Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary in Iowa
In Iowa, bus drivers, transit and intercities earn $40,110 at the median — $19.28 an hour. The range runs from $31K at the entry level to $60K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Iowa. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $40K get you in Iowa?
About bus drivers, transit and intercities
Sponsored links — AffordMap may earn a commission at no cost to you. Learn more
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Iowa
Entry-level bus drivers, transit and intercities (10th percentile) start around $31K. Mid-career wages sit at $40K. Top earners bring in $60K or more, a $28K spread from bottom to top.
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity salary by metro in Iowa
5 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $60K | +51% | 90 |
| Iowa City | $49K | +21% | N/A |
| Sioux City | $47K | +18% | 60 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | $45K | +12% | 310 |
| Cedar Rapids | $44K | +9% | 140 |
Compare to other states
Track bus drivers, transit and intercity salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Iowa numbers change.
Related careers in Transportation
Frequently asked questions
How much do bus drivers, transit and intercities make in Iowa?
The median is $40,110 a year, that works out to about $19 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $31,230, and experienced bus drivers, transit and intercities can clear $59,520. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $40K enough to live in Iowa?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,700/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,064/month, which eats 39.4% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a bus drivers, transit and intercity salary go in Iowa?
Iowa 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 $45,138 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do bus drivers, transit and intercities 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.