Career comparison
Ambulance Driver vs. Shuttle Driver
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Shuttle drivers earn more at the median ($37,290 vs. $35,450), while ambulance drivers usually get to work faster (A few weeks of training of training). Ambulance drivers drive ambulances and medical vans to move patients safely. Shuttle drivers drive passengers in shuttles, vans and limousines.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Ambulance Driver | Shuttle Driver | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $35,450 ($17.04/hr) | $37,290 ($17.93/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $27,350 – $45,960 | $28,090 – $55,070 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -1.3% (a projected decline) | +7.1% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 1,400 | 35,500 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | No formal educational credential |
| Training time | A few weeks of training | A few days to weeks |
| Key credential | EVOC | CDL with passenger endorsement |
| Work setting | Drivers work in vehicles, hospitals, clinics and homes.. | Drivers work in vehicles and at pickup points.. |
What each job does
Ambulance Driver
- Drive ambulances or vans
- Move patients
- Secure wheelchairs and stretchers
- Clean and stock vehicles
- Assist EMTs
Shuttle Driver
- Drive passengers
- Follow schedules
- Help with luggage
- Assist riders with disabilities
- Keep vehicles clean
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working with people and shift work. Both are part of the transportation & logistics field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose ambulance driver if…
- I want to help patients
- I drive safely
- I can lift
Choose shuttle driver if…
- I like driving
- I like people
- I’m punctual
Still torn? Take the Ambulance Driver fit quiz and the Shuttle Driver fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, ambulance driver or shuttle driver?
Shuttle Drivers earn more at the median: $37,290 versus $35,450 for ambulance drivers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Ambulance Drivers typically train faster (A few weeks of training) than shuttle drivers (A few days to weeks).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects shuttle drivers to grow +7.1% from 2025–35, compared with -1.3% for ambulance drivers.