How Much Do School Transportation Drivers Make in 2025?
Let’s cut to it: how much do school transportation drivers make?
If you’re considering driving for student transportation, that’s the question you actually care about. Not the benefits, not the schedule flexibility, not the “rewarding work helping kids”—you need to know what hits your bank account.
Here’s the truth: school transportation drivers typically make between $17 and $24 per hour across the United States, with median hourly rates around $19-$21. That breaks down to roughly $400-$500 per week for part-time morning and afternoon routes, or $1,600-$2,000 per month.
But that’s just the baseline. How much do school transportation drivers make in your specific situation depends on several factors: where you live, how many routes you drive, whether you work mornings only or both blocks, and what additional perks your employer offers (referral bonuses, performance incentives, weekly vs. bi-weekly pay).
This guide breaks down exactly what you can expect to earn as a school transportation driver in 2025—real numbers, regional breakdowns, and honest comparisons to other driving gigs so you can decide if this work makes financial sense for you.
The Base Numbers: What School Transportation Drivers Actually Earn
Here’s what the data shows about how much do school transportation drivers make across the country:
Hourly rates:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, passenger vehicle drivers (which includes school transportation drivers) earn a median hourly wage of approximately $18-$22 per hour. Most school transportation drivers earn between $16.83 (25th percentile) and $24.28 (75th percentile) per hour, with an average around $19-$21 per hour. Entry-level drivers typically start around $17-$18/hour, while experienced drivers with specialized training (special needs, IEP support) can earn $22-$25/hour.
Weekly earnings for part-time drivers:
- Morning routes only (2-3 hours/day, 5 days/week): $170-$315/week
- Afternoon routes only (2-3 hours/day, 5 days/week): $170-$315/week
- Both morning and afternoon routes (4-6 hours/day, 5 days/week): $340-$630/week
Monthly earnings:
- Morning or afternoon only: $680-$1,260/month
- Both blocks: $1,360-$2,520/month
Annual earnings for part-time drivers:
School transportation drivers working part-time typically earn between $30,000 and $46,000 annually if they work both morning and afternoon routes consistently throughout the school year. Drivers who only work one block (mornings or afternoons) earn proportionally less—typically $15,000-$23,000 annually.
These numbers assume you’re working during the school year (approximately 180-200 days, depending on the district calendar). Some drivers take summers off. Others pick up summer routes (camps, summer school programs) to maintain income year-round.
Regional Breakdown: Where School Transportation Drivers Make the Most
How much do school transportation drivers make varies significantly by location. In California, the average yearly salary for a school transportation driver is $43,218, which translates to roughly $20-$22/hour. Other high-paying states include Massachusetts, Washington, and Alaska.
Here’s a regional breakdown of hourly rates:
Highest-paying regions:
- California (Bay Area, Los Angeles): $20-$25/hour
- Massachusetts (Boston metro): $19-$24/hour
- Washington (Seattle area): $19-$23/hour
- Alaska (Anchorage, Fairbanks): $19-$23/hour
- New York (NYC metro): $18-$22/hour
Mid-range regions:
- Texas (major cities): $16-$20/hour
- Florida (urban areas): $16-$19/hour
- Illinois (Chicago area): $17-$21/hour
- Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh): $17-$20/hour
Lower-cost-of-living regions:
- Oklahoma: $15-$18/hour
- Georgia (outside Atlanta): $15-$18/hour
- Delaware: $16-$19/hour
- North Carolina: $15-$19/hour
Important note: Higher wages in expensive regions don’t always mean better purchasing power. A driver making $22/hour in San Francisco faces much higher living costs than a driver making $17/hour in Oklahoma. When evaluating how much do school transportation drivers make, factor in local cost of living, not just raw hourly rates.
Morning Routes vs. Afternoon Routes: How Hours Translate to Earnings
Most school transportation driver positions are part-time and structured around two blocks: mornings and afternoons. Understanding how much do school transportation drivers make requires understanding how these blocks work.
Morning routes (typically 6:30-9:00 AM):
You start early—usually around 6:30 or 7:00 AM—and finish by 9:00 AM. This block typically involves 2-3 hours of paid time, including pickups, driving, and drop-offs at school. At $19/hour, that’s $38-$57 per morning.
Afternoon routes (typically 2:00-4:30 PM):
You start mid-afternoon—usually around 2:00 or 2:30 PM—and finish by 4:30 or 5:00 PM. Similar to mornings: 2-3 hours of paid time. At $19/hour, that’s $38-$57 per afternoon.
If you work both blocks:
You’re working roughly 4-6 hours per day, split across morning and afternoon. Most drivers have 4-5 hours of downtime between routes. Some use that time for other work, errands, or personal activities. Others prefer the split schedule because it allows them to handle mid-day responsibilities (appointments, family needs) that full-time jobs don’t accommodate.
Weekly breakdown (5 days/week, both blocks, $19/hour average):
- Total weekly hours: 20-30 hours
- Weekly gross pay: $380-$570
- Monthly gross pay (4 weeks): $1,520-$2,280
That’s before taxes. After taxes, you’re typically looking at $300-$450/week take-home, depending on your tax situation and deductions.
What Affects How Much School Transportation Drivers Make
Several factors influence how much do school transportation drivers make beyond just base hourly rates:
1. Experience and tenure.
New drivers typically start at the lower end of the pay range. After 6-12 months, many employers bump pay by $1-$2/hour. Drivers with 2+ years of experience, especially those with special needs or IEP training, can negotiate higher rates.
2. Route complexity and special needs support.
Drivers who work with students with IEPs (individualized education programs), behavioral challenges, or mobility equipment often earn $1-$3/hour more than drivers on standard routes. This reflects the additional training, responsibility, and skill required.
3. Vehicle provided vs. using your own vehicle.
Some school transportation services provide vehicles. Others require you to use your own car. If you’re using your own vehicle, factor in gas, wear and tear, and insurance adjustments. However, using your own vehicle often means faster onboarding (no waiting for a company vehicle) and more flexibility.
4. Referral bonuses and performance incentives.
Many school transportation companies offer referral bonuses if you bring in other drivers. These can range from $100-$500 per successful referral. Some also offer attendance bonuses (perfect attendance for a month = $50-$100 extra) or safety bonuses (no incidents = quarterly bonus).
5. Full-time vs. part-time classification.
Most school transportation driver positions are part-time, which means no benefits like health insurance or PTO. However, some drivers prefer this because they’re on a spouse’s insurance, receiving VA benefits, or managing retirement income and don’t need full-time benefits. If benefits matter to you, factor their value into your total compensation when evaluating how much do school transportation drivers make.
6. Weekly pay vs. bi-weekly pay.
Some employers pay weekly. Others pay bi-weekly. Weekly pay helps with cash flow—especially important if you’re living paycheck to paycheck or managing tight budgets. It’s not technically more money, but it feels like it when you’re not waiting two weeks between deposits.
How School Transportation Driver Pay Compares to Other Driving Gigs
If you’re deciding between school transportation and other driving work, here’s how how much do school transportation drivers make stacks up against alternatives:
Uber/Lyft:
Rideshare drivers report earning $15-$25/hour after accounting for gas, wear and tear, and dead miles (driving without a passenger). However, earnings are unpredictable. Busy nights and surge pricing can boost income, but slow days mean you’re sitting around making nothing. School transportation offers predictability: you know your schedule, you know your routes, you know your pay.
DoorDash/Uber Eats:
Food delivery drivers typically earn $12-$20/hour after expenses. Like rideshare, earnings fluctuate based on demand, tips, and how efficiently you can complete deliveries. Wear and tear on your vehicle is significant. School transportation generally pays better per hour and involves far less vehicle wear.
Amazon Flex / Package Delivery:
Amazon Flex drivers earn $18-$25/hour during scheduled blocks. The pay is competitive, but the work is physically demanding (lifting packages, constant in-and-out of the vehicle), and routes can be unpredictable. School transportation is less physical and more routine.
Full-time CDL trucking:
CDL truck drivers earn significantly more—often $50,000-$70,000+ annually—but the work requires a commercial driver’s license, longer hours, and often involves being away from home for days or weeks at a time. School transportation doesn’t require a CDL (in most cases), keeps you local, and lets you be home every day.
Traditional school bus driving (district employment):
District-employed school bus drivers often earn slightly more than private student transportation drivers—typically $18-$24/hour with benefits. However, they face more rigid schedules, less flexibility, and often deal with larger buses and more students. Private student transportation offers more one-on-one interaction, smaller vehicles, and often more accommodating scheduling.
The bottom line: School transportation doesn’t pay as much as full-time CDL work, but it pays more reliably than gig economy apps and offers better work-life balance. If you value predictability, routine, and being home every day, how much do school transportation drivers make matters less than the consistency and lifestyle fit.
Real-Life Earnings Scenarios: What You’ll Actually Take Home
Let’s look at realistic scenarios to understand how much do school transportation drivers make in practice:
Scenario 1: Retiree working morning routes only
- Hourly rate: $18/hour
- Hours per week: 12 hours (2.5 hours/day, 5 days/week)
- Weekly gross pay: $216
- Monthly gross pay: $864
- Annual gross pay (40 weeks/school year): $8,640
This works for someone receiving Social Security or a pension who wants supplemental income without working full days. The mornings are consistent, and afternoons are free.
Scenario 2: Parent working both morning and afternoon routes
- Hourly rate: $20/hour
- Hours per week: 25 hours (5 hours/day, 5 days/week)
- Weekly gross pay: $500
- Monthly gross pay: $2,000
- Annual gross pay (40 weeks/school year): $20,000
This works for a parent whose kids are in school during the day. The split schedule allows them to handle mid-day errands, appointments, or household tasks while still earning meaningful income.
Scenario 3: Veteran working both blocks with special needs routes
- Hourly rate: $22/hour (higher due to IEP/special needs training)
- Hours per week: 28 hours (5.5 hours/day, 5 days/week)
- Weekly gross pay: $616
- Monthly gross pay: $2,464
- Annual gross pay (40 weeks/school year): $24,640
This works for a veteran managing VA benefits or disability who wants part-time work with purpose. The higher rate reflects specialized training, and the income supplements other benefits.
Scenario 4: Full-time driver working extended routes (summer programs, after-school activities)
- Hourly rate: $21/hour
- Hours per week: 35 hours (includes morning, afternoon, and occasional extended trips)
- Weekly gross pay: $735
- Monthly gross pay: $2,940
- Annual gross pay (48 weeks/year, including summer): $35,280
This works for someone treating school transportation as a primary income source. By picking up summer programs, field trips, and after-school activity routes, they extend their earning season beyond the traditional school year.
These scenarios show that how much do school transportation drivers make is less about a single number and more about how you structure your work to fit your financial needs and lifestyle.
Hidden Costs and Expenses to Factor In
When calculating how much do school transportation drivers make, don’t forget to account for expenses:
If you’re using your own vehicle:
- Gas: Depending on route length and fuel efficiency, expect $20-$50/week in gas costs.
- Wear and tear: Oil changes, tire wear, brake pads—figure $50-$100/month in maintenance over time.
- Insurance adjustment: Some insurance companies require you to add a rider or adjust your policy if you’re using your vehicle for paid transportation. This can add $10-$30/month to your premium.
Tax considerations:
You’re typically classified as a W-2 employee (not a contractor), which means taxes are withheld from your paycheck. However, if you’re using your own vehicle, you can often deduct mileage on your tax return. The Internal Revenue Service sets the standard mileage rate at 67 cents per mile for 2024. Keep a mileage log to maximize your deductions.
Background check and onboarding costs:
Most reputable school transportation companies cover background check costs. If an employer asks you to pay for your own background check upfront, that’s a red flag.
Net earnings after expenses:
If you’re grossing $500/week but spending $30 on gas and $25 on vehicle expenses, your net is $445/week. That’s still solid for part-time work, but it’s important to be realistic about take-home pay.
Why Weekly Pay Matters More Than You Think
One factor that significantly impacts how much do school transportation drivers make (in terms of financial stability) is pay frequency.
Weekly pay vs. bi-weekly pay:
Companies that pay weekly deposit your earnings every Friday or Monday. Companies that pay bi-weekly deposit every other week. Mathematically, it’s the same annual income—but weekly pay improves cash flow dramatically.
Why weekly pay helps:
- You’re never more than 7 days from a paycheck.
- Bills and rent are easier to manage when money comes in consistently.
- If you’re living paycheck-to-paycheck (which many part-time workers are), weekly pay reduces financial stress.
At Yuni Rides, we pay drivers weekly. You work Monday through Friday, and your earnings hit your account the following week. No waiting. No guessing when the deposit clears.
What Drivers Wish They’d Known About Pay Before Starting
When researching how much do school transportation drivers make, here’s what current drivers say they wish they’d understood upfront:
“The hourly rate sounds low, but the hours add up.”
$18-$20/hour doesn’t sound impressive compared to some gig work. But when you’re working predictable hours every week, those earnings add up. It’s not about maximizing per-hour income—it’s about consistent, reliable income that fits your life.
“Summer is a gap unless you plan ahead.”
Most school transportation work is tied to the school calendar. That means 9-10 months of steady income, then a summer gap. Some drivers pick up summer work (camps, summer school routes). Others use summer as a break and budget accordingly. Plan for this upfront.
“Referral bonuses are real money.”
If your employer offers referral bonuses, take advantage. Referring just two drivers over a year can add $200-$500 to your annual earnings. That’s meaningful money for just spreading the word.
“Experience increases your value.”
Drivers who stick around for a year or more often get pay bumps, priority route assignments, and opportunities to work special events or extended trips (which pay extra). Your earnings in Year 2 are typically better than Year 1.
“Using my own vehicle is worth it for the flexibility.”
Some drivers prefer using their own car because it means they can start immediately without waiting for a company vehicle assignment. Yes, there’s wear and tear—but the mileage deduction and faster onboarding often make it worthwhile.
Frequently Asked Questions About How Much School Transportation Drivers Make
Do school transportation drivers get paid during school breaks?
Typically, no. Most drivers are paid only for days worked. That means no pay during winter break, spring break, or summer unless you pick up extended routes or work for summer programs. Budget accordingly.
Can I make more money by working multiple routes?
Yes. Some drivers work both morning and afternoon routes with multiple trips to maximize hours by picking up additional routes for extra income. The more routes you're willing to take, the more you earn. Also you can refer other drivers to earn referral bonuses.
Do school transportation drivers get tips?
Not typically. Unlike rideshare drivers, school transportation drivers work with the same families consistently, and tipping isn't part of the cultural expectation.
How does pay work if a student is absent?
This varies by employer. Some companies pay you for the route regardless of whether the student is absent. Others only pay for completed rides. Clarify this before you start with the dispatch team.
The Bottom Line: Is School Transportation Driver Pay Worth It?
So, how much do school transportation drivers make? The answer depends on your situation, but here’s the honest assessment:
You won’t get rich.
If you’re looking for six-figure income, this isn’t it. School transportation driver pay is designed for part-time work that fits around other priorities (retirement, parenting, VA benefits, side hustles).
You will earn consistent, predictable income.
Unlike gig economy work where earnings fluctuate wildly, school transportation offers steady pay. You know your schedule. You know your routes. You know what you’ll make. For many people, that predictability is worth more than chasing higher hourly rates with unpredictable gigs.
You’ll make between $15,000 and $35,000+ annually depending on hours worked.
One block (mornings or afternoons) gets you $15,000-$20,000/year. Both blocks gets you $25,000-$35,000/year. Add summer routes or extended trips, and you can push that higher.
The work-life balance is often better than higher-paying alternatives.
Full-time jobs that pay more also demand more of your time, energy, and flexibility. School transportation lets you work mornings, have your afternoons free (or vice versa), and still contribute meaningfully to your household income.
If you value purpose alongside pay, this work delivers.
You’re not just driving—you’re helping families, supporting kids, and being part of your community. That sense of purpose doesn’t pay the mortgage, but it does make the work feel worthwhile in ways that pure gig economy driving often doesn’t.
Ultimately, how much do school transportation drivers make is the wrong question if it’s the only question you’re asking. The right question is: “Does this income fit my life, my needs, and my priorities?” For many drivers, the answer is yes.
Ready to start earning as a school transportation driver?
Apply with Yuni Rides and start driving within 2-3 weeks. Morning routes, afternoon routes, or both—you choose. Weekly pay, local routes, and real support when you need it.
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Want to see what other drivers say about pay and work experience?
Learn more about the day-to-day reality of school transportation driving and how pay fits into the bigger picture.
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Curious about veteran-specific opportunities?
If you’re a veteran, find out why school transportation work is a natural fit and how your skills translate.
→ Learn About Veteran Opportunities
Questions? Let’s talk.
Call us at (415) 535-2155 and we’ll walk you through pay rates, schedules, and what to expect.
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Real pay. Real hours. Real work that fits your life.
This is how much school transportation drivers make—and why thousands of drivers choose this work over other options.