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Transportation · California

How to Become a Bus Drivers, School in California

Bus Drivers, Schools in California earn a median salary of $58,280/year, which is 24% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~3.1%. After taxes and rent, a bus drivers, school takes home approximately $2,511/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$58K
Median salary in California
+24%
vs. national average
3.1%
State income tax
14,580
Employed in California

What a bus drivers, school can afford in California

Gross annual salary$58,280
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 3.1% state tax)$3,923/mo
Median 2BR rent (California)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home36% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$58,280/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$2,511/mo

Becoming a bus drivers, school in California

1

Meet education requirements

Bus Drivers, School positions in California typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many bus drivers, school positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain California licensure or certification

California may require specific licensing or professional certification for bus drivers, schools. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in California

California employs 14,580 bus drivers, schools. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and Napa.

Bus Drivers, School salary by metro area in California

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara$65K$31.3/hr640
Napa$65K$31.13/hr60
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont$63K$30.35/hr1,110
Salinas$63K$30.06/hr130
Modesto$62K$30.04/hr180
Chico$59K$28.57/hr50
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim$59K$28.48/hr4,420
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad$59K$28.42/hr1,090
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom$59K$28.35/hr470
Santa Cruz-Watsonville$58K$28.1/hr70
Merced$58K$28.01/hr260
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura$58K$27.74/hr400
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario$57K$27.29/hr2,770
El Centro$57K$27.24/hr50
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara$56K$26.86/hr220

Bus Drivers, School salary range in California

10th percentile (entry)
$47K
25th percentile
$50K
Median (50th)
$58K
75th percentile
$63K
90th percentile (senior)
$72K
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Full bus drivers, school salary breakdown in California
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Bus Drivers, School careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a bus drivers, school make in California?

The median bus drivers, school salary in California is $58,280 per year ($28.02/hr). This is 24% above the national median of $47,040. Salaries range from $46,860 to $71,900.

What are the requirements to become a bus drivers, school in California?

Bus Drivers, School positions in California typically require No formal educational credential. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a bus drivers, school afford to live in California?

At the median salary of $58,280, a bus drivers, school in California would take home approximately $3,923/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 36% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for bus drivers, schools in California?

The highest paying metro areas for bus drivers, schools in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($65,110), Napa ($64,750), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($63,130). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does California have state income tax for bus drivers, schools?

Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.1%. On a $58,280 salary, this means roughly $1,787/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.