Paratransit drivers: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
Paratransit drivers transport people with special needs, such as the elderly or those with disabilities. They drive specially equipped vehicles designed to help people with various needs in nonemergency situations. For example, their vehicles may be equipped with wheelchair lifts, and the driver helps a passenger with boarding.
- Education Required
- There are usually no formal education requirements, although many taxi drivers, ride-hailing drivers, and chauffeurs have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Training Required
- Most taxi and limousine companies provide their 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 training by law.
- Job Outlook
-
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 5% (As fast as average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Advancement
- Some taxi drivers start their own cab service by purchasing a taxi rather than leasing one through a dispatch company. For chauffeurs, advancement usually takes the form of driving more important clients and different types of cars.
- Licenses/Certifications
- All taxi drivers, ride-hailing drivers, and chauffeurs must have a regular automobile drivers license. States and local municipalities set other requirements; many require taxi drivers and chauffeurs to get a taxi or limousine license. This normally requires passing a background check, drug test and a written exam about regulations and local geography.
- Median pay: How much do Taxi Drivers, Ride-Hailing Drivers, and Chauffeurs make?
- $24,300 Annual Salary
- $11.68 per hour
Careers for Taxi Drivers, Ride-Hailing Drivers, and Chauffeurs
- Cab drivers
- Chauffeurs
- Courtesy car drivers
- Courtesy van drivers
- Funeral car drivers
- Hearse drivers
- Limo drivers
- Limousine drivers
- Livery drivers
- Ride-hailing drivers
- Rideshare drivers
- Shuttle bus drivers
- Taxi drivers