Bus Driver Salaries in Oregon — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Oregon pays bus drivers a median wage of $52,090 per year — that's $25.05/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 4,460 bus drivers make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
Bus Driver salaries in Oregon are above the national average by approximately $6,503. Oregon has a state income tax rate of up to 9.9%.
Tech-driven growth and high cost of living combine to push bus driver pay higher in Oregon.
Oregon Bus Driver Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Oregon after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Oregon has a state income tax rate of up to 9.9%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Oregon has a state income tax rate of up to 9.9%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Oregon Bus Driver Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Oregon median of $52,090.
Bus Driver Salary by Experience — Oregon
Bus Driver Salary Trend in Oregon — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataBus Driver salaries in Oregon 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 Oregon's public transit and school transport.
Bus Driver Salary by City — Oregon
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland | $57,800 | $27.79 | +11.0% | 1,561 |
| Salem | $55,200 | $26.54 | +6.0% | 1,248 |
| Eugene | $53,650 | $25.79 | +3.0% | 802 |
| Gresham | $50,000 | $24.04 | -4.0% | 401 |
| Hillsboro | $47,400 | $22.79 | -9.0% | 267 |
| Beaverton | $45,300 | $21.78 | -13.0% | 178 |
Tip: Portland offers the highest bus driver salaries in Oregon at $57,800/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Oregon vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Oregon sits in the mid-range for bus drivers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Oregon has a state income tax rate of up to 9.9%.
Bus Driver Job Outlook in Oregon
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for bus drivers in Oregon is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Oregon job market. Tech-driven growth and high cost of living combine to push bus driver pay higher in Oregon.
How to Earn More as a Bus Driver in Oregon
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a bus driver in Oregon typically adds $42,700 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State DMV — CDL Licence can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Portland pays bus drivers $57,800/yr — +11.0% above the Oregon average. Simply relocating within Oregon 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 Oregon. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Washington pays bus drivers $60,250/yr — 15.7% vs Oregon.
Find Bus Driver Jobs in Oregon
Live ListingsSearch current bus driver job vacancies in Oregon:
🔍 Bus Driver jobs in Oregon — Indeed→ 🔍 Bus Driver jobs in Oregon — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Bus Driver jobs — Portland, OR→