### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Taxi Drivers, Shuttle Drivers, and Chauffeurs Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			taxi drivers shuttle drivers and chauffeurs imageTaxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs transport passengers to various destinations.							
						Quick Facts:     Taxi Drivers, Shuttle Drivers, and Chauffeurs2023     Median Pay
            						$35,180     per year
										$16.91     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    No formal educational credentialWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    Short-term on-the-job trainingNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    395,700Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    14% (Much faster than average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    54,000What Taxi Drivers, Shuttle Drivers, and Chauffeurs Do
                                                
                        
                        
Taxi drivers (including ride-hailing drivers), shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs transport people to and from the places they need to go.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Some taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs work part time. Work schedules vary and may include early mornings, evenings, or weekends.
            
                                                How to Become a Taxi Driver, Shuttle Driver, or Chauffeur
                                                
                        
Taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs typically have no formal educational requirements. They typically get brief on-the-job training. They also may need a special driver’s license, such as a taxi or limousine license.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for shuttle drivers and chauffeurs was $35,240 in May 2023.									                                														The median annual wage for taxi drivers was $34,680 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Overall employment							of taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs is projected to grow							 14 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
						About 55,400 openings for taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Taxi Drivers, Shuttle Drivers, and Chauffeurs Do 
            

			Taxi drivers shuttle drivers and chauffeurs Taxi drivers charge a fare to transport people to and from the places they need to go.			
Taxi drivers (including ride-hailing drivers), shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs drive people to and from the places they need to go, such as homes, workplaces, airports, and shopping centers.
Duties
Taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs typically do the following:
Drive taxicabs, vans, limousines, or other motor vehicles to transport passengers
Pick up passengers and listen to where they want to go
Help passengers load and unload their luggage, packages, or other belongings
Check the vehicle for problems and do basic maintenance
Keep the inside and outside of the vehicle clean
Operate wheelchair lifts when needed
Collect fare, if applicable, at passengers’ destinations
Keep a record of miles traveledTaxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs must stay alert and watch the conditions of the road. They take precautions to ensure their passengers’ safety, especially in heavy traffic or bad weather. Taxi drivers and chauffeurs also must follow vehicle-for-hire or livery regulations, such as where they can pick up passengers and how much they can charge.
Drivers are usually familiar with the streets in the areas they serve. They often use Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation to choose efficient routes. They may know on their own how to reach popular destinations, such as airports, train stations, convention centers, hotels, and other points of interest, as well as how to find fire and police stations and hospitals in case of an emergency.
***Taxi drivers*** (including *ride-hailing drivers*) are summoned to pick up passengers and drive them, for a fare, to a destination stated by the passenger. Taxi drivers—also called *cabdrivers* or *cabbies*—typically get requests via a central dispatcher; ride-hailing drivers get requests through a smartphone app. In addition, taxi drivers may pick up passengers who wait at designated sites, such as train stations or hotels, or who signal their need for a ride from public places, such as sidewalks. While taxi drivers use a meter to calculate the fare, ride-hailing drivers charge a fare that is typically specified in the app.
***Shuttle drivers and chauffeurs***take passengers on planned trips. Shuttle drivers often drive large vans between airports or train stations and hotels or other destinations. Chauffeurs drive limousines, vans, or private vehicles and are hired to transport clients either for single trips or on a regular basis. Some chauffeurs have the duties of executive assistants, acting as driver, secretary, and itinerary planner.
 Work Environment
			taxi drivers shuttle-drivers and chauffeurs imageRide-hailing drivers may face stress or anxiety while driving through bad weather or heavy traffic conditions.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Shuttle drivers and chauffeurs held about 218,400 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of shuttle drivers and chauffeurs were as follows:
        Other transit and ground passenger transportation
                22%Taxi and limousine service
                12Automobile dealers
                6Local government, excluding education and hospitals
                6Services for the elderly and persons with disabilities
                6Taxi drivers held about 177,300 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of taxi drivers were as follows:
        Self-employed workers
                91%Taxi and limousine service
                7Taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs held about 318,000 jobs in 2021. The largest employers of taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs were as follows:
Self-employed workers includes those classified as independent contractors. Many taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs typically work with little or no supervision.
Some taxi drivers own the cab they drive; others lease it from a dispatch company. Regardless of whether they own or lease their vehicle, taxi drivers may contract with a dispatch company to use its passenger-referral service or facilities for a fee. Ride-hailing drivers typically operate their own vehicles. Taxi drivers and ride-hailing drivers usually pay expenses, such as fuel and maintenance, on their vehicle.
Driving through heavy traffic or bad weather may be stressful. Drivers may have to pick up heavy luggage and packages, so they must use proper lifting technique to prevent strain or injury. Most of the injuries they incur result from traffic accidents.
Work Schedules
Work hours vary for taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs. Some work part time. Evening and weekend work is common. Some drivers work early in the morning or late at night.
Taxi and ride-hailing drivers’ work schedules are often flexible.
Shuttle drivers and chauffeurs' work schedules usually are more structured. They may have a set schedule, or they may work hours based on client needs. Some chauffeurs are on call throughout the day and must be ready to drive clients at a moment’s notice.
 How to Become a Taxi Driver, Shuttle Driver, or Chauffeur

			Taxi drivers shuttle drivers and chauffeursTaxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs regularly interact with their passengers and should be courteous and helpful.			
Taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs typically have no formal educational requirements, although many drivers have a high school diploma or equivalent. They typically get brief on-the-job training. They also may need a special driver’s license, such as a taxi or limousine license. Clean driving records and background checks are sometimes required.
Education
Taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs typically do not need formal educational credentials to enter the occupation. For drivers who are not self-employed, however, companies may prefer to hire drivers who have a high school diploma or postsecondary education.
Training
Companies that hire taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs typically provide new drivers with a short period of on-the-job training. This training usually takes from 1 day to 2 weeks, depending on the company and the location. Some cities require the training, which typically covers local traffic laws, driver safety, and street layout. Taxi drivers also get training in operating the taximeter and communications equipment.
Ride-hailing drivers typically receive little to no on-the-job training beyond how to work the electronic hailing app so that they can pick up passengers.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
All taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs must have a driver’s license. States and local municipalities set other requirements; check with your state or local agency for more information.
Taxi drivers and chauffeurs may need a taxi or limousine license. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires drivers who transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) to hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) with a passenger (P) endorsement. Licensure normally requires passing a background check, drug test, driving skills test, and written exam about regulations and local geography.
Regulations for ride-hailing drivers vary by state and city.
Advancement
Some taxi drivers start their own cab service by purchasing a taxi rather than leasing one through a dispatch company. Chauffeurs may advance with increased responsibilities or experiences, such as driving high-profile clients or different types of cars.
Important Qualities
***Customer-service skills.*** Taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs regularly interact with their passengers and should be courteous and helpful. For ride-hailing drivers, excellent customer-service skills may lead to favorable ratings from passengers.
***Dependability.*** Passengers rely on these drivers to pick them up on time and safely transport them to their destination.
***Hand–eye coordination.*** Drivers must watch their surroundings and avoid obstacles and other hazards while operating a vehicle.
***Patience.*** Drivers must be calm and composed when driving through heavy traffic and congestion or when dealing with rude passengers.
***Visual ability.*** Drivers must be able to pass a state-issued vision test to hold a driver’s license.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                        Taxi Drivers, Shuttle Drivers, and ChauffeursMedian annual wages, May 2023Total, all occupations$48,060  Motor vehicle operators$47,490  Shuttle drivers and chauffeurs$35,240  Taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs$35,180  Taxi drivers$34,680Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for shuttle drivers and chauffeurs was $35,240 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,750, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $49,920.The median annual wage for taxi drivers was $34,680 in May 2023. 


The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,040, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $40,630.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for shuttle drivers and chauffeurs in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Local government, excluding education and hospitals
                $38,510Taxi and limousine service
                36,610Other transit and ground passenger transportation
                35,400Services for the elderly and persons with disabilities
                31,480Automobile dealers
                29,420In May 2023, the median annual wages for taxi drivers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Taxi and limousine service
                $34,790These wage data include money earned from tips. Taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs who provide good customer service are most likely to receive good tips from their passengers.
Work hours vary for taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs. Some work part time. Evening and weekend work is common. Some drivers work early in the morning or late at night.
Taxi drivers’ work schedules are often flexible.
Shuttle drivers and chauffeurs' work schedules usually are more structured. They may have a set schedule, or they may work hours based on client needs. Some chauffeurs are on call throughout the day and must be ready to drive clients at a moment’s notice.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                        Taxi Drivers, Shuttle Drivers, and ChauffeursPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Taxi drivers21%  Taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs14%  Shuttle drivers and chauffeurs8%  Motor vehicle operators7%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Overall employment				of taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs is projected to grow				 14 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
			
			About 55,400 openings for taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Strong employment growth is expected as people continue to rely on these drivers for their transportation needs. Much of the projected growth stems from a greater demand for ride-hailing drivers, who typically work as independent contractors.
Employment of taxi drivers (which includes ride-hailing drivers), shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs may be concentrated in metropolitan areas.
Demand also may arise from an increasing population of older people with chronic conditions who use these services for nonemergency healthcare transportation.
			

                        Employment projections data for     taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs**
			—
			395,700
			449,600
			14
			54,000
			—**Shuttle drivers and chauffeurs**
			53-3053
			218,400
			235,900
			8
			17,500
			Get data**Taxi drivers**
			53-3054
			177,300
			213,700
			21
			36,400
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Shuttle drivers and chauffeurs
					Taxi drivers **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Bus Drivers**
            Bus drivers transport people between various places.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $48,230**Delivery Truck Drivers and Driver/Sales Workers**
            Delivery truck drivers and driver/sales workers pick up, transport, and drop off packages and small shipments within a local region or urban area.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $39,950**Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers**
            Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers transport goods from one location to another.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $54,320**Railroad Workers**
            Railroad workers ensure that passenger and freight trains operate safely. They may drive trains, coordinate the activities of the trains, or control signals and switches in the rail yard.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $73,580**Water Transportation Workers**
            Water transportation workers operate and maintain vessels that take cargo and people over water.
            See How to Become One
            $64,930
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about taxi drivers and chauffeurs, visit
The Transportation Alliance (TA)
For more information about limousine drivers, visit
National Limousine Association (NLA)
For more information about ride-hailing drivers, visit
The Ride Share Guy
For more information about commercial licensing, visit
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
CareerOneStop
For a career video on taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs, visit
Taxi Drivers
Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Shuttle Drivers and ChauffeursTaxi Drivers
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Taxi Drivers, Shuttle Drivers, and Chauffeurs, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/taxi-drivers-and-chauffeurs.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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