Bus Driver Salaries in Virginia — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median bus driver salary in Virginia is $48,600 per year, equivalent to $23.36/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Virginia employs approximately 13,530 bus drivers statewide.
Bus Driver salaries in Virginia are above the national average by approximately $3,013. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Virginia's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for bus drivers.
Virginia Bus Driver Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Virginia after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Virginia Bus Driver Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Virginia median of $48,600.
Bus Driver Salary by Experience — Virginia
Bus Driver Salary Trend in Virginia — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for bus drivers in Virginia: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Virginia's public transit and school transport.
Bus Driver Salary by City — Virginia
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | $53,950 | $25.94 | +11.0% | 4,735 |
| Norfolk | $51,500 | $24.76 | +6.0% | 3,788 |
| Chesapeake | $50,050 | $24.06 | +3.0% | 2,435 |
| Richmond | $46,650 | $22.43 | -4.0% | 1,217 |
| Arlington | $44,250 | $21.27 | -9.0% | 811 |
| Alexandria | $42,300 | $20.34 | -13.0% | 541 |
Tip: Virginia Beach offers the highest bus driver salaries in Virginia at $53,950/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Virginia vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Virginia sits in the mid-range for bus drivers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Bus Driver Job Outlook in Virginia
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for bus drivers in Virginia is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Virginia job market. Virginia's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for bus drivers.
How to Earn More as a Bus Driver in Virginia
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a bus driver in Virginia typically adds $39,900 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State DMV — CDL Licence can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Virginia Beach pays bus drivers $53,950/yr — +11.0% above the Virginia average. Simply relocating within Virginia 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 Virginia. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. West Virginia pays bus drivers $30,080/yr — -38.1% vs Virginia.
Find Bus Driver Jobs in Virginia
Live ListingsSearch current bus driver job vacancies in Virginia:
🔍 Bus Driver jobs in Virginia — Indeed→ 🔍 Bus Driver jobs in Virginia — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Bus Driver jobs — Virginia Beach, VA→