What School Bus Monitors do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of School Bus Monitors this way: "Maintain order among students on a school bus. Duties include helping students safely board and exit and communicating behavioral problems. May perform pretrip and posttrip inspections and prepare for and assist in emergency evacuations."
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for School Bus Monitors
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 76,700 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 75,300 in 2035, a decrease of 1,400 jobs (-1.9%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 13,400 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 17.5% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $35,100, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where School Bus Monitors earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $36,618 in New York to $36,892 in New Jersey, a gap of $274 (1.01 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $35,100 and 0 average at or below it.
New York employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 22,720, which is 54.0% of the 42,100 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 19,380.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($36,892) and New York ($36,618) lead the ranking, while New York ($36,618) and New Jersey ($36,892) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to School Bus Monitors
Crossing Guards and Flaggers and Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (33-9000) include Security Guards.
Frequently asked questions about School Bus Monitors
How much do School Bus Monitors earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $35,100. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $36,618 to $36,892.
Which state pays School Bus Monitors the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $36,892. New York is next at $36,618.
Is School Bus Monitors a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 1.9% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 13,400 openings a year.
What education do School Bus Monitors need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.