Truck and Bus Driver and Instructor: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
This program equips individuals with the technical expertise and practical competencies required to operate commercial vehicles safely and efficiently, or to train others in the principles of professional driving. It emphasizes real-world readiness through comprehensive instruction in vehicle operation, logistics management, and regulatory compliance across diverse transportation environments.
- Commercial Vehicle Operation: Mastery of driving techniques for heavy-duty trucks, buses, delivery vans, and for-hire vehicles powered by gasoline, diesel, or electric systems, including performance under varying road and weather conditions.
- Load Handling and Safety Procedures: Training in secure loading and unloading of freight and passengers, with an emphasis on weight distribution, safety protocols, and adherence to cargo securement standards.
- Documentation and Compliance: Proficiency in verifying shipments against shipping manifests, maintaining accurate logs, and completing required reports on delays, incidents, and vehicle maintenance.
- Route Planning and Dispatch Coordination: Skills in organizing transportation schedules, managing time-sensitive deliveries, and supporting personnel transport with precision and reliability.
- Driver Instruction and Training Methods: Development of pedagogical techniques for teaching safe driving practices, regulatory requirements, and defensive driving strategies to aspiring commercial vehicle operators.
- Record Keeping and Financial Reporting: Experience in documenting receipts, fare collections, and operational data to support fleet management and audit readiness.
Truck and Bus Driver and Instructor Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Truck and Bus Driver and Instructor Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Truck and Bus Driver and Instructor degrees, including Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers and Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 3,942,570 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1194 | $61,490 | $38,680 - $106,580 | 111,150 | $29.56 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers 53-3032 | $57,440 | $38,640 - $78,800 | 2,070,480 | $27.62 |
| Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity 53-3052 | $57,440 | $38,250 - $82,640 | 148,980 | $27.61 |
| Bus Drivers, School 53-3051 | $47,040 | $27,680 - $63,810 | 387,920 | $22.62 |
| Light Truck Drivers 53-3033 | $44,140 | $29,580 - $79,630 | 994,410 | $21.22 |
| Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs 53-3053 | $36,670 | $27,490 - $52,910 | 229,630 | $17.63 |
Truck and Bus Driver and Instructor Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $38,482 in Alabama to $60,675 in New York—a 58% difference. The highest-paying states include New York, Washington, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 3,942,570 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Truck and Bus Driver and Instructor by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 99 institutions offering Truck and Bus Driver and Instructor programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Truck and Bus Driver and Instructor is found at Advanced Career Institute (ACI) (1,031 graduates), U.S. Truck Driver Training School (790 graduates), New England Tractor Trailer Training School of Rhode Island (NETTTS) (736 graduates), Delta Technical College, Mississippi (703 graduates), and New England Tractor Trailer Training School of CT (NETTTS), Bridgeport (622 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 17,662 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Truck and Bus Driver and Instructor programs
How much can I earn with a Truck and Bus Driver and Instructor degree?
Salaries for Truck and Bus Driver and Instructor graduates vary by role and location. Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $61,490 annually, while Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers earn around $57,440. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New York average $60,675 compared to $38,482 in Alabama. Approximately 3,942,570 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Truck and Bus Driver and Instructor programs?
Currently 228 accredited institutions offer Truck and Bus Driver and Instructor degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Advanced Career Institute (ACI) (1,031 graduates), U.S. Truck Driver Training School (790 graduates), and New England Tractor Trailer Training School of Rhode Island (NETTTS) (736 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Truck and Bus Driver and Instructor growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 16,615 in 2010 to 21,399 in 2023-24. This represents a 29% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Truck and Bus Driver and Instructor degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, and Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity. Related occupations employ approximately 3,942,570 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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