difficult passengers.
Working early mornings, late evenings, weekends, or holidays.
Physically demanding job, requiring long periods of sitting.

How to become a Bus Driver

Typical education

A high school diploma or equivalent is generally required. Bus drivers must also hold the appropriate provincial commercial driver's licence for passenger vehicles, which typically involves passing written knowledge tests, practical driving tests, and medical examinations. Most employers provide additional job-specific training, including passenger safety, defensive driving, accessibility procedures, and route operation.

High school preparation

Courses:

Automotive mechanics for understanding vehicle maintenance.
Geography for route planning and navigation.
Physical education for maintaining health and fitness.
Communication or customer service classes.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Join driving clubs or automotive interest groups.
Volunteer in community service roles.
Participate in team sports for teamwork skills.

Preparation after high school

Obtain the appropriate provincial commercial driver's licence for passenger vehicles (requirements vary by province).
Complete employer-provided or provincially approved training in passenger safety, defensive driving, and vehicle operation.
Undergo medical examinations, background checks, and driving record reviews, as required by transit authorities.
Develop customer service and communication skills, particularly for public transit or school bus roles.
Participate in ongoing refresher training related to safety regulations, accessibility procedures, and route operations.

More resources

American Public Transportation Association (APTA) - Provides resources and information for public transit professionals.
Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) - Offers information on CDL training and careers.
School Bus Fleet - A resource for school bus drivers and transportation professionals.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.