Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary in Iowa (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Iowa, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Iowa Median
$45,890
per year
Hourly Rate
$22.06
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-22% vs US median
US median $59,050
State Rank
#38 of 51
1,560 employed here

How much do Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity make in Iowa?

Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity working in Iowa earn a median salary of $45,890 per year, or about $22.06 per hour. That is 22% below the national median of $59,050 for this occupation.

Within Iowa, entry-level pay starts around $35,520 while the top 10% make $60,730 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $36,720 and $54,450 a year.

Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity salary range in Iowa

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$35,520$17.08
25th percentile (early career)$36,720$17.65
50th percentile (median)$45,890$22.06
75th percentile (experienced)$54,450$26.18
90th percentile (top earners)$60,730$29.20

How Iowa compares

Iowa ranks 38th out of 51 states and territories for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1New York$84,480
2Washington$72,280
3Hawaii$68,500
4California$67,130
5Oregon$65,510

Working as Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Iowa

Nationally, about 159,000 people work as Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Iowa pay ($45,890) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity make in Iowa?
The median Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity salary in Iowa is $45,890 per year, or about $22.06 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $35,520 at the entry level to $60,730 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Iowa pay compare to the national average?
Iowa pays Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity about 22% less than the national median of $59,050. Iowa ranks 38th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Iowa a good state for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $45,890 a year. About 1,560 Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity are employed in Iowa. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Iowa?
The highest-paying occupations in Iowa include Emergency Medicine Physician ($429,050), Dermatologist ($424,970), Radiologist ($405,220), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.