Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs : Occupational Outlook Handbook : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Summary

Taxi drivers and chauffeurs transport passengers to various destinations.

Quick Facts: Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs
2010 Median Pay	$22,440 per year $10.79 per hour
Entry-Level Education	Less than high school
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	None
On-the-job Training	Short-term on-the-job training
Number of Jobs, 2010	239,900
Job Outlook, 2010-20	20% (Faster than average)
Employment Change, 2010-20	47,000

What Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs Do

Taxi drivers and chauffeurs drive people to and from the places they need to go, such as homes, workplaces, airports, and shopping centers. They must know their way around a city to take both residents and visitors to their destinations.

Work Environment

Driving for long periods of time, especially in heavy traffic, can be stressful for taxi drivers and chauffeurs. In 2010, 31 percent of taxi drivers and chauffeurs were self-employed.

How to Become a Taxi Driver or Chauffeur

Most taxi drivers and chauffeurs go through a brief training period. Many states require them to get a taxi or limousine license.

Pay

The median annual wage of taxi drivers and chauffeurs was $22,440 in May 2010.

Job Outlook

Employment of taxi drivers and chauffeurs is projected to grow 20 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. This will be driven by an increase in public transport systems.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of taxi drivers and chauffeurs with similar occupations.

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What Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs Do About this section

Many chauffeurs drive limousines.

Duties

Taxi drivers and chauffeurs typically do the following:

Check their car for problems and do basic maintenance
Keep both the inside and outside of their car clean
Refuel their car when necessary
Pick up passengers and listen to where they want to go
Operate wheelchair lifts when needed
Help passengers when loading and unloading their luggage
Drive to the passengers' destination
Follow all traffic laws
Collect fares, including allowed extra charges
Give a receipt if the passenger wants one
Keep a record of miles traveled

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

Good drivers are familiar with the streets in the areas they serve. They choose the most efficient routes, considering the traffic at that time of day. They know where the most frequently requested destinations are, such as airports, train stations, convention centers, hotels, and other points of interest. They also know where to find fire and police stations and hospitals in case of an emergency.

Taxi drivers, also called cabbies, generally use a meter to determine the fare when a passenger requests a destination. There are three ways cab drivers typically find passengers. The most common is that a customer calls a central dispatcher to request a cab, and the central dispatcher then tells the taxi driver where to go to pick up the customer. Some drivers pick up passengers waiting in lines at cabstands or in the taxi line at airports, train stations, and hotels. In some large cities, cabbies drive around the streets looking for passengers, although this is not legal in all places.

Chauffeurs take passengers on prearranged trips. They operate limousines, vans, or private cars. They may work for hire for single trips or they may work for a private business or citizen or for a government agency. Customer service is important for chauffeurs, especially luxury car drivers. Some do the duties of executive assistants, acting as driver, secretary, and itinerary planner. Other chauffeurs drive large vans between airports or train stations and hotels.

Paratransit drivers transport people with special needs, such as the elderly or those with disabilities. They operate specially equipped vehicles designed to help people with a variety of needs in nonemergency situations. For example, their vehicles may be equipped with wheelchair lifts, and the driver helps a passenger with boarding.

Work Environment About this section

Taxi drivers often travel in heavy traffic.

Driving for long periods of time, especially in heavy traffic, can be stressful for taxi drivers and chauffeurs. In addition, they often have to pick up heavy luggage and packages.

Taxi drivers and chauffeurs held 239,900 jobs in 2010. About 31 percent of taxi drivers and chauffeurs were self-employed. Self-employed drivers usually own their own car and contract with a company. The company refers passengers and allows the driver to use their facilities for a fee. Drivers keep all their fares and pay their own expenses.

Other taxi drivers and chauffeurs are directly employed by a company that provides them with a car. They are commonly employed in the following industries:

Taxi and limousine service	18%
Other transit and ground passenger transportation	10
Nursing and residential care facilities	5
Individual, family, community, and vocational rehabilitation services	5

Injuries

In 2010, this occupation had a higher rate of work-related injuries than the national average. This is due to car accidents and robbery or assaults from a violent passenger. Taxi drivers are at risk for robbery because they work alone and often carry large amounts of cash.

Work Schedules

Work hours for taxi drivers and chauffeurs vary. About 16 percent worked part time in 2010 and another 14 percent had variable schedules. Evening and weekend work is common. Some drivers work very late at night or early in the morning.

Taxi drivers work with little supervision, and their work schedules are flexible. They can break for a meal or rest whenever they do not have a passenger.

Chauffeurs' work schedules are much more structured. The hours they work are based on the needs of their clients. Some chauffeurs are on call while they are not at work.

How to Become a Taxi Driver or Chauffeur About this section

Chauffeurs are trained on the job.

Most taxi drivers and chauffeurs go through a brief training. Many states require them to get a taxi or limousine license. Although a high school diploma is not required, many taxi drivers and chauffeurs have one.

Training

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 municipalities require training by law.

Training typically covers local traffic laws, driver safety, and the local street layout. Taxi drivers also get training in operating the taximeter and communications equipment. Taxi drivers are trained in accordance with local regulations; in contrast, limousine chauffeurs usually are trained by their company, and customer service is emphasized. Paratransit drivers receive special training in how to handle wheelchair lifts and other mechanical devices.

Licenses

All taxi drivers and chauffeurs must have a regular automobile driver’s license. States set other requirements; many require drivers to get a taxi or chauffeur's license, commonly referred to as a “hack” license.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires that limousine drivers who transport at least 16 passengers at a time (including the driver) have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) with a passenger (P) endorsement. To get these, a driver has to pass knowledge and driving skills tests.

Education

Many drivers have a high school diploma; but, generally, it is not required.

Advancement

Taxi drivers and chauffeurs have limited advancement opportunities. Some take dispatching and managerial positions.

Important Qualities

Basic math skills. Taxi drivers count cash when a customer pays a fare and have to be able to make change quickly.

Customer-service skills. Taxi drivers and chauffeurs regularly interact with their customers and have to represent their company positively and make sure passengers are satisfied with their ride.

Dependability. Customers rely on taxi drivers and chauffeurs to pick them up at the agreed-upon time so they get to their destinations when they need to be there.

Hand-eye coordination. Taxi drivers and chauffeurs have to be able to observe their surroundings while operating a vehicle.

Map reading skills. Although many cabs and limousines have GPS systems, it is still important for taxi drivers and chauffeurs to be able to understand directions and read maps.

Patience. When driving through heavy traffic congestion or dealing with rude passengers, drivers must be calm and composed.

Visual ability. To hold a drivers license, taxi drivers and chauffeurs must be able to pass a state-issued vision test.

Taxi drivers and chauffeurs usually work without supervision, so they must be self-motivated and able to take initiative to earn a living.

Pay About this section

Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs

Median annual wages, May 2010

Total, All Occupations: $33,840
Motor Vehicle Operators: $31,950
Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs: $22,440

The median annual wage of taxi drivers and chauffeurs was $22,440 in May 2010. The median wage is the point at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $16,480, and the top 10 percent earned more than $36,450. These wage data include money earned from tips. The better the service taxi drivers and chauffeurs provide their customers, the more likely they are to make a good tip on each fare.

Taxi drivers and chauffeurs who lease their car from a company may pay a fee for the use of the car. This fee covers storage, insurance, and maintenance costs. Drivers who own their cars can contract with a company that allows the drivers to use their facilities for a fee. In addition, drivers usually pay their own fuel costs, so those who use hybrid taxis will have lower expenses.

Taxi drivers work with little supervision, and their work schedules are flexible. They can break for a meal or rest whenever they do not have a passenger.

Chauffeurs’ work schedules are more structured. The hours they work are based on the needs of their clients. Some chauffeurs are on call while they are not at work.

Job Outlook About this section

Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs

Percent change in employment, projected 2010-20

Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs: 20%
Motor Vehicle Operators: 17%
Total, All Occupations: 14%

Employment of taxi drivers and chauffeurs is projected to grow 20 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations.

Job growth is expected to be driven by an increase in demand for taxi drivers. Taxis generally complement public transit systems well, because people who regularly take a train or bus are more likely to use a taxi than would people who drive their own car. Therefore, as public transport systems grow, the demand for taxis should grow.

Paratransit is expected to grow rapidly. The growing number of elderly people who wish to remain independent should increase use of these types of services to get around. Some growth will also come from federal legislation that requires transit agencies to offer paratransit services for the elderly and people with disabilities.

On the other hand, the employment growth for chauffeurs is expected to be held back by reductions in corporate travel.

Job Prospects

Job prospects for taxi drivers and chauffeurs should be excellent. The occupation has low barriers to entry and a lot of turnover. Applicants with a clean driving record and flexible schedules should have the best chance of being hired. Most taxi drivers and chauffeurs work in metropolitan areas, and those areas that are experiencing fast economic growth should offer the most job opportunities.

Employment projections data for taxi drivers and chauffeurs, 2010-20
Occupational Title	SOC Code	Employment, 2010	Projected Employment, 2020	Change, 2010-20		Employment by Industry
Occupational Title	SOC Code	Employment, 2010	Projected Employment, 2020	Percent	Numeric	Employment by Industry
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs	53-3041	239,900	286,900	20	47,000	[XLS]

Similar Occupations About this section

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of taxi drivers and chauffeurs.

Occupation	Job Duties	ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION	2010 MEDIAN PAY
Bus Drivers	Bus drivers transport people between a variety of places including work, school, shopping, and across state borders. Some drive regular routes, and others transport passengers on chartered trips or sightseeing tours.	High school diploma or equivalent	$29,160
Delivery Truck Drivers and Driver/Sales Workers	Delivery truck drivers and driver/sales workers pick up, transport, and drop off packages within a small region or urban area. Most of the time, they transport merchandise from a distribution center to businesses and households.	High school diploma or equivalent	$27,050
Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers	Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers transport goods from one location to another. Most tractor-trailer drivers are long-haul drivers and operate trucks with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds per gross vehicle weight (GVW). They deliver goods over intercity routes, sometimes spanning several states.	High school diploma or equivalent	$37,770
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters	Conductors and yardmasters coordinate the daily activities of both freight and passenger train crews. Conductors work on the train. Yardmasters work in the rail yard.	High school diploma or equivalent	$49,770
Subway and Streetcar Operators	Subway and streetcar operators transport passengers in urban and suburban areas. The vehicles they drive travel underground, on above-ground and elevated tracks, on streets, or on separate tracks.	High school diploma or equivalent	$56,880
Train Engineers and Operators	Train engineers and train operators ensure that freight trains and passenger trains stay on time and travel safely. Train engineers drive trains. Train operators work the brakes, signals, or switches.	High school diploma or equivalent	$46,100
Water Transportation Occupations	Workers in water transportation occupations operate and maintain ships that take cargo and people over water. These ships travel to and from foreign ports across the ocean, to domestic ports along the coasts, across the Great Lakes, and along the country’s many inland waterways.	See How to Become One	$46,610