Last updated Oct 30, 2026 · Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025, school bus drivers (SOC 53-3051)

School bus pay leaderboard

Ranked from 183 employers we've checked. Updated as new salary schedules come out.

Highest starting pay

1. $29.09/hr — Marietta City Schools (GA, 2026-27) source
2. $28.69/hr — Cobb County School District (GA, 2026-27) source
3. $28.00/hr — Hall County Schools (GA, 2026-27) source
4. $26.29/hr — City Schools of Decatur (GA, 2026-27) source
5. $26.00/hr — Fayette County Public Schools (GA, 2026-27) source
6. $25.71/hr — Atlanta Public Schools (GA, 2026-27) source
7. $25.21/hr — Clayton County Public Schools (GA, 2026-27) source
8. $24.69/hr — Cherokee County School District (GA, 2026-27) source
9. $24.13/hr — Fulton County Schools (GA, 2026-27) source
10. $23.69/hr — Cherokee County School District (SC, 2025-26) source

Highest top-of-scale pay

1. $41.80/hr — Marietta City Schools (GA, 2026-27) source
2. $40.11/hr — Fayette County Public Schools (GA, 2026-27) source
3. $39.60/hr — Fort Mill School District 4 (SC, 2026-27) source
4. $38.24/hr — Cobb County School District (GA, 2026-27) source
5. $38.00/hr — Hall County Schools (GA, 2026-27) source
6. $36.73/hr — City Schools of Decatur (GA, 2026-27) source
7. $36.26/hr — Atlanta Public Schools (GA, 2026-27) source
8. $35.79/hr — Berkeley County School District (SC, 2026-27 (posting)) source
9. $35.45/hr — Houston County School District (GA, 2026-27) source
10. $34.82/hr — Beaufort County School District (SC, 2025-26) source

Biggest sign-on bonuses

1. Up to $2,000 sign-on — Richland School District One (SC, 2026-27) source
2. $1,500 sign-on — Richland School District Two (SC, 2026-27) source
3. $1,200 sign-on + up to $4,000/yr attendance & retention bonuses — Wake County Public Schools (NC, 2026-27) source
4. $500 permit (CLP) bonus within 7 days; $200 within 14 — First Student — Charleston area (N. Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Johns Island) (SC, 2026) source
5. $500 permit (CLP) bonus within 7 days; $200 within 14 — First Student — Dalton (GA, 2026) source

Lowest starting pay

1. $15.00/hr — Rockingham County Schools (NC, current (posting)) source
2. $15.03/hr — Williamsburg County School District (SC, current flyer (undated)) source
3. $15.23/hr — Stanly County Schools (NC, 2026-27 (posting)) source
4. $15.31/hr — Chesterfield County School District (SC, 2026-27) source
5. $15.48/hr — Dougherty County School System (GA, 2025-26) source

Starting pay is the base rate for a new driver. Some employers start experienced drivers higher.