Salary AI Book a Demo

Activity Bus Driver Salary in California

How much does an Activity Bus Driver make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Activity Bus Driver in California is $56,859 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

However, an Activity Bus Driver's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $66,219
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $51,685 to $61,758
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $46,974
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Activity Bus Driver Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Activity Bus Driver Salaries

An Activity Bus Driver's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Activity Bus Driver Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Activity Bus Driver's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $53,973
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $54,143
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $54,821
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $55,838
  • Expert (over 8 years): $57,335
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Activity Bus Driver less than 1 year $53,973
Early Career Level Activity Bus Driver 1-2 years $54,143
Mid-Level Level Activity Bus Driver 2-4 years $54,821
Senior-Level Level Activity Bus Driver 5-8 years $55,838
Expert Level Activity Bus Driver over 8 years $57,335

How Do Activity Bus Driver Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Activity Bus Drivers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $57,075.
  • California: $56,859.
  • Massachusetts: $56,101.

Top Paying Cities for Activity Bus Driver

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $56,957
  • West Hollywood: $56,915
  • Dodgertown: $56,956

Activity Bus Driver Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Activity Bus Driver roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 48% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 28% above the average. In contrast, Activity Bus Driver positions in Financial Services or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Activity Bus Driver as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Activity Bus Driver

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals $72,779 $35.0 28%
Internet $71,073 $34.0 25%
Energy & Utilities $65,388 $31.0 15%
Aerospace & Defense $63,682 $31.0 12%
Insurance $62,545 $30.0 10%

Activity Bus Driver Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Activity Bus Driver's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$51,685
Average $56,859/year
$61,758
$4,307
Average $4,738/month
$5,147
$994
Average $1,093/week
$1,188
$25
Average $27/hour
$30
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $61,758 $5,147 $1,188 $30
Average $56,859 $4,738 $1,093 $27
25th Percentile $51,685 $4,307 $994 $25

Find Your Next Activity Bus Driver Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Activity Bus Driver job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • poway unified school district | San Diego, CA

    Bus Driver

    poway unified school district | San Diego, CA

    Salary: $22.79 - $29.17 HourlyLocation : Throughout Poway Unified School District, CAJob Type: Part TimeJob Number: 25-0134Site/Dept: TransportationOpening... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Moorpark Unified School District | Moorpark, CA

    Bus Driver

    Moorpark Unified School District | Moorpark, CA

    Job SummaryThe person in this position is under supervision, to operate a school bus over designated routes in transporting students safely and efficiently... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Fairfield-Suisun Unified | Fairfield, CA

    Bus Driver

    Fairfield-Suisun Unified | Fairfield, CA

    About the EmployerA premier learning community that empowers each student to thrive in an ever-changing world.Requirements / QualificationsCertification (V... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Santa Monica-Malibu Unified | Santa Monica, CA

    Bus Driver

    Santa Monica-Malibu Unified | Santa Monica, CA

    Salary: $32.69 HourlyLocation : Santa Monica and/or Malibu, CAJob Type: PERMANENT, SCHOOL-YEARJob Number: 561505-26-01Department: TRANSPORTATIONOpening Dat... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Los Olivos School District | Los Olivos, CA

    Bus Driver

    Los Olivos School District | Los Olivos, CA

    SCHOOL BUS DRIVERJob DescriptionDEFINITIONUnder the direction of the assigned supervisor, operate a school bus to transport students to and from a variety ... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Ramona Unified School District | Ramona, CA

    Bus Driver

    Ramona Unified School District | Ramona, CA

    Job SummaryHours dependent on bus driver bid - 2 positions available open until filledPosition Number: 10491097Position Number: 10491096 Open until filledR... more

    6 Days Ago

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst