As some transportation companies in the greater Montreal area have been – or still are – struggling with a shortage of bus drivers, the question has been asked: does it pay to drive buses? ? We take stock.
• Read also: There is a lack of bus drivers and that is a problem
Montreal Transport Company (STM)
Annual starting salary: approximately $56,000
As of October 2022, a driver arriving at the STM earns $27.29/h, or just over $56,000 per year. A salary increase is then planned after 12 months, 24 months, and 36 months. After 36 months, the hourly rate reaches $33.59, an increase of more than $6 per hour over three years.
Average annual salary: undisclosed
The STM refuses to disclose this data. The STM spokesperson, Philippe Déry, nevertheless specifies that several factors have an impact on the annual salary of some 4,500 drivers, such as seniority, but also overtime and public holidays worked, or even evening and weekend.
Regarding overtime, a driver can work as much as he wants. The STM nevertheless states that “employees are made aware on a regular basis of the importance of listening to signs of fatigue and respecting their abilities”.
In the past, the 24 hours reported that some STM bus drivers and operators had earned more than $100,000 in one year thanks to overtime. This income sometimes exceeded their base salary by $40,000.
Laval Transit Company (STL)
Annual entry salary: $62,000
This annual salary includes bonuses and overtime. To this amount is added a pension plan and social benefits. The salary scale in place provides for an annual increase of 10% during the first three years.
Joel Lemay / QMI Agency
Average annual salary: $81,000
In 2022, the average salary of drivers at the STL is approximately $81,000, including bonuses and overtime. Generally, drivers reach this salary after only three years of employment with the STL, the transport company said by email.
Longueuil transport network (RTL)
Annual starting salary: approximately $52,000
The hourly wage for a new driver is $24.84. He will work 40 hours a week, his hourly wage will increase to $28.14 after a year and a half of service, and will reach a maximum of $33.11 after three years.
Joel Lemay / QMI Agency
Average annual salary: $79,200
This is the average salary of a driver at the maximum of the salary scale, including the various bonuses. However, this salary excludes overtime pay. The RTL does not provide any limit for its drivers on this subject, specified the transport company by email.
exo (transport company of the municipalities of the crowns of Montreal)
Photo Joël Lemay, QMI Agency
The transport company exo, which serves the municipalities of the crown of Montreal, does not itself hire the drivers who criss-cross its bus routes. Since the drivers are employees of private companies, exo is therefore unable to provide us with their salaries.