California School Bus Driver Pay (2024 Update)

Per BLS (May 2023), California school bus drivers earn:

• Mean hourly: $28.47
• 10th percentile: $20.12
• 90th percentile: $40.15

Annualized (full-time): ~$59k median; top earners exceed $83k. Pay varies by district size, union contract, seniority, and credentials (e.g., CDL endorsements). Benefits (CalPERS pension, health, dental) add 30–40% value. Charter/private operators often pay less than public districts.