Right off the bat, a London bus driver’s starting salary usually sits around £26,000 to £29,000 a year. That’s before any overtime, night shifts, or bank holiday bonuses. Not too shabby for a job where you get to see the city from the best seat in the house, right?
After a few years, experienced drivers can climb to £33,000 or even £38,000 annually. Some senior roles, like driver-trainers, push past £40,000. That’s enough to afford a decent flat in Zone 4—or a lifetime supply of Greggs sausage rolls, your choice.
And Wait, There’s More—Overtime Makes It Juicy
Here’s where it gets fun: overtime is your best friend. Many drivers clock 45 to 50 hours a week, which can boost annual pay to £35,000–£45,000. Imagine that—driving a bus through rush hour traffic, and your wallet gets a little fatter for the trouble.
Night shifts and Sunday work often pay time-and-a-half or double-time. So if you don’t mind sleeping in and working while the rest of us are queuing for brunch, you’re golden. Plus, you get to avoid the worst tourist crowds. Win-win!
