Bus Driver Salaries in Montana — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median bus driver salary in Montana is $45,810 per year, equivalent to $22.02/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Montana employs approximately 1,580 bus drivers statewide.
Bus Driver salaries in Montana are above the national average by approximately $223. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%.
Montana's mix of natural resources, tourism, and tech keeps bus driver demand steady.
Montana Bus Driver Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Montana after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Montana Bus Driver Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Montana median of $45,810.
Bus Driver Salary by Experience — Montana
Bus Driver Salary Trend in Montana — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for bus drivers in Montana: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Montana's public transit and school transport.
Bus Driver Salary by City — Montana
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings | $50,850 | $24.45 | +11.0% | 553 |
| Missoula | $48,550 | $23.34 | +6.0% | 442 |
| Great Falls | $47,200 | $22.69 | +3.0% | 284 |
| Bozeman | $44,000 | $21.15 | -4.0% | 142 |
| Butte | $41,700 | $20.05 | -9.0% | 94 |
| Helena | $39,850 | $19.16 | -13.0% | 63 |
Tip: Billings offers the highest bus driver salaries in Montana at $50,850/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Montana vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Montana sits in the mid-range for bus drivers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%.
Bus Driver Job Outlook in Montana
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for bus drivers in Montana is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Montana job market. Montana's mix of natural resources, tourism, and tech keeps bus driver demand steady.
How to Earn More as a Bus Driver in Montana
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a bus driver in Montana typically adds $37,600 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State DMV — CDL Licence can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Billings pays bus drivers $50,850/yr — +11.0% above the Montana average. Simply relocating within Montana 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 Montana. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Idaho pays bus drivers $42,070/yr — -8.2% vs Montana.
Find Bus Driver Jobs in Montana
Live ListingsSearch current bus driver job vacancies in Montana:
🔍 Bus Driver jobs in Montana — Indeed→ 🔍 Bus Driver jobs in Montana — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Bus Driver jobs — Billings, MT→