Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary in Illinois
In Illinois, bus drivers, transit and intercitys earn $69,950 at the median — $33.63 an hour. The range runs from $46K at the entry level to $84K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $70K get you in Illinois?
About bus drivers, transit and intercitys
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Illinois
Entry-level bus drivers, transit and intercitys (10th percentile) start around $46K. Mid-career wages sit at $70K.Top earners bring in $84K or more - a $38K spread from bottom to top.
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $82K | +43% | 16,550 |
| Washington | $70K | +22% | 7,100 |
| Illinois | $70K | +22% | 7,580 |
| Maryland | $69K | +21% | 4,680 |
| Hawaii | $69K | +20% | 2,130 |
| Oregon | $63K | +10% | 2,730 |
| Massachusetts | $63K | +9% | 3,850 |
| California | $62K | +9% | 23,500 |
| Alaska | $62K | +8% | 190 |
| New Jersey | $62K | +8% | 5,850 |
| Connecticut | $57K | -1% | 2,130 |
| Ohio | $54K | -5% | 3,730 |
| Missouri | $54K | -6% | 1,460 |
| New Hampshire | $54K | -6% | 260 |
| Maine | $53K | -7% | 320 |
Track bus drivers, transit and intercity salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Illinois numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do bus drivers, transit and intercitys make in Illinois?
The median is $69,950 a year - that works out to about $33.63 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $46,380, and experienced bus drivers, transit and intercitys can clear $84,440. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $70K enough to live in Illinois?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,511/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $1,203/month (median of metro areas), which eats 26.7% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a bus drivers, transit and intercity salary go in Illinois?
Illinois has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median bus drivers, transit and intercity salary is worth about $69,950 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do bus drivers, transit and intercitys get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.