Bus Driver Salaries in Connecticut — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median bus driver salary in Connecticut is $59,340 per year, equivalent to $28.53/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Connecticut employs approximately 6,980 bus drivers statewide.
Bus Driver salaries in Connecticut are above the national average by approximately $13,753. Connecticut has a state income tax rate of up to 6.99%.
Strong demand and union representation mean bus drivers in Connecticut often earn above the national median.
Connecticut Bus Driver Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Connecticut after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Connecticut has a state income tax rate of up to 6.99%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Connecticut has a state income tax rate of up to 6.99%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Connecticut Bus Driver Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Connecticut median of $59,340.
Bus Driver Salary by Experience — Connecticut
Bus Driver Salary Trend in Connecticut — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for bus drivers in Connecticut: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Connecticut's public transit and school transport.
Bus Driver Salary by City — Connecticut
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport | $65,850 | $31.66 | +11.0% | 2,443 |
| New Haven | $62,900 | $30.24 | +6.0% | 1,954 |
| Hartford | $61,100 | $29.38 | +3.0% | 1,256 |
| Stamford | $56,950 | $27.38 | -4.0% | 628 |
| Waterbury | $54,000 | $25.96 | -9.0% | 418 |
| Norwalk | $51,650 | $24.83 | -13.0% | 279 |
Tip: Bridgeport offers the highest bus driver salaries in Connecticut at $65,850/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Connecticut vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Connecticut sits in the mid-range for bus drivers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Connecticut has a state income tax rate of up to 6.99%.
Bus Driver Job Outlook in Connecticut
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for bus drivers in Connecticut is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Connecticut job market. Strong demand and union representation mean bus drivers in Connecticut often earn above the national median.
How to Earn More as a Bus Driver in Connecticut
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a bus driver in Connecticut typically adds $48,600 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State DMV — CDL Licence can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Bridgeport pays bus drivers $65,850/yr — +11.0% above the Connecticut average. Simply relocating within Connecticut 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 Connecticut. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. New York pays bus drivers $56,510/yr — -4.8% vs Connecticut.
Find Bus Driver Jobs in Connecticut
Live ListingsSearch current bus driver job vacancies in Connecticut:
🔍 Bus Driver jobs in Connecticut — Indeed→ 🔍 Bus Driver jobs in Connecticut — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Bus Driver jobs — Bridgeport, CT→