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)
At 40% AI exposure, Bus drivers, transit and intercity sits 3 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 68% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Bus drivers, transit and intercity sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Bus drivers, transit and intercity has ai exposure of 40%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Bus drivers, transit and intercity vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Bus drivers, transit and intercity is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
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.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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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).