Bus drivers, transit and intercity
SOC Code: 53-3052
Bus drivers, transit and intercity carries a 40% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $57,440 and +4.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 158,800 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Bus drivers, transit and intercity (SOC 53-3052) carries an AI exposure score of 40%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 158,800 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.3% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $57,440, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Bus drivers, transit and intercity. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Drive vehicles over specified routes or to specified destinations according to time schedules, complying with traffic regulations to ensure that passengers have a smooth and safe ride.
- 2. Park vehicles at loading areas so that passengers can board.
- 3. Inspect vehicles and check gas, oil, and water levels prior to departure.
- 4. Announce stops to passengers.
- 5. Assist passengers, such as elderly or individuals with disabilities, on and off bus, ensure they are seated properly, help carry baggage, and answer questions about bus schedules or routes.
- 6. Collect tickets or cash fares from passengers.
- 7. Handle passenger emergencies or disruptions.
- 8. Report delays or accidents.
- 9. Advise passengers to be seated and orderly while on vehicles.
- 10. Read maps to plan bus routes.
Key Skills Required
- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Service Orientation
- Time Management
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge Areas
- Transportation
- Customer and Personal Service
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Law and Government
- Administration and Management
- Telecommunications
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
- Administrative
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Bus drivers, transit and intercity?
Bus drivers, transit and intercity has an AI exposure score of 40%, indicating a high level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Bus drivers, transit and intercity?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Bus drivers, transit and intercity is projected to grow by 4.3% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 158,800 workers.
What skills are needed for Bus drivers, transit and intercity?
Key skills for Bus drivers, transit and intercity include Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Bus drivers, transit and intercity earn?
The median annual wage for Bus drivers, transit and intercity is $57,440, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Bus drivers, transit and intercity?
The typical entry-level education for Bus drivers, transit and intercity is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Bus drivers, transit and intercity?
Bus drivers, transit and intercity roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).