Bus Driver Salaries in Maryland — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Maryland pays bus drivers a median wage of $51,040 per year — that's $24.54/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 8,320 bus drivers make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
Bus Driver salaries in Maryland are above the national average by approximately $5,453. Maryland has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Access to major East Coast metros gives Maryland bus drivers access to higher-paying employers.
Maryland Bus Driver Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Maryland after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Maryland has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Maryland has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Maryland Bus Driver Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Maryland median of $51,040.
Bus Driver Salary by Experience — Maryland
Bus Driver Salary Trend in Maryland — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataBus Driver salaries in Maryland have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Maryland's public transit and school transport.
Bus Driver Salary by City — Maryland
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | $56,650 | $27.24 | +11.0% | 2,912 |
| Frederick | $54,100 | $26.01 | +6.0% | 2,329 |
| Rockville | $52,550 | $25.26 | +3.0% | 1,497 |
| Gaithersburg | $49,000 | $23.56 | -4.0% | 748 |
| Bowie | $46,450 | $22.33 | -9.0% | 499 |
| Annapolis | $44,400 | $21.35 | -13.0% | 332 |
Tip: Baltimore offers the highest bus driver salaries in Maryland at $56,650/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Maryland vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Maryland sits in the mid-range for bus drivers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Maryland has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Bus Driver Job Outlook in Maryland
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for bus drivers in Maryland is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Maryland job market. Access to major East Coast metros gives Maryland bus drivers access to higher-paying employers.
How to Earn More as a Bus Driver in Maryland
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a bus driver in Maryland typically adds $41,900 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State DMV — CDL Licence can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Baltimore pays bus drivers $56,650/yr — +11.0% above the Maryland average. Simply relocating within Maryland 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 Maryland. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Pennsylvania pays bus drivers $45,710/yr — -10.4% vs Maryland.
Find Bus Driver Jobs in Maryland
Live ListingsSearch current bus driver job vacancies in Maryland:
🔍 Bus Driver jobs in Maryland — Indeed→ 🔍 Bus Driver jobs in Maryland — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Bus Driver jobs — Baltimore, MD→