Transportation & Logistics career

Taxi Driver

Also called: Cab Driver · Rideshare Driver · Taxi Operator · For-Hire Driver

What taxi drivers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a taxi driver do?

Taxi drivers drive a motor vehicle to transport passengers on a fare basis, including rideshare drivers. The median pay is $42,100 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A few days, and employment is projected to grow +11.5% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $42,100
    $20.24/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +11.5%
    2025–35, much faster than average
  • Openings per year
    20,400
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    No formal educational credential
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    A few days
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    204,200
    Employment, 2025

What taxi drivers do

Taxi drivers take people where they need to go. They pick up passengers from street hails, stands, dispatch and apps, choose good routes, collect fares and keep vehicles clean. Many are independent contractors on rideshare apps.

No formal education is required, and training is short; many cities require a taxi license. BLS projects much faster than average growth.

Typical duties

  • Pick up passengers
  • Choose routes
  • Collect fares
  • Help with luggage
  • Keep vehicles clean
  • Follow local rules
  • Use dispatch apps

Work environment and schedule

Drivers work in their vehicles across cities and towns.

Schedule: Flexible, with nights and weekends often busiest.

A day in the life

  1. Inspect the car.
  2. Airport run.
  3. Downtown rides.
  4. Lunch and fuel.

See a full day in the life of a taxi driver →

Taxi Driver salary

Half of taxi drivers earned more than $42,100 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $34,650 for the lowest 10% to $75,800 for the top 10%.

Full taxi driver pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a taxi driver

  1. Get a driver’s license
  2. Keep a clean record
  3. Get a local license
  4. Sign up with a company or app
  5. Build income

No formal educational credential is required.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a taxi driver →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Safe driving
  • Navigation
  • Fare collection
  • App use
  • Local rules

People skills

  • Courtesy
  • Patience
  • Calm
  • Independence

All taxi driver skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Much faster-than-average growth
  • Flexible hours
  • Be your own boss
  • Short training

Cons

  • Unpredictable income
  • Vehicle costs
  • Safety risks
  • Sitting long hours

Certifications and licenses

  • Taxi or for-hire license: Required in many cities.
  • Clean driving record: Required.
  • Defensive driving course: Helpful.
  • Commercial insurance: Required.

Career path

  1. Driver: Entry.
  2. Full-Time Driver: Steady income.
  3. Fleet Owner: Own vehicles.
  4. Transportation Business Owner: Grow.

Learn the job before day one

Our Taxi Driver training (6 hours, $59.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as earn more per hour as a driver and stay safe while driving passengers, safety and how to land your first job.

View Taxi Driver trainingIs this career right for me?

Shuttle Driver

Drive passengers in shuttles, vans and limousines.

  • $37,290
  • A few days to weeks

Delivery Driver

Deliver packages and goods to homes and businesses on a daily route.

  • $44,860
  • 1–2 weeks

Courier

Pick up and deliver documents, packages and medical samples fast.

  • $39,200
  • A few days to weeks

Transit Bus Driver

Drive city and intercity buses that get people to work, school and home.

  • $59,050
  • 6–10 weeks

Compare: Taxi Driver vs. Shuttle Driver · Taxi Driver vs. Delivery Driver · Taxi Driver vs. Courier · Taxi Driver vs. Transit Bus Driver

Taxi Driver FAQ

Do taxi drivers need a license?

Many cities require one.

Is the job growing?

Yes, BLS projects much faster than average growth.

Are drivers employees?

Many are independent contractors.

How much does a taxi driver make?

The median annual wage for taxi drivers was $42,100 ($20.24 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $34,650 and the highest 10% earned more than $75,800.

How long does it take to become a taxi driver?

Most people need about A few days of training. No formal educational credential is required.

Do you need a degree to be a taxi driver?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.

More taxi driver questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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