Bus Driver Salaries in Alaska — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Bus Drivers in Alaska earn an average of $49,880 per year ($23.98/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 660 bus drivers.
Bus Driver salaries in Alaska are above the national average by approximately $4,293. Alaska has no state income tax.
Tech-driven growth and high cost of living combine to push bus driver pay higher in Alaska.
Alaska Bus Driver Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Alaska after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Alaska has no state income tax.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Alaska has no state income tax. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Alaska Bus Driver Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Alaska median of $49,880.
Bus Driver Salary by Experience — Alaska
Bus Driver Salary Trend in Alaska — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Databus drivers pay in Alaska has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the bus driver workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Alaska's public transit and school transport.
Bus Driver Salary by City — Alaska
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | $55,350 | $26.61 | +11.0% | 230 |
| Fairbanks | $52,850 | $25.41 | +6.0% | 184 |
| Juneau | $51,400 | $24.71 | +3.0% | 118 |
| Sitka | $47,900 | $23.03 | -4.0% | 59 |
| Ketchikan | $45,400 | $21.83 | -9.0% | 50 |
| Wasilla | $43,400 | $20.87 | -13.0% | 50 |
Tip: Anchorage offers the highest bus driver salaries in Alaska at $55,350/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Alaska vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Alaska compares favourably for bus drivers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Alaska has no state income tax.
Bus Driver Job Outlook in Alaska
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for bus drivers in Alaska is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Alaska job market. Tech-driven growth and high cost of living combine to push bus driver pay higher in Alaska.
How to Earn More as a Bus Driver in Alaska
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a bus driver in Alaska typically adds $40,900 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State DMV — CDL Licence can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Anchorage pays bus drivers $55,350/yr — +11.0% above the Alaska average. Simply relocating within Alaska can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Bus Drivers who specialise in public transit and school transport typically command premium rates in Alaska. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Washington pays bus drivers $60,250/yr — 20.8% vs Alaska.
Find Bus Driver Jobs in Alaska
Live ListingsSearch current bus driver job vacancies in Alaska:
🔍 Bus Driver jobs in Alaska — Indeed→ 🔍 Bus Driver jobs in Alaska — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Bus Driver jobs — Anchorage, AK→