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Bus Drivers, School Salary in Chicago, IL

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Bus Drivers, School in Chicago, IL have a median annual salary of $49,180, with 15,210 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $38,360 at the 10th percentile to $62,600 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

$49,180

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$23.64

Employment

15,210

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$38,360
10th
$47,560
25th
$49,180
Median
$59,930
75th
$62,600
90th

Local compared with national

Chicago, IL

$49,180

Median annual · 2025

United States

$47,920

Median annual · 2025

The Chicago, IL median is 2.6% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $1,260).

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 Chicago, IL