53 Series · SOC 53-3054
Taxi Drivers Salary
National pay, percentile range, growth outlook, and state-by-state detail from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey (May 2025).
- $42,100
- Median / year
- +16.2%
- 2024→2025
- $75,800
- Top 10% earn
- +11.1%
- Growth '24–'34
- 41,050
- Estimated US jobs
Taxi Drivers earn a median of $42,100 per year.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey, the median annual wage is $42,100, based on the most recent survey of employers. Reported pay ranges from $34,650 (10th percentile) to $75,800 (90th percentile) nationally, across roughly 41,050 estimated jobs in covered establishments. The highest published state median in this ranking is Texas ($48,740).
The pay verdict
Taxi Drivers earn a median of $42,100, putting them among the lower-paid US occupations and higher than 15% of the 825 occupations with a published BLS median. Within Transportation and Material Moving, it ranks #36 of 50 by median pay. Employment is projected to grow 11.1% by 2034.
- $42,100
- Median annual wage
- Top 85%
- of 825 US occupations with published wages
- #36 of 50
- in Transportation and Material Moving
- 2.2×
- 90th-to-10th pay spread
Highest-paying state: Texas at $48,740. Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.
Taxi Drivers (SOC 53-3054) has a national median of $42,100 per year in the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025 release. The published 10th-to-90th-percentile boundaries run from $34,650 to $75,800, and the published mean is $49,930. Those summary statistics describe the estimated distribution; their difference alone does not identify its cause. OEWS estimates 41,050 jobs in covered establishments nationally. WageDex has published rows for 25 state or territory areas and 15 metropolitan or nonmetropolitan wage areas. The published national median moved from $36,220 in the May 2024 OEWS release to $42,100 in May 2025, a rise of $5,880 (+16.2%). This is a change between two BLS survey estimates, not an inflation-adjusted same-worker pay raise.
BLS Employment Projections forecast a +11.1% change in employment from 2024 to 2034, which we classify as much faster than average relative to the all-occupations baseline of 3.1%. About 22,600 openings are projected per year from growth, occupational transfers, and labor-force exits. BLS assigns No formal educational credential as typical education needed for entry, and BLS classifies its typical on-the-job preparation as short-term on-the-job training. The BLS Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) and Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII) publish an occupation-specific rate that produces a WageDex safety grade of B, with a fatality rate of 18 per 100,000 and injury rate of 3 per 100.
Geographic variation matters as much as the headline median. Texas pays the highest state median at $48,740, which is +16% above the national figure. The highest published metropolitan-area median in this ranking is Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV at $44,800. The observed difference does not identify its cause. Pair the national median with the state and metropolitan-area rows below while keeping the geography and statistic consistent. OEWS includes tips, commissions, incentive pay, and production bonuses, but not employer benefits, overtime premiums, stock compensation, or nonproduction bonuses. See our methodology for the sourcing and calculation details.
Median Salary
$42,100
per year
Median Hourly
$20.24/hr
per hour
Mean Salary
$49,930
average
Employment
41,050
jobs nationwide
How does this pay compare nationally?
Where Taxi Drivers pay sits nationally
Median annual wage vs. 825 detailed BLS occupations with a published median
$42,100 Bottom 15% higher than 15% of 825 US occupations
Each bar is a $20K-wide band; taller bars hold more US occupations. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count, share, and where it sits relative to this entry.
Read the chart as text · as of May 2025
| Band | Count | Share |
|---|---|---|
| $0–$20,000 | 0 US occupations | 0% |
| $20,000–$40,000 | 98 US occupations | 12% |
| $40,000–$60,000 (this entry) | 298 US occupations | 36% |
| $60,000–$80,000 | 209 US occupations | 25% |
| $80,000–$100,000 | 82 US occupations | 10% |
| $100,000–$120,000 | 58 US occupations | 7% |
| $120,000–$140,000 | 32 US occupations | 4% |
| $140,000–$160,000 | 14 US occupations | 2% |
| $160,000–$180,000 | 9 US occupations | 1% |
| $180,000 and above | 25 US occupations | 3% |
$42,100 · 15th percentile of 825 US occupations
Source U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · May 2025
Does this job pay well and grow?
Each dot is a 53-series occupation, placed by projected 2024–2034 growth and median pay. The highlighted dot is Taxi Drivers; the upper-right quadrant is the sweet spot (high pay + fast growth).
Read the chart as text
- Laborers and Freight…: Projected growth 2024–2034 (%) 1.5%, Median annual wage $40240
- Stockers and Order F…: Projected growth 2024–2034 (%) 8.5%, Median annual wage $37330
- Heavy and Tractor-Tr…: Projected growth 2024–2034 (%) 4%, Median annual wage $58640
- Light Truck Drivers: Projected growth 2024–2034 (%) 7.3%, Median annual wage $44860
- Industrial Truck and…: Projected growth 2024–2034 (%) 1.1%, Median annual wage $46420
- First-Line Superviso…: Projected growth 2024–2034 (%) 3.7%, Median annual wage $62890
- Packers and Packager…: Projected growth 2024–2034 (%) -5.4%, Median annual wage $36280
- Driver/Sales Workers: Projected growth 2024–2034 (%) 8.8%, Median annual wage $38770
- Bus Drivers, School: Projected growth 2024–2034 (%) 0.2%, Median annual wage $47920
- Cleaners of Vehicles…: Projected growth 2024–2034 (%) 3.9%, Median annual wage $35830
- Shuttle Drivers and …: Projected growth 2024–2034 (%) 6.7%, Median annual wage $37290
- Bus Drivers, Transit…: Projected growth 2024–2034 (%) 4.3%, Median annual wage $59050
- Refuse and Recyclabl…: Projected growth 2024–2034 (%) 0.9%, Median annual wage $49690
- Parking Attendants: Projected growth 2024–2034 (%) 3%, Median annual wage $35150
- Flight Attendants: Projected growth 2024–2034 (%) 9.2%, Median annual wage $63580
- Airline Pilots, Copi…: Projected growth 2024–2034 (%) 3.9%, Median annual wage $232140
- Automotive and Water…: Projected growth 2024–2034 (%) -1%, Median annual wage $35670
- Commercial Pilots: Projected growth 2024–2034 (%) 5.1%, Median annual wage $123220
- Motor Vehicle Operat…: Projected growth 2024–2034 (%) 6%, Median annual wage $37180
- Railroad Conductors …: Projected growth 2024–2034 (%) 1.1%, Median annual wage $78000
- Crane and Tower Oper…: Projected growth 2024–2034 (%) 3%, Median annual wage $68080
- Machine Feeders and …: Projected growth 2024–2034 (%) -13%, Median annual wage $41220
- Taxi Drivers: Projected growth 2024–2034 (%) 11.1%, Median annual wage $42100
- Captains, Mates, and…: Projected growth 2024–2034 (%) 0.5%, Median annual wage $92460
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS (wages, May 2025) and Employment Projections (2024–2034).
Job Outlook (2024–2034)
Projected Growth
+11.1%
Much faster than average
Annual Openings
22,600
per year (projected)
Employment Change
+22,600
204,000 (2024) → 226,600 (2034)
Typical Education
No formal educational credential
On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034
Workplace Safety
All safety ratings →Safe
WageDex derived grade from BLS CFOI/SOII 2023, not an official BLS rating
Fatality Rate
18/100K
Injury Rate
3/100
Danger Index
21/100
Source: BLS Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) & Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII), 2023
Career Intelligence
Skills, knowledge, and tasks most important for Taxi Drivers roles, ranked by importance. Source: O*NET.
Key Tasks
- ▸ Collect fares or vouchers from passengers, and make change or issue receipts as necessary.
- ▸ Communicate with dispatchers by radio, telephone, or computer to exchange information and receive requests for passenger service.
- ▸ Complete accident reports when necessary.
- ▸ Determine fares based on trip distances and times, using taximeters and fee schedules, and announce fares to passengers.
- ▸ Drive taxicabs or privately owned vehicles to transport passengers.
- ▸ Follow relevant safety regulations and state laws governing vehicle operation, and ensure that passengers follow safety regulations.
- ▸ Notify dispatchers or company mechanics of vehicle problems.
- ▸ Perform minor vehicle repairs, such as cleaning spark plugs, or take vehicles to mechanics for servicing.
- ▸ Perform routine vehicle maintenance, such as regulating tire pressure and adding gasoline, oil, and water.
- ▸ Pick up passengers at prearranged locations, at taxi stands, or by cruising streets in high-traffic areas.
Source: O*NET Online, National Center for O*NET Development. Data represents typical importance ratings for this occupation.
Salary Range
Annual Salary Distribution
Hourly Rate Distribution
Taxi Drivers pay history, 2021–2025
Published national median across 5 BLS OEWS releases. Nominal dollars, not inflation-adjusted.
Read the chart as text
| Period | National median |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $29,310 |
| 2022 | $30,670 |
| 2023 | $34,680 |
| 2024 | $36,220 |
| 2025 | $42,100 |
2021 median
$29,310
2025 median
$42,100
2021–2025 change
+$12,790 (+43.6%)
Avg/year
+9.5%
| Release | Median | Change | Estimated jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2021 | $29,310 | First banked release | 13,950 |
| May 2022 | $30,670 | +4.6% | 13,820 |
| May 2023 | $34,680 | +13.1% | 17,770 |
| May 2024 | $36,220 | +4.4% | 17,510 |
| May 2025 | $42,100 | +16.2% | 41,050 |
Across the 5 releases WageDex holds for this occupation, the published national median went from $29,310 in May 2021 to $42,100 in May 2025. Within the SOC-2018 classification (2021–2025), the like-for-like change averages +9.5% per year in nominal terms. Within the same SOC classification, estimated employment went from 13,950 in May 2021 to 41,050 in May 2025.
Each figure is a separate BLS survey estimate, so a change between releases reflects the estimated occupation-wide median in each year. It is not the raise any individual worker received, and it is not adjusted for inflation. Years where BLS did not publish an annual median for this occupation are omitted rather than filled in.
Salary by State
Highest Paying States
View all 25 states →
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | $48,740 | +16% above national |
| 2 | Nevada | $44,800 | +6% above national |
| 3 | Colorado | $43,490 | +3% above national |
| 4 | New York | $41,570 | 1% below national |
| 5 | New Hampshire | $41,510 | 1% below national |
| 6 | California | $39,260 | 7% below national |
| 7 | Missouri | $37,560 | 11% below national |
| 8 | Oregon | $37,120 | 12% below national |
| 9 | Maine | $36,960 | 12% below national |
| 10 | North Carolina | $36,950 | 12% below national |
| 11 | Maryland | $36,900 | 12% below national |
| 12 | Illinois | $36,770 | 13% below national |
| 13 | Michigan | $36,670 | 13% below national |
| 14 | Utah | $36,390 | 14% below national |
| 15 | Arizona | $36,120 | 14% below national |
| 16 | Minnesota | $35,710 | 15% below national |
| 17 | Pennsylvania | $35,480 | 16% below national |
| 18 | Massachusetts | $35,270 | 16% below national |
| 19 | Kentucky | $33,850 | 20% below national |
| 20 | Georgia | $33,430 | 21% below national |
| 21 | Puerto Rico | $31,620 | 25% below national |
| 22 | Virginia | $28,490 | 32% below national |
| 23 | Florida | $28,060 | 33% below national |
| 24 | Wisconsin | $27,820 | 34% below national |
| 25 | Kansas | $26,970 | 36% below national |
Salary by Metro Area
Highest Paying Metros
View all 11 metro areas →
| # | Metro Area | Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV | $44,800 | +6% above national |
| 2 | Kansas City, MO-KS | $38,020 | 10% below national |
| 3 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $37,420 | 11% below national |
| 4 | Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $36,770 | 13% below national |
| 5 | San Juan-Bayamon-Caguas, PR | $35,600 | 15% below national |
| 6 | Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $35,290 | 16% below national |
| 7 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $35,000 | 17% below national |
| 8 | Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $31,980 | 24% below national |
| 9 | Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | $28,530 | 32% below national |
| 10 | La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $27,920 | 34% below national |
| 11 | Eau Claire, WI | $26,300 | 38% below national |
Same SOC major group
Other detailed occupations in SOC major group 53 (Transportation and Material Moving Occupations) - category peers, not a pay match.
Air Traffic Controllers
SOC 53-2021
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
SOC 53-1041
Aircraft Service Attendants
SOC 53-6032
Airfield Operations Specialists
SOC 53-2022
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
SOC 53-2011
Showing 5 of 49 detailed occupations BLS assigns to this SOC major group.
Nationwide occupations with similar pay or employment scale
Two OEWS peer sets outside this SOC major group (Transportation and Material Moving Occupations). Same-category cards above stay inside the group; these neighborhoods are cross-group nearest neighbors on national median pay ($42,100 here) and reported employment (41,050 jobs here).
Similar median pay
Nearest other detailed occupations by BLS OEWS national median annual wage.
Similar employment scale
Nearest headcount peers (floor 1,000 national jobs), distinct from the pay column.
Peers are nearest-neighbor matches on BLS OEWS national median annual wage and reported employment. Employment peers exclude occupations already listed in the pay column so the two link sets stay distinct.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Taxi Drivers make? ▼
Where does Taxi Drivers pay rank nationally? ▼
What state pays Taxi Drivers the most? ▼
What education do Taxi Drivers need? ▼
How dangerous is the work for Taxi Drivers? ▼
Is Taxi Drivers a good career? ▼
How does Taxi Drivers pay vary by state? ▼
Which metro areas pay the most for Taxi Drivers? ▼
What to do with this data
How to use Taxi Drivers pay figures in a real decision
- The 75th-percentile wage is about $60,960/year. Treat it as the upper-quartile market boundary, not an automatic target for experience alone; role scope, location, industry, credentials, performance, and employer context still need separate evidence. Salary calculator
- Location moves pay significantly: Texas leads at $48,740/year for this role. Weigh state pay against local cost of living before relocating or negotiating remote. Pay by state
- Compare this occupation against similar roles before you decide, so you are reading the pay band in context rather than in isolation. Compare jobs
These are BLS survey estimates for the occupation, not a salary offer or a prediction for any individual. Your pay depends on experience, employer, exact role, and location.
Source data and WageDex calculations are identified in context on this page. Occupation wages use BLS OEWS May 2025; outlook uses BLS Employment Projections for 2024–2034; safety, skills, knowledge, and task panels identify their BLS or O*NET sources in context. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or career advice. Actual pay for a specific role, employer, or offer may differ from these national/state figures, consult a qualified career counselor, recruiter, or financial advisor before making decisions based on this data.