Bus Driver Salary UK: What the Latest ONS Data Shows

If you are looking for a reliable picture of bus driver salary in the UK, the best source is the Office for National Statistics’ Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). The provisional 2025 data, released in October 2025, gives a detailed breakdown for bus and coach drivers across the country.

According to ASHE, the median gross annual pay for bus and coach drivers is £33,947. The median hourly rate (excluding overtime) is £16.30. These figures are based on a 1% sample of employees from HMRC PAYE records, so they reflect actual earnings rather than advertised salaries.

How to Convert Hourly Rate to Annual Salary

When thinking about a bus driver salary, it helps to understand the conversion between hourly pay and annual earnings. A common rule of thumb is:

Annual salary ≈ hourly rate × contracted hours per week × 52 weeks

For example, if you work 37.5 hours per week at £16.30 per hour:

£16.30 × 37.5 × 52 = £31,785

This is lower than the ASHE median of £33,947, which suggests many drivers work more than 37.5 hours or receive overtime, shift premiums, or other allowances. Always check your contract for your exact hours and any additional payments.

Use our Hourly to Salary calculator to try different scenarios.

London Weighting: A Significant Premium

Bus drivers in London earn considerably more. Analysis of ONS ASHE data by Salary Scout puts the median annual salary for a London bus driver at £44,375 – about 30.7% above the UK-wide median. The mean (average) is £43,392, closely matching the median.

After income tax and National Insurance (using 2025/26 HMRC rates, standard tax code, no pension deductions), a London bus driver earning £44,375 would take home approximately £35,470 per year (about £2,956 per month).

This London weighting reflects higher living costs and stronger demand for drivers. If you are considering a bus driving job in the capital, factor in commuting costs and housing expenses.

Pay Growth and Trends

The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) reports that bus and coach drivers have seen a median increase in weekly earnings of 29.4% between 2021 and 2024. This outstrips the typical increase of 21.6% across all occupations over the same period. The post-pandemic recovery has driven up demand for drivers as services are rebuilt.

Comparing Bus Driver Salary to National Living Wage

The National Living Wage (NLW) for employees aged 21 and over was £12.21 per hour from April 2025. The median bus driver hourly rate of £16.30 is well above this minimum. However, the 10th percentile annual pay of £14,546 suggests that some drivers – possibly part-time or in lower-paid regions – earn close to the NLW. The 90th percentile annual pay of £49,429 shows that experienced drivers in senior roles or with overtime can earn significantly more.

Part-Time vs Full-Time Considerations

ASHE defines full-time as working more than 30 paid hours per week (or 25 for teaching professions). Many bus driving roles are full-time, but part-time positions exist. When converting an hourly rate to an annual figure, always use your actual contracted hours. For example, a part-time driver working 20 hours per week at £16.30 would earn about £16,952 per year.

Overtime and Additional Pay

Bus drivers often have opportunities for overtime, especially in urban areas with high service demand. The ASHE hourly rate excludes overtime, but weekly and annual figures may include it. If you regularly work extra hours, your actual earnings could be higher than the median. Always check your contract for overtime rates and shift allowances.

Where to Find More Salary Data

For more detailed comparisons across occupations and regions, explore our salary data pages. You can also read related salary articles for insights on pay trends and negotiation tips.

Key Takeaways

• The median bus driver salary in the UK is £33,947 per year (hourly £16.30).
• London drivers earn a median of £44,375.
• Use the formula hourly × hours per week × 52 to estimate annual pay, but remember that actual earnings may include overtime.
• Bus driver pay has risen sharply post-pandemic, with a 29.4% increase between 2021 and 2024.
• Most drivers earn well above the National Living Wage, but entry-level or part-time roles may pay less.

Disclaimer

Hourly-to-salary conversions assume a steady contracted week with no unpaid overtime, bonuses, tips, or salary sacrifice. Actual pay depends on your rota, holiday pay method, London weighting, and overtime rules. Always check your contract and official GOV.UK guidance for the most accurate information.