Taxi Drivers, Shuttle Drivers, and Chauffeurs

Taxi drivers (including ride-hailing drivers), shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs drive people to and from the places they need to go, such as homes, workplaces, airports, and shopping centers.

Duties

Taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs typically do the following:

• Drive taxicabs, vans, limousines, or other motor vehicles to transport passengers
• Pick up passengers and listen to where they want to go
• Help passengers load and unload their luggage, packages, or other belongings
• Check the vehicle for problems and do basic maintenance
• Keep the inside and outside of the vehicle clean
• Operate wheelchair lifts when needed
• Collect fare, if applicable, at passengers’ destinations
• Keep a record of miles traveled

Taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs must stay alert and watch the conditions of the road. They take precautions to ensure their passengers’ safety, especially in heavy traffic or bad weather. Taxi drivers and chauffeurs also must follow vehicle-for-hire or livery regulations, such as where they can pick up passengers and how much they can charge.

Drivers are usually familiar with the streets in the areas they serve. They often use Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation to choose efficient routes. They may know on their own how to reach popular destinations, such as airports, train stations, convention centers, hotels, and other points of interest, as well as how to find fire and police stations and hospitals in case of an emergency.

Taxi drivers (including ride-hailing drivers) are summoned to pick up passengers and drive them, for a fare, to a destination stated by the passenger. Taxi drivers—also called cabdrivers or cabbies—typically get requests via a central dispatcher; ride-hailing drivers get requests through a smartphone app. In addition, taxi drivers may pick up passengers who wait at designated sites, such as train stations or hotels, or who signal their need for a ride from public places, such as sidewalks. While taxi drivers use a meter to calculate the fare, ride-hailing drivers charge a fare that is typically specified in the app.

Shuttle drivers and chauffeurs take passengers on planned trips. Shuttle drivers often drive large vans between airports or train stations and hotels or other destinations. Chauffeurs drive limousines, vans, or private vehicles and are hired to transport clients either for single trips or on a regular basis. Some chauffeurs have the duties of executive assistants, acting as driver, secretary, and itinerary planner.

Shuttle drivers and chauffeurs held about 243,900 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of shuttle drivers and chauffeurs were as follows:

Taxi drivers held about 204,000 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of taxi drivers were as follows:

Self-employed workers includes those classified as independent contractors. Many taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs typically work with little or no supervision.

Some taxi drivers own the cab they drive; others lease it from a dispatch company. Regardless of whether they own or lease their vehicle, taxi drivers may contract with a dispatch company to use its passenger-referral service or facilities for a fee. Ride-hailing drivers typically operate their own vehicles. Taxi drivers and ride-hailing drivers usually pay expenses, such as fuel and maintenance, on their vehicle.

Driving through heavy traffic or bad weather may be stressful. Drivers may have to pick up heavy luggage and packages, so they must use proper lifting technique to prevent strain or injury. Most of the injuries they incur result from traffic accidents.

Work Schedules

Work hours vary for taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs. Some work part time. Evening and weekend work is common. Some drivers work early in the morning or late at night.

Taxi and ride-hailing drivers’ work schedules are often flexible.

Shuttle drivers and chauffeurs' work schedules usually are more structured. They may have a set schedule, or they may work hours based on client needs. Some chauffeurs are on call throughout the day and must be ready to drive clients at a moment’s notice.

Taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs typically have no formal educational requirements. They typically get brief on-the-job training. They also may need a special driver’s license, such as a taxi or limousine license.

The median annual wage for shuttle drivers and chauffeurs was $36,670 in May 2024.

The median annual wage for taxi drivers was $36,220 in May 2024.

Overall employment of taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs is projected to grow 9 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 58,800 openings for taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.