Bus Driver Salaries in New Jersey — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026New Jersey pays bus drivers a median wage of $59,140 per year — that's $28.43/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 12,200 bus drivers make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
Bus Driver salaries in New Jersey are above the national average by approximately $13,553. New Jersey has a state income tax rate of up to 10.75%.
New Jersey's blend of urban density and corporate presence supports above-average bus driver pay.
New Jersey Bus Driver Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in New Jersey after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. New Jersey has a state income tax rate of up to 10.75%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. New Jersey has a state income tax rate of up to 10.75%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — New Jersey Bus Driver Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the New Jersey median of $59,140.
Bus Driver Salary by Experience — New Jersey
Bus Driver Salary Trend in New Jersey — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for bus drivers in New Jersey: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in New Jersey's public transit and school transport.
Bus Driver Salary by City — New Jersey
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newark | $65,650 | $31.56 | +11.0% | 4,270 |
| Jersey City | $62,700 | $30.14 | +6.0% | 3,416 |
| Paterson | $60,900 | $29.28 | +3.0% | 2,196 |
| Elizabeth | $56,750 | $27.28 | -4.0% | 1,098 |
| Edison | $53,800 | $25.87 | -9.0% | 732 |
| Woodbridge | $51,450 | $24.74 | -13.0% | 488 |
Tip: Newark offers the highest bus driver salaries in New Jersey at $65,650/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
New Jersey vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, New Jersey sits in the mid-range for bus drivers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. New Jersey has a state income tax rate of up to 10.75%.
Bus Driver Job Outlook in New Jersey
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for bus drivers in New Jersey is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the New Jersey job market. New Jersey's blend of urban density and corporate presence supports above-average bus driver pay.
How to Earn More as a Bus Driver in New Jersey
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a bus driver in New Jersey typically adds $48,500 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State DMV — CDL Licence can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Newark pays bus drivers $65,650/yr — +11.0% above the New Jersey average. Simply relocating within New Jersey 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 New Jersey. 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 — -4.4% vs New Jersey.
Find Bus Driver Jobs in New Jersey
Live ListingsSearch current bus driver job vacancies in New Jersey:
🔍 Bus Driver jobs in New Jersey — Indeed→ 🔍 Bus Driver jobs in New Jersey — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Bus Driver jobs — Newark, NJ→