Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
In Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA, bus drivers, transit and intercitys earn $78,220 at the median — $37.61 an hour. The range runs from $56K at the entry level to $79K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 105.42), so that salary is closer to $74,198 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,922/month — about 37.6% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $78K get you in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
About bus drivers, transit and intercitys
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Entry-level bus drivers, transit and intercitys (10th percentile) start around $56K. Mid-career wages sit at $78K.Top earners bring in $79K or more - a $23K 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 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do bus drivers, transit and intercitys make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median is $78,220 a year - that works out to about $37.61 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $56,200, and experienced bus drivers, transit and intercitys can clear $79,140. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $78K enough to live in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,758/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,922/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 40.4% 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 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro has a Regional Price Parity of 105.42 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median bus drivers, transit and intercity salary is worth about $74,198 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.