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Driver, Light Rail Transit Operator, LRT Operator, Motor Coach Driver, School Bus Driver, Subway Train Operator, Transit Operator
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $21.55 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $24.94 |
| Top | $25.75 |
Interest in driving buses and buses equipped for wheelchair accessibility, streetcars and intercity and sightseeing tour and charter buses to transport passengers along established routes, locally and over long distances; and in driving buses to transport passengers and cargo to intercity and long-distance destinations
Interest in copying information to report delays, mechanical problems and accidents; and in collecting fares, issuing transfers, checking bus passes and recording transactions
Interest in speaking with passengers to provide information on fares, schedules and stops; may provide passengers with information on points of interest during trips
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Bus drivers’ duties vary depending on the type of bus and service. However, in general, bus drivers:
Specific types of bus drivers have additional duties:
All drivers must deal with difficult passengers. They also face hazards like bad weather, poor driving surfaces and heavy traffic.
Bus drivers may work shifts that include evenings, weekends and holidays.
School bus drivers work weekdays before and after school hours. They may drive students on fieldtrips during or outside of school hours. Drivers who transport special-needs students must load and unload equipment like wheelchairs. They may lift children into their bus seats.
Transit bus drivers and motor coach drivers often work changing shifts for years before getting regular routes and shifts. Many transit bus drivers work part time or split shifts.
Drivers working for long-distance bus lines and tour companies may load and unload luggage and parcels weighing up to 45 kilograms.
Bus drivers need to possess:
They should enjoy:
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 15 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 03, 2020 and Jul 23, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
| Perform pre-trip, en route and post-trip inspection and oversee all aspects of vehicle | 14 |
|---|---|
| Report delays, mechanical problems and accidents | 13 |
| Operate buses, school busses or streetcars to transport passengers | 13 |
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 12 |
| Personal Suitability: Reliability | 12 |
| Ensure children's safety when boarding and leaving buses and crossing street while bus is stopped | 11 |
| Maintain control of student activities during travel to prevent distractions or behaviours that could compromise safety | 11 |
| Personal Suitability: Effective interpersonal skills | 11 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent oral communication | 11 |
| Transportation/Travel Experience: Local | 11 |
There are no standard educational requirements for bus drivers. However, specific driver training is required.
Alberta uses a system of classified driver licensing. It sets medical standards (including drug screening). It also sets licensing requirements for handling specific types of vehicles. Employers may provide the training required to allow newly hired bus drivers to upgrade their licences. In Alberta, that means changing from a Class 5 operator’s licence to the required Class 2 level. Depending on the type of bus, an air brakes endorsement may be required as well. Some bus lines require motor coach drivers to have a Class 1 licence.
Many bus and transit companies provide 3- to 6-week training programs. They cover important aspects of driving such as:
In Alberta, Class 2 school bus driving programs are offered by some public colleges and private vocational schools. Program length, cost and admission requirements vary. Students should be at least 18 years old. They should have a valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s licence. Other requirements may include:
Before enrolling in a program, prospective students should talk with bus drivers and employers about training and employment options.
Applicants must pass a pre-employment medical or physical demands check. They must be physically able to do inspection checks, minor maintenance duties and shoulder checks when driving. Individual employers may also require applicants to:
Employers prefer to hire bus drivers who have:
For a list of driving schools in Alberta, please go to the Alberta Transportation website.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Bus drivers work for:
Most positions are part time or seasonal.
Large transit systems and motor coach companies may use video-based selection tools and written tests to screen job applicants.
With experience and initiative, some drivers move into other positions in related areas. These include dispatching, office management, safety, training and vehicle maintenance.
Bus drivers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 7512: Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators. In Alberta, 82% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 7512: Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.3% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 176 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Bus drivers’ earnings vary considerably depending on location and employer. Motor coach drivers may earn hourly wages or flat fees on a contract basis for tours and special charters. Long-distance drivers may be paid by the mile. School bus drivers may have different rates of pay based on whether they have a fixed route or a special-needs route. They work about 180 days a year and are paid on a daily or flat-rate basis.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $30.92 | $21.55 | $21.83 |
| Overall | $15.00 | $35.83 | $24.94 | $23.46 |
| Top | $15.00 | $39.57 | $25.75 | $24.89 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Public Administration | $64,000 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $40,374 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $31,446 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $27,699 |
| Retail Trade | $26,286 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $22,702 |
| Educational Services | $19,982 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $13,550 |
Updated Mar 14, 2018. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.