Understanding the London Bus Driver Salary

If you're considering a career as a bus driver in the capital, or comparing job offers, knowing the typical London bus driver salary is essential. Pay varies by operator, experience, and shift patterns, but recent data gives a clear picture of what you can expect.

According to a report by My London, London bus drivers earn between £15 and £20 per hour. For a full-time role based on a 37.5‑hour week, that works out to an annual salary of roughly £31,000 to £37,440. These figures are before deductions like tax and National Insurance, and they don't include overtime or London weighting allowances that some operators provide.

Hourly to Annual Conversion: The Basics

To convert an hourly rate to an annual salary, use the standard formula:

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

For example, at £17.50 per hour working 37.5 hours a week: £17.50 × 37.5 × 52 = £34,125 per year.

If your contract specifies 40 hours, the same hourly rate gives £36,400. Always check your contract for the exact weekly hours and whether breaks are paid. Our Hourly to Salary tool can help you do this conversion quickly.

How Bus Driver Pay Compares to UK Benchmarks

The ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) for April 2025 shows that the median full‑time employee in the UK earns £39,039 per year, or £19.67 per hour. A London bus driver at the top of the range (£20/hr) is slightly above the national median, while those at the lower end (£15/hr) are below it but still well above the National Living Wage.

The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over was £12.21 per hour from April 2025, rising to £12.71 from April 2026. Even the lowest bus driver rate exceeds this, reflecting the skilled nature of the job and the cost of living in London.

London Weighting and Overtime

Many transport roles in London attract a London weighting allowance. TfL data from a Freedom of Information request shows Inner London allowances of up to £8,955 per year and Outer London allowances up to £4,795. While not all bus operators pay the same, some include a similar supplement. Overtime rates can also boost earnings significantly. For comparison, Tube drivers earn overtime at £44.62 per hour (standard) or £49.00 (advanced). Bus drivers may receive time‑and‑a‑half or double time for extra shifts, though this varies by employer.

Bus Drivers vs. Tube and Other Roles

London bus driver salaries are considerably lower than those of Tube drivers. According to the same TfL FOI data, the average Tube driver earns £65,179 per year, with advanced operators on £75,677. Elizabeth line drivers recently saw their pay rise to £75,000. Bus drivers, by contrast, earn roughly half that amount. However, entry requirements for bus driving are generally less demanding, and training is often provided.

For more detailed comparisons of different occupations, visit our salary data page.

Factors That Affect Your Take‑Home Pay

• Shift patterns: Early, late, night, and weekend shifts may attract premium rates.
• Operator: Private companies (e.g., Stagecoach, Arriva, Metroline) set their own pay scales, though many follow industry norms.
• Experience: New drivers start at the lower end of the range and progress with time.
• Overtime: Availability varies by route and season.

It's important to remember that the annual figures quoted are gross pay. Your net income will be lower after Income Tax, National Insurance, and any pension contributions. The Income Tax Personal Allowance for 2025/26 is £12,570, meaning you'll pay tax only on earnings above that threshold.

Using Salary Benchmarks in Your Job Search

When evaluating a job offer, compare the hourly rate and guaranteed weekly hours, not just the annual figure. A role offering £18 per hour for 37.5 hours gives £35,100 per year, while one at £16 per hour for 40 hours gives £33,280. The higher hourly rate may actually yield less annual income if the hours are fewer.

Also consider benefits such as pension schemes, paid holiday (bus drivers typically get 28 days including bank holidays), and travel concessions. These can add significant value beyond the base salary.

For more guidance on comparing job offers, see our salary articles.

Summary

The typical London bus driver salary ranges from £31,000 to £37,440 per year, based on hourly rates of £15 to £20. This places bus drivers above the National Living Wage but below the UK median full‑time salary and well below Tube driver pay. London weighting and overtime can increase earnings, but the base rate remains the key figure to consider when budgeting.

Use our hourly calculator to see how different hourly rates translate into annual, monthly, and weekly pay, and always check your contract for the exact terms.