Passenger Vehicle Drivers earn $46,740 median salary (2024 BLS data)
Passenger Vehicle Drivers earn a median salary of $46,740, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates. That works out to roughly $22 per hour. The bottom 10% of drivers earn about $29,860, while the top 10% bring home $68,500 or more.
With 851,750 people employed in this occupation across the U.S., it's a sizable workforce that includes taxi drivers, ride-hail drivers, and chauffeurs. Pay varies by location and employer, but the national figures give a solid baseline.
How much Passenger Vehicle Drivers earn
The median annual wage for Passenger Vehicle Drivers is $46,740, according to BLS data. The mean wage is $48,220, or about $22 an hour. Half of all drivers earn between the 25th percentile ($34,640) and 75th percentile ($58,800).
Entry-level positions pay around $29,860 (10th percentile), while experienced drivers in high-demand areas can reach $68,500 (90th percentile). Pay depends on factors like location, company size, and whether you own your vehicle.
Pay by state
The BLS does not provide state-level pay data for this occupation. However, wages tend to be higher in metropolitan areas with strong demand for transportation services. Drivers in states with higher costs of living, like California or New York, generally earn more than those in rural or lower-cost states.
How to become Passenger Vehicle Driver
Becoming a Passenger Vehicle Driver typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver's license. You must also meet state-specific requirements for commercial driving if transporting passengers for hire, such as a chauffeur's license or a rideshare endorsement. Many companies provide on-the-job training.
- Get a high school diploma or GED.
- Obtain a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
- Pass a background check and drug test (required by most employers).
- Complete any state-mandated training or licensing (e.g., taxi license, TNC endorsement).
- Gain experience driving professionally; ride-hail apps often have a short sign-up process.
Job outlook
The BLS does not project employment growth for Passenger Vehicle Drivers from 2024 to 2034. However, demand for ride-hailing and delivery services suggests steady opportunities. Competition may be strong in popular markets, but turnover is high, creating openings.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for Passenger Vehicle Drivers?
The average (mean) annual wage is $48,220, and the median is $46,740. The typical range is $29,860 to $68,500 per year.
How many Passenger Vehicle Drivers are there in the US?
There are 851,750 Passenger Vehicle Drivers employed in the United States, per BLS data.
What are the requirements to become a Passenger Vehicle Driver?
Minimum requirements typically include a high school diploma, a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and a background check. Some states require a commercial or chauffeur's license.
Is the job market growing for Passenger Vehicle Drivers?
The BLS does not provide a growth projection for this occupation. However, ongoing demand for rideshare and taxi services provides steady job opportunities.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Passenger Vehicle Drivers data.