Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
In Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, bus drivers, transit and intercitys earn $81,400 at the median — $39.13 an hour. The range runs from $60K at the entry level to $87K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 111.13), so that salary is closer to $73,248 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,501/month — about 45.9% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $81K get you in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
About bus drivers, transit and intercitys
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Entry-level bus drivers, transit and intercitys (10th percentile) start around $60K. Mid-career wages sit at $81K.Top earners bring in $87K or more - a $27K 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do bus drivers, transit and intercitys make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median is $81,400 a year - that works out to about $39.13 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $59,670, and experienced bus drivers, transit and intercitys can clear $86,620. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $81K enough to live in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,471/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,501/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 45.7% 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue has a Regional Price Parity of 111.13 (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 $73,248 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.