Bus Driver Salaries in North Dakota — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a bus driver make in North Dakota? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $50,420/yr ($24.24/hr), with around 1,580 people working in this field statewide.
Bus Driver salaries in North Dakota are above the national average by approximately $4,833. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%.
North Dakota's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for bus drivers.
North Dakota Bus Driver Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in North Dakota after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — North Dakota Bus Driver Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the North Dakota median of $50,420.
Bus Driver Salary by Experience — North Dakota
Bus Driver Salary Trend in North Dakota — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for bus drivers in North Dakota: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in North Dakota's public transit and school transport.
Bus Driver Salary by City — North Dakota
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo | $55,950 | $26.90 | +11.0% | 553 |
| Bismarck | $53,450 | $25.70 | +6.0% | 442 |
| Grand Forks | $51,950 | $24.98 | +3.0% | 284 |
| Minot | $48,400 | $23.27 | -4.0% | 142 |
| West Fargo | $45,900 | $22.07 | -9.0% | 94 |
| Williston | $43,850 | $21.08 | -13.0% | 63 |
Tip: Fargo offers the highest bus driver salaries in North Dakota at $55,950/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
North Dakota vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, North Dakota sits in the mid-range for bus drivers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%.
Bus Driver Job Outlook in North Dakota
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for bus drivers in North Dakota is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the North Dakota job market. North Dakota's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for bus drivers.
How to Earn More as a Bus Driver in North Dakota
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a bus driver in North Dakota typically adds $41,300 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State DMV — CDL Licence can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Fargo pays bus drivers $55,950/yr — +11.0% above the North Dakota average. Simply relocating within North Dakota 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 North Dakota. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Minnesota pays bus drivers $49,600/yr — -1.6% vs North Dakota.
Find Bus Driver Jobs in North Dakota
Live ListingsSearch current bus driver job vacancies in North Dakota:
🔍 Bus Driver jobs in North Dakota — Indeed→ 🔍 Bus Driver jobs in North Dakota — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Bus Driver jobs — Fargo, ND→