NOC 2021 · 73301 · TEER 3
NOC 73301: Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators
Official NOC 2021, Job Bank and IRCC data · checked 21 October 2026
Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators drive buses and operate streetcars, subway trains and light rail transit vehicles to transport passengers on established routes. Bus drivers are employed by urban transit systems, school boards or transportation authorities and private transportation companies. Streetcar, subway and light rail transit operators are employed by urban transit systems.
TEER
TEER 3
Usually needs a college diploma, an apprenticeship of less than 2 years, or more than 6 months of on-the-job training
Median wage (Canada)
$25.00 / hour
Job Bank, 2023-2024
High-wage tier (from 3 Nov 2026)
Not on the list
No high-wage CRS points
Express Entry categories
None
General and program draws only
Express Entry
How NOC 73301 counts for Express Entry
- Federal Skilled Worker: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of continuous skilled (TEER 0–3) work in the last 10 years and 67 points on the FSW grid.
- Canadian Experience Class: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of skilled (TEER 0–3) work in Canada in the last 3 years.
- Federal Skilled Trades: eligible occupationNeeds 2 years of work in an eligible trade group in the last 5 years, plus a job offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification.
High-wage CRS points
NOC 73301 is not one of IRCC's 186 high-wage occupations, so Canadian work or a job offer in it earns no high-wage points. Your usual Canadian work-length points still count.
See all 186 high-wage occupationsCategory-based draws
NOC 73301 is not on any of IRCC's 2026 occupation categories. You can still be invited through general, program-specific or French-language draws.
IRCC category listsDuties
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Bus drivers and streetcar operators
- Drive buses or streetcars to transport passengers along established routes to local destinations
- Drive buses to transport passengers and goods to intercity or long distance destinations
- Drive sightseeing tour buses to transport passengers locally or over long distances
- Drive buses equipped for wheelchair accessibility, and aid passengers in boarding
- Provide passengers with information on fares, schedules and stops
- Collect fares, issue and validate transfers, check bus passes and record transactions
- Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections of vehicle
- Communicate with passengers, dispatchers or other drivers using two-way radio systems
- Report delays, mechanical problems and accidents
- May provide information on points of interest during sightseeing tours
- May load and unload passengers' luggage and express freight.
- School bus drivers
- Drive school buses to transport children between school and home or on excursions
- Ensure children's safety when boarding and leaving buses and crossing street while bus is stopped
- Maintain control of student activities during travel to prevent distractions or behaviours that could compromise safety
- May transport adults outside of school hours on chartered trips.
- Subway train and light rail transit operators
- Operate subway or rail transit vehicles as part of two-person crew
- Observe signals at crossings and arrival and departure points
- Operate controls to open and close transit vehicle doors
- Report delays, malfunctions and accidents to control unit
- Ensure passenger safety and welfare in emergencies, and direct passengers during evacuation procedures.
For Express Entry, your experience must match the lead statement and most of these duties, not only the job title.
Job titles
Example job titles
- bus driver
- bus operator
- light rail transit operator
- motor coach driver
- public passenger transit driver
- school bus driver
- sightseeing tour driver
- streetcar operator
- subway train operator
- transit operator - transportation
All 27 job titles in NOC 73301
- articulated bus operator
- bus driver
- bus driver - special needs passengers
- bus operator
- bus operator - accessible services
- charter bus driver
- intercity bus driver
- light rail transit operator
- long distance bus driver
- motor coach driver
- public passenger transit driver
- school bus driver
- school bus driver - special needs passengers
- shuttle bus driver
- shuttle driver - auto dealership
- shuttle driver - car rental company
- shuttle operator
- sightseeing bus driver
- sightseeing tour driver
- streetcar conductor
- streetcar operator
- subway train operator
- tour bus operator
- transit operator - transportation
- trolley bus operator
- trolley coach driver
- urban transit operator
Requirements
Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school is usually required.
- Up to three months of on-the-job training, including classroom instruction, is usually provided for all occupations in this unit group.
- A minimum of one year of safe driving experience is required.
- Bus drivers require a Class B, C, E or F driver's licence in Ontario, and a Class 2 driver's licence is required in all other provinces and the territories.
- An air brakes endorsement and first aid certificate may be required.
- Experience as a public transit bus driver is usually required for subway and light rail transit operators.
Additional information
- Progression to transit supervisory positions, inspector or training instructor positions is possible with experience.
This occupation may be regulated in some provinces. You may need a licence or certificate from the provincial regulator before you can work in it in Canada, even if you hold permanent residence.
Wages
Wages for NOC 73301 in Canada
Low, median and high wages per hour in Canadian dollars, from ESDC Job Bank's 2025 wage data.
| Region | Low | Median | High | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $17.18 | $25.00 | $37.68 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $16.00 | $21.00 | $28.85 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Prince Edward Island | $17.00 | $23.50 | $28.21 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Nova Scotia | $19.98 | $25.00 | $30.40 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| New Brunswick | $20.00 | $23.60 | $27.50 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Quebec | $17.86 | $23.50 | $34.60 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Ontario | $17.60 | $22.43 | $38.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Manitoba | $18.00 | $24.00 | $31.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Saskatchewan | $16.00 | $22.00 | $30.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Alberta | $16.25 | $27.50 | $37.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| British Columbia | $21.00 | $31.11 | $40.19 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Nunavut | $19.00 | $22.50 | $37.71 | Small Area Estimation, 2024 |
Provinces with too little data are not shown. Wages vary by city and employer; see Job Bank for regional figures.
Job outlook
Job outlook by province, 2025–2027
Job Bank rates the 3-year outlook as good or very good in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories.
GoodNewfoundland and Labrador
The employment outlook will be Good for bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators (NOC 73301) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment decline will lead to the loss of a few positions.
Several positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities may vary depending on the time of the year.
Here are some key facts about bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators in Newfoundland and Labrador:
Approximately 700 people work in this occupation.
Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators mainly work in the following sectors:
Transit and ground passenger transportation (NAICS 485): 62%
Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): 25%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 47% compared to 83% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 53% compared to 17% for all occupations
19% of bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators work all year, while 81% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 35 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.
Less than 5% of bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators are self-employed compared to an average of 8% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 74% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: 26% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 21% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 37% compared to 27% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 17% compared to 17% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 22% compared to 23% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 14% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations
GoodNova Scotia
The employment outlook will be Good for bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators (NOC 73301) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Several positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Both municipal transit systems and school transportation providers have reported difficulty hiring bus drivers in recent years, improving employment prospects for those seeking work in this occupation. Barriers to entry are relatively low: applicants are typically only required to have a regular (class 5) driver's license and a clean driving history. A free training course is usually provided to those without a class 2 license, and some employers pay an hourly wage during training or a bonus upon completion.
Here are some key facts about bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators in Nova Scotia:
Approximately 2,000 people work in this occupation.
Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators mainly work in the following sectors:
Transit and ground passenger transportation (NAICS 485): 73%
Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): 19%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 63% compared to 82% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 37% compared to 18% for all occupations
33% of bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators work all year, while 67% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 38 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
Less than 5% of bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 74% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: 26% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 12% compared to 10% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 42% compared to 27% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 19% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 18% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 8% compared to 20% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations
GoodNew Brunswick
The employment outlook will be Good for bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators (NOC 73301) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Several positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the winter months.
A growing population should sustain demand for bus drivers over the forecast period. This is New Brunswick’s sole mode of large-scale public transportation and as such there are no employment opportunities for subway and other transit operators.
Several school districts (both French and English) throughout the province are dealing with bus driver shortages, indicating that opportunities exist for those who meet the minimum standards.
A driver's licence appropriate to the class of vehicle being driven is required.
A first aid certificate may also be required.
Those who wish to work for a school district must typically undergo both a criminal record and a vulnerable sector check.
Here are some key facts about bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators in New Brunswick:
Approximately 1,500 people work in this occupation.
Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators mainly work in the following sectors:
Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): 42%
Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 481-483, 485-486, 493): 33%
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 12%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 84% compared to 84% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 16% compared to 16% for all occupations
24% of bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators work all year, while 76% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 37 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
Less than 5% of bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 63% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 37% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 11% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 46% compared to 30% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 19% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 20% compared to 23% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 16% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations
GoodOntario
The employment outlook will be Good for bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators (NOC 73301) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Several positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators in Ontario:
Approximately 39,400 people work in this occupation.
Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators mainly work in the following sectors:
Transit and ground passenger transportation (NAICS 485): 90%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 63% compared to 81% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 37% compared to 19% for all occupations
46% of bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators work all year, while 54% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 40 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
Less than 5% of bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 65% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 35% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 11% compared to 9% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 41% compared to 25% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 11% compared to 8% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 23% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 10% compared to 24% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations
GoodManitoba
The employment outlook will be Good for bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators (NOC 73301) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Several positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Demand for this occupation is driven by population growth, urbanization and government investment.
Key trends in this occupation include artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for optimizing routes, predicting maintenance needs and interconnected GPS to provide transit riders with real-time updates. On-board, live monitoring cameras enhance safety and security by allowing police to tap into the live feed in the event of an emergency.
In the province, school bus drivers may be assisted by monitors who supervise and ensure student safety and assist with special needs boarding and exiting. School divisions are also increasingly using camera systems to monitor behaviour inside the bus and illegal vehicle passing outside the bus.
Jobs are concentrated in the Parklands, North, Interlake and Winnipeg regions.
Here are some key facts about bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators in Manitoba:
Approximately 3,700 people work in this occupation.
Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators mainly work in the following sectors:
Transit and ground passenger transportation (NAICS 485): 72%
Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): 20%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 64% compared to 81% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 36% compared to 19% for all occupations
38% of bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators work all year, while 62% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 39 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
Less than 5% of bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 77% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 23% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 20% compared to 12% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 39% compared to 31% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 13% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 14% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 10% compared to 20% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
GoodSaskatchewan
The employment outlook will be Good for bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators (NOC 73301) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Several positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Many economic regions have a balanced labour market for bus drivers.
Enrolment in elementary schools has been increasing and is expected to be steady in the forecast period, supporting opportunities for drivers.
An air brakes endorsement and first aid certificate may be enhance hiring prospect.
Here are some key facts about bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators in Saskatchewan:
Approximately 2,550 people work in this occupation.
Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators mainly work in the following sectors:
Transit and ground passenger transportation (NAICS 485): 55%
Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): 31%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 52% compared to 81% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 48% compared to 19% for all occupations
32% of bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators work all year, while 68% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 39 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
Less than 5% of bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 57% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 42% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 15% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 46% compared to 33% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 16% compared to 15% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 13% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 7% compared to 18% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations
GoodAlberta
The employment outlook will be Good for bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators (NOC 73301) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
Several positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Employment in this sector is closely linked to population growth and increased tourism activity.
Enrolment in elementary schools has been increasing which will create more opportunities for drivers.
Here are some key facts about bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators in Alberta:
Approximately 13,600 people work in this occupation.
Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators mainly work in the following sectors:
Transit and ground passenger transportation (NAICS 485): 78%
Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): 9%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 60% compared to 80% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 40% compared to 20% for all occupations
38% of bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators work all year, while 62% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 37 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
Less than 5% of bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 60% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 40% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 13% compared to 10% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 39% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 14% compared to 13% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 18% compared to 19% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 10% compared to 21% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
GoodBritish Columbia
The employment outlook will be Good for bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators (NOC 73301) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Several positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Demand for this occupation is driven by population growth, urbanization and government investment.
In March 2025, the Government of Canada announced that it would be providing over $1.5B to TransLink over the next ten years to support the creation of a Metro-Region Agreement.
The funds will support public transit growth and maintenance.
Also in March 2025, the Government of Canada announced that it would be providing more than $189M over ten years in transit funding to BC Transit.
The funds will support communities across the province by providing predictable funding to upgrade, replace and repair transit infrastructure.
Here are some key facts about bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators in British Columbia:
Approximately 10,950 people work in this occupation.
Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators mainly work in the following sectors:
Transit and ground passenger transportation (NAICS 485): 80%
Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): 8%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 81% compared to 78% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 19% compared to 22% for all occupations
59% of bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators work all year, while 41% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 43 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
Less than 5% of bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 80% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 20% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 9% compared to 8% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 43% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 16% compared to 13% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 16% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 12% compared to 22% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
GoodNorthwest Territories
The employment outlook will be Good for bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators (NOC 73301) in Northwest Territories for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
Several positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities may vary depending on the time of the year.
Most employment in this occupation in the Northwest Territories is in Yellowknife.
The territorial government forecasts this occupation will be among those having the largest number of job openings over the 2023 to 2032 period (
NWT Bureau of Statistics, 2023
).
Employment opportunities in this occupation may be constrained by automation and digital transformation initiatives.
Here are some key facts about bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators in Northwest Territories:
Approximately 50 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators mainly work in the following sectors:
Transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49): 73%
Educational services (NAICS 61): 11%
Wholesale and Retail Trade (NAICS 41, 44-45): 5%
Construction (NAICS 23): 5%
Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 5%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 62% compared to 88% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 38% compared to 12% for all occupations
46% of bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators work all year, while 54% work only part of the year, compared to 71% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 60% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 40% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 21% compared to 17% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 57% compared to 26% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 21% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: n/a
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
ModeratePrince Edward Island
The employment outlook will be Moderate for bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators (NOC 73301) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities may vary depending on the time of the year.
Here are some key facts about bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators in Prince Edward Island:
Approximately 350 people work in this occupation.
Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators mainly work in the following sectors:
Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): 54%
Transit and ground passenger transportation (NAICS 485): 40%
Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 5%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 41% compared to 84% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 59% compared to 16% for all occupations
28% of bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators work all year, while 71% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.
Less than 5% of bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 71% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: 28% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 8% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 45% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 30% compared to 11% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 15% compared to 25% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: n/a
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
ModerateQuebec
The employment outlook will be Moderate for bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators (NOC 73301) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
Several positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators in Quebec:
Approximately 22,450 people work in this occupation.
Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators mainly work in the following sectors:
Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 485-486, 487, 493): 90%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 72% compared to 82% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 28% compared to 18% for all occupations
43% of bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators work all year, while 56% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 40 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
Less than 5% of bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 72% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 28% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 14% compared to 12% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 31% compared to 19% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 31% compared to 19% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 16% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 6% compared to 17% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
ModerateNunavut
The employment outlook will be Moderate for bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators (NOC 73301) in Nunavut for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Several positions will become available due to retirements.
There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities may vary depending on the time of the year.
Most employment in this occupation in Nunavut is in Iqaluit.
Employment opportunities in this occupation may be constrained by automation and digital transformation initiatives.
Here are some key facts about bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators in Nunavut:
Approximately 50 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators mainly work in the following sectors:
Transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49): 73%
Educational services (NAICS 61): 11%
Wholesale and Retail Trade (NAICS 41, 44-45): 5%
Construction (NAICS 23): 5%
Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 5%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 56% compared to 87% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 43% compared to 13% for all occupations
28% of bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators work all year, while 71% work only part of the year, compared to 72% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 36 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 67% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: 33% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 50% compared to 37% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 33% compared to 11% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: n/a
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
Source: ESDC Job Bank, 3-year employment outlooks 2025–2027 (released December 2025).
Provinces
Provincial Nominee Programs
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points. Most provinces run occupation-targeted draws or in-demand lists, and some accept TEER 4 and 5 occupations that Express Entry does not.
Provincial lists change often, sometimes between draws. We check whether NOC 73301 is being targeted by any province as part of a consultation.
Similar occupations
Related NOC codes
Classified elsewhere
If your duties fit one of these better, use that code instead.
- 72024 Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators
Questions
NOC 73301: common questions
What is the NOC code for bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators?
What TEER category is NOC 73301?
Is NOC 73301 eligible for Express Entry?
Is NOC 73301 a high-wage occupation for Express Entry?
Is NOC 73301 eligible for category-based Express Entry draws?
What is the median wage for NOC 73301 in Canada?
Classification
Where it sits in NOC 2021
- 7Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupationsBroad Category
- 73General tradesMajor Group
- 733Transportation occupationsSub-major Group
- 7330Transport truck and transit driversMinor Group
- 73301Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators
Enquiry
Is NOC 73301 your occupation? Ask us about your options.
Tell us your duties, experience and language scores. We will confirm your NOC code and the Canadian routes that fit.
Sources: Statistics Canada, NOC 2021 Version 1.0, Job Bank wages (2025), Job Bank outlooks 2025–2027 and IRCC. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Checked 21 October 2026.
NOC 2026 is due from Statistics Canada in December 2026. IRCC still uses NOC 2021 codes, and this page will show any change once IRCC switches.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada, IRCC or ESDC.
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