Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Short-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
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Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
School bus monitors support student transportation by combining attention to detail, interpersonal strengths, and physical stamina. This occupation employs about 71,000 people nationally, with a national median salary of $34,980. The role suits individuals who are comfortable working closely with others, using customer service and speaking and listening skills in day‑to‑day interactions. Fine motor abilities and some mechanical awareness are also important, alongside the adaptability to respond to changing or unexpected situations. Problem solving and decision making play a steady part in the work, supported by solid reading and writing skills for following procedures and documenting information. While projected employment growth is -2.7%, there are still about 13,000 annual openings, indicating ongoing turnover and replacement needs. Candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent and the listed skill set can consider this a structured, skills-based path. Nearby occupations, such as different types of bus drivers and other motor vehicle operators, offer additional directions for people with similar interests.
School bus monitors earn a national median annual salary of $34,980. Pay varies by location, and several states and metro areas offer higher median wages than the national figure. Among the highlighted states, Washington shows a median salary of $42,330, and California reports $38,360, while Massachusetts and New York list $36,020 and $36,910 respectively. At the metro level, San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont stands out with a median salary of $43,250, followed by Washington-Arlington-Alexandria at $41,720. The New York-Newark-Jersey City metro offers $37,340, and Boston-Cambridge-Newton reports $38,470. These differences show that earnings can shift noticeably based on region. Job seekers who are flexible about location can use these figures to compare potential pay levels across states and metro areas, balancing salary with other personal and professional considerations.
School bus monitors have national employment of about 71,000, with projected employment growth of -2.7%. Despite this projected decline, the occupation is expected to have around 13,000 annual openings. This combination suggests that much of the opportunity will come from replacement needs rather than expansion. The projected growth rate is consistent across the highlighted states and metro areas, all showing -2.7%. Individuals considering this path should recognize that employment levels are not projected to increase, but the steady stream of openings points to ongoing demand driven by turnover and other separations. This environment may favor candidates who bring the core skills of adaptability, interpersonal communication, and problem solving, as these abilities support stability and effectiveness in the role. Related occupations such as school bus drivers, transit and intercity bus drivers, and other motor vehicle operators may also be worth exploring for those seeking a broader set of transportation-focused options.
Location plays a significant role in the career experience of school bus monitors. Among states, California, Massachusetts, and New York all show opportunity scores above 65, with New York also having especially high employment at 19,090. Washington stands out for its higher median salary of $42,330, while Colorado and Washington have more moderate employment counts. These variations indicate different combinations of pay levels, job numbers, and opportunity scores across states. At the metro level, the New York-Newark-Jersey City area has the highest opportunity score at 77.27, with employment of 16,260 and a median salary of $37,340. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont offers the highest listed metro salary at $43,250, while Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, Boston-Cambridge-Newton, and Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim combine mid‑to‑upper $30,000s to low $40,000s salaries with varying employment levels. Comparing these figures can help candidates decide whether they prefer areas with higher pay, larger employment bases, or stronger overall opportunity scores.
School bus monitors typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, making this an accessible option for individuals who have completed secondary education. Success in the role depends heavily on a well-rounded skill set rather than advanced formal schooling. Fine motor skills and some mechanical awareness support the physical and practical aspects of the work, while physical strength and stamina are important for the more active components of the job. Customer service, interpersonal abilities, and strong speaking and listening skills are central to everyday interactions. Being detail oriented and adaptable helps monitors handle procedures and respond to changing situations. Problem solving and decision making are also important for addressing routine and unexpected issues. Solid writing and reading skills contribute to following instructions, understanding policies, and maintaining any required documentation. Together, these capabilities allow individuals with a high school education to perform effectively and grow in confidence within this occupation.
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