Quick Answer: On a $75,000 salary in NYC, your take-home is approximately $2,098.94 per bi-weekly paycheck ($55,000 annually) after federal, NY State, NYC local taxes, and FICA.
MTA Bus Operator Pay Scale (2026)
| Level | Annual Salary | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Pay | ~$28/hr (~$58,000) | ||
| After 2 Years | ~$33/hr (~$69,000) | ||
| Top Pay (5+ years) | ~$42/hr (~$87,000) | ||
| With Overtime | ~$100,000–$110,000 |
Tax Breakdown: $75,000 Salary in NYC
| Tax / Item | Per Bi-Weekly Check | Annual | % of Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Pay | $2,884.62 | $75,000 | 100% |
| Federal Income Tax | −$315.46 | −$8,000 | 10.9% |
| NY State Income Tax | −$142.53 | −$4,000 | 4.9% |
| NYC Local Tax | −$107.01 | −$3,000 | 3.7% |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | −$220.67 | −$6,000 | 7.6% |
| Net Take-Home | $2,098.94 | $55,000 | 72.8% |
Your combined effective tax rate at $75,000 is approximately 27.2%. Pre-tax contributions (401k up to $23,500, commuter benefits up to $3,900/yr) can reduce this meaningfully.
TWU Local 100 Union Contract: What It Means for Pay
MTA New York City Transit bus operators are represented by Transport Workers Union Local 100, one of the most powerful transit unions in the country. The current contract provides for regular cost-of-living adjustments, overtime pay at 1.5x for hours beyond 8 per day or 40 per week, premium pay for certain routes and split shifts, and night differential pay. Operators who work overnight runs receive a 10% pay premium on top of their base hourly rate.
MTA bus operators regularly earn $95,000–$115,000 in total compensation when overtime is included. Overtime is not only available but often actively sought by operators, particularly on weekends and during service disruptions. The MTA has chronic staffing challenges that create consistent overtime opportunities for those who want them.
Benefits and Pension: The Full Compensation Picture
Beyond wages, MTA bus operators receive comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision) for themselves and dependents at minimal cost, a defined-benefit pension through the MTA Defined Benefit Pension Plan (Tier 6 for recent hires), and free MetroCard passes for themselves and family members. The pension, while less generous than older tiers, still provides meaningful retirement income after 30 years of service. Total compensation value — salary + benefits + pension — frequently exceeds what private sector jobs with comparable base pay actually provide in total value.
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Use the Free Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an MTA bus driver make after taxes in NYC?
An MTA bus operator at median earnings of $75,000 takes home approximately $53,500 per year — about $2,058 per bi-weekly paycheck — after all NYC taxes. With overtime income at $95,000, take-home rises to approximately $66,000.
How do you become an MTA bus driver in NYC?
MTA hires bus operators through periodic application cycles. Requirements include a valid NYS commercial driver's license (CDL Class B with passenger endorsement), clean driving record, and passing a physical and background check. MTA provides paid CDL training for qualified candidates without a license.
Do MTA bus drivers get a pension?
Yes. New hires under Tier 6 contribute to a defined-benefit pension plan and can retire with pension benefits after meeting age and service requirements. The TWU contract also includes defined contributions from the employer.