Bus Driver Salaries in Texas — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median bus driver salary in Texas is $42,780 per year, equivalent to $20.57/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Texas employs approximately 34,320 bus drivers statewide.
Bus Driver salaries in Texas are below the national average by approximately $2,807. Texas has no state income tax.
Pro-business policies and steady migration into Texas keep demand strong for bus drivers.
Texas Bus Driver Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Texas after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Texas has no state income tax.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Texas has no state income tax. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Texas Bus Driver Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Texas median of $42,780.
Bus Driver Salary by Experience — Texas
Bus Driver Salary Trend in Texas — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataBus Driver salaries in Texas 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 Texas's public transit and school transport.
Bus Driver Salary by City — Texas
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | $47,500 | $22.84 | +11.0% | 12,012 |
| Dallas | $45,350 | $21.80 | +6.0% | 9,609 |
| Austin | $44,050 | $21.18 | +3.0% | 6,177 |
| San Antonio | $41,050 | $19.74 | -4.0% | 3,088 |
| Fort Worth | $38,950 | $18.73 | -9.0% | 2,059 |
| El Paso | $37,200 | $17.88 | -13.0% | 1,372 |
Tip: Houston offers the highest bus driver salaries in Texas at $47,500/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Texas vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Texas compares favourably for bus drivers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Texas has no state income tax.
Bus Driver Job Outlook in Texas
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for bus drivers in Texas is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Texas job market. Pro-business policies and steady migration into Texas keep demand strong for bus drivers.
How to Earn More as a Bus Driver in Texas
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a bus driver in Texas typically adds $35,100 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State DMV — CDL Licence can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Houston pays bus drivers $47,500/yr — +11.0% above the Texas average. Simply relocating within Texas 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 Texas. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. New Mexico pays bus drivers $46,240/yr — 8.1% vs Texas.
Find Bus Driver Jobs in Texas
Live ListingsSearch current bus driver job vacancies in Texas:
🔍 Bus Driver jobs in Texas — Indeed→ 🔍 Bus Driver jobs in Texas — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Bus Driver jobs — Houston, TX→