Bus Drivers Make the Economy Go Round and Round
September 29, 2025Transit and intercity bus drivers are critical to the economy of Oregon. Nearly 50,000 Oregonians commuted to work daily on public transit in 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Additionally, there were just under 48 million bus trips in Oregon in 2023, according to the Federal Transit Administration. With this importance, transit and intercity bus drivers tend to earn more than other jobs in Oregon.
Transit and intercity bus drivers drive a bus or a motor coach for regular routes, charters, or private carriage. They may also assist passengers and may collect ride fares. Drivers tend to work full-time, but part-time work is also common. Most drivers work regular business hours, but driving early or late hours and on weekends is common. Route selection priority is often determined by seniority, so new hires should be ready to work at any time of day. Drivers can drive for up to eight hours at a time on long country roads or tight city streets.
Survey data from transit and intercity bus drivers collected by the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) provides more context for the work environment:
- Spend Time Sitting — 87% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
- In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment — 85% responded “Every day.”
- Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — 52% responded “Every day.”
- Duration of Typical Work Week — 47% responded “40 hours.”
- Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People — 44% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”
Transit agencies usually require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent, a clean driving record, and – depending on the type of bus being driven – a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Many transit agencies will provide CDL training and testing, though applicants will often have to obtain an Oregon (or Washington) Commercial Learner’s Permit on their own.
The number of transit and intercity bus drivers is expected to increase 8.5% from 2023 to 2033. This means that there is expected to be 252 more drivers 10 years from now. Additionally, it is expected that there will be 3,680 job openings due to job turnover and retirements over the next decade.
With a median hourly wage of $30.98, transit and intercity bus drivers tend to earn slightly more than the median wage of all occupations in Oregon at $26.28. Bus drivers also tend to earn more in Oregon than elsewhere in the U.S. The nationwide median hourly wage for transit and intercity bus drivers is $28.07.
Driving a transit or intercity bus for hours at a time is not easy work. But for those who can do it, it is a high-wage, in-demand occupation accessible for people without a college degree. Folks interested in this occupation can learn more and find job openings in the Occupational Profile on QualityInfo, or reach out to their local WorkSource office.