How Much Does a Limo Driver Make Per Hour?

Limousine drivers have many skills such as being good with directions and people.

Whether they're ferrying travelers from their homes to the airport, business clients around town or celebrities to the latest red carpet event, limousine drivers must keep their passengers in mind at all times. From studying the maps, using GPS systems and listening to traffic reports on the radio, limo drivers optimize their routes for the quickest and safest paths from Point A to Point B (and often, back to Point A again).

The Facts

In a 2009 study on limousine driver salaries across the country, the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a national hourly rate of $11.51. Limo drivers in certain industries had the opportunity to more than double the national hourly rate. According to the BLS, limo drivers hired to work in the financial investment sector received an hourly rate of $27.74. Also more than twice the country's median was salaries for limo drivers chauffeuring the aerospace product and parts manufacturing industry at $24.05 per hour, driving for performing arts companies at $23.68 per hour and navigating the roads for securities and commodities brokerages at $22.92 per hour.

Location

Limousine drivers navigating the East Coast had the highest salaries in the country in 2009. The District of Columbia paid its drivers the highest state rate of $15.37, followed by Connecticut at $14.93. The lone western holdout, Nevada, came in third with hourly rates of $14.16. Back on the East Coast, Massachusetts placed fourth with $13.12 per hour, followed by New York at $12.79 per hour.

Considerations

While there is no singular formal training to become a limousine driver, a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver's license is required. In most cases, limousine drivers learn on the job from more experienced drivers or supervisors in the company, especially with the unfamiliarity of super-sized stretch vehicles.

Outlook

Persons seeking salaries as limo drivers may be interested to know the BLS expects employment in the field to continue a 16 percent growth rate through 2018, adding 36,100 jobs across the country. The BLS recommends prospective drivers seek employment in fast-growing cities with the highest populations as the best opportunities to secure salaries.

References

• U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics: Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs
• U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2009
• State University: Chauffeur Job Description