CDCareer Decision

Bus Drivers, School Salary in Ames, IA

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Bus Drivers, School in Ames, IA have a median annual salary of $54,780, with 220 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $37,850 at the 10th percentile to $95,320 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$54,780

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$26.34

Employment

220

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$37,850
10th
$46,590
25th
$54,780
Median
$77,530
75th
$95,320
90th

Local compared with national

Ames, IA

$54,780

Median annual · 2025

United States

$47,920

Median annual · 2025

The Ames, IA median is 14.3% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $6,860).

Top skills

  1. 1.Active ListeningImportance 3.4
  2. 2.Critical ThinkingImportance 3.4
  3. 3.MonitoringImportance 3.4
  4. 4.Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.3
  5. 5.SpeakingImportance 3.1
  6. 6.Operations MonitoringImportance 3.1
  7. 7.Reading ComprehensionImportance 3.0
  8. 8.CoordinationImportance 3.0
  9. 9.Service OrientationImportance 3.0
  10. 10.Operation and ControlImportance 2.9
  11. 11.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.9
  12. 12.Time ManagementImportance 2.9

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
None
Job zone
2

Technology used

  • AOL MapQuest
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Web browser software

Common tasks

  • Record bus routes.
  • Keep bus interiors clean for students.
  • Comply with traffic regulations to operate vehicles in a safe and courteous manner.
  • Follow safety rules as students board and exit buses or cross streets near bus stops.
  • Check the condition of a vehicle's tires, brakes, windshield wipers, lights, oil, fuel, water, and safety equipment to ensure that everything is in working order.
  • Report any bus malfunctions or needed repairs.
  • Pick up and drop off students at regularly scheduled neighborhood locations, following strict time schedules.
  • Escort small children across roads and highways.
  • Drive gasoline, diesel, or electrically powered multi-passenger vehicles to transport students between neighborhoods, schools, and school activities.
  • Maintain order among students during trips to ensure safety.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Bus Drivers, School salary in other locations

Other occupations in Ames, IA