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Get Started as an MBTA Bus Operator

A bus operator is seated at the front of an MBTA bus

Applications for bus operator positions are temporarily closed. In the meantime, learn more about pay, job responsibilities, and career growth opportunities.

Pay

Income

  • $30.25/hour, $62,920/year
  • 40 hours/week
  • $31,540 of maximum overtime during your first year

See how your pay will increase over your first five years

Paid training

All new hires are paid the full-time hourly rate, $30.25, for eight to 10 weeks of training.

Learn more about bus operator training

Discover the MBTA Difference

A Day in the Life of a Bus Operator

At the MBTA, your day is shaped by our mission to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation.

Five-Year Compensation Overview

We recognize your dedication and hard work with an attractive compensation package that grows alongside your experience. 

PayYear 1Year 2Year 3Year 4Year 5
PayBase pay *Year 1
  • $30.25/hour
  • $62,920/year
Year 2
  • $32.41/hour
  • $67,400/year
Year 3
  • $36.73/hour
  • $76,300/year
Year 4
  • $38.89/hour
  • $80,800/year
Year 5
  • $43.22/hour
  • $89,800/year
PayMax overtime **Year 1$31,450/yearYear 2$33,700/yearYear 3$38,150/yearYear 4$40,400/yearYear 5$44,900/year
PaySign-on bonusYear 1$7,500Year 2N/AYear 3N/AYear 4N/AYear 5N/A
PayTotal possible payYear 1$101,850/yearYear 2$101,100/yearYear 3$114,450/yearYear 4$121,200/yearYear 5$134,700/year

We also invest in our bus operators every year by providing benefits valued at $40,200 over the first year, and $35,000 every year after that.

BenefitsYear 1Year 2Year 3Year 4Year 5
BenefitsCDL costs covered by the MBTAYear 1$5,200Year 2N/AYear 3N/AYear 4N/AYear 5N/A
BenefitsHealth insurance ***Year 1$25,000Year 2$25,000Year 3$25,000Year 4$25,000Year 5$25,000
BenefitsTuition reimbursementYear 1$10,000Year 2$10,000Year 3$10,000Year 4$10,000Year 5$10,000
BenefitsTotal cash value of benefitsYear 1$40,200Year 2$35,000Year 3$35,000Year 4$35,000Year 5$35,000

Learn more about bus operator benefits

Possible pay plus benefitsYear 1Year 2Year 3Year 4Year 5
Possible pay plus benefitsTotal compensation packageYear 1$140,050Year 2$134,100Year 3$147,450Year 4$154,200Year 5$167,700

* Base pay does not account for deductions such as taxes, benefits, and other withholdings.

** Overtime subject to availability.

*** The cash value of health insurance is subject to plan type and coverage level (individual or family). The $23,000 figure is based on enrollment in the Transit Fund Eye and Dental Plans.

Opportunities for Advancement

Our structured career path and strong culture of promoting from within support consistent growth and advancement.

The summarized career journeys below outline the steps you can take to advance your career within the MBTA when you start as a full-time bus operator.

Upcoming Events

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More Information

For additional information or help, please call MBTA Human Resources at 617-222-5855 or email PTO@mbta.com.

Job Posting Alerts

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Interested in joining the MBTA? Sign up for job posting alerts, and we'll let you know when new roles become available. 

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MBTA Careers

Learn about other opportunities

Job Posting Alerts

A woman wearing safety glasses uses a power tool on a piece of machinery at a work bench surrounded by steel parts

Interested in joining the MBTA? Sign up for job posting alerts, and we'll let you know when new roles become available. 

Sign up for job posting alerts

MBTA Careers

Learn about other opportunities