Jobs, Training & Career · Surprise rank #387
No Degree Needed: Start at $28/Hour Driving a Bus and Rise to $85K+ With a Pension
The MTA Bus Operator pathway offers a unionized, no-degree-required career with a published wage progression up to $41.09/hr by year six, plus full benefits.
Who
Adults who meet license, driving-record, medical and hiring requirements.
Where: NYC metro; residence rules depend on the employing authority.
What to do
Start here: Create an MTA employment account and monitor the official exam schedule for the next Bus Operator filing.
Eligibility: Required driver license/CDL or permit/endorsements by specified stages, acceptable driving record and exam/list placement.
What you get
MTA bus-operator hiring offers a no-degree transit career with paid progression to a high hourly wage, overtime opportunities and public-sector benefits.
Benefit: Starting wage around $28.76 per hour under Exam 6614, rising to about $41.09 in the sixth year, plus benefits and pension eligibility.
Possible value: Roughly $60,000 to $85,000+ base annualized before overtime at the stated wage progression.
Good to know
Important: Competitive civil-service process; exam filing windows are infrequent and list appointment can take years.
Availability: Exam 6614 filing is closed; monitor the next notice.
Why people miss it: Applicants see the exam as a low-paid driving job and miss the wage progression and pension.
Sources reviewed: Aug 2, 2026