Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity pay in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin

In Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL), the median pay for bus drivers, transit and intercity is $31.35 an hour ($65,200 a year). About 7,080 people work in this job there.

$31.35Median hourly pay
$61,720–$85,990Middle half of workers, yearly
7,080People in this job in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL)

That is 10% higher than the U.S. median ($59,050). It is about the same as the Illinois median ($65,200).

Pay range for bus drivers, transit and intercity in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL)

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$25.08$52,160
25% of workers$29.67$61,720
Half of workers (median)$31.35$65,200
75% of workers$41.34$85,990
90% of workers$41.34$85,990

Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity pay in Illinois metro areas

Metro areaMedian yearly payPeople in this job
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (this page)$65,2007,080
Champaign-Urbana$51,010390
Peoria$50,930210
Rockford$48,200190

Illinois unemployment rate: 4.7% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Education, experience and outlook for bus drivers, transit and intercity

  • Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS)
  • Related work experience most have: 3 to 6 months (O*NET)
  • Training on the job: Moderate-term on-the-job training (BLS)
  • Job outlook: +4.1% over ten years, about as fast as average · about 21,100 openings a year (BLS)

Related jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL)

JobMedian yearly pay
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$62,300
Light Truck Drivers$47,950
Bus Drivers, School$49,180
Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs$38,290
School Bus Monitors$33,890
Driver/Sales Workers$40,490

Other job titles for this job

Bus DriverBus OperatorCharter Bus DriverCharter Coach DriverCharter DriverCity Bus DriverCoach OperatorCourtesy Bus DriverHaul Charter Bus DriverFarm Charter Bus DriverInterstate Bus DriverJitney Driver

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.