Occupation · SOC 53-3054
Taxi Drivers
Drive a motor vehicle to transport passengers on an unplanned basis and charge a fare, usually based on a meter.
Median wage
$36,220
$27,280–$61,920
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
17,510
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
2 mapped
Core skills
Active ListeningMonitoringSpeakingOperations MonitoringCritical ThinkingOperation and ControlReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision Making
Knowledge areas
English LanguagePublic Safety and SecurityTransportationCustomer and Personal ServiceMechanical
Technology & tools
Actsoft Comet TrackerDigital DispatchEasy DispatchEventHelix WebTaxiFacebookGPC AutocabMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WindowsMobile Knowledge CabmatePC DispatchPenchant Software dispatchOfficePiccolo Software PiccoloTaxiTSS Wireless Fleet Management SuiteTranWare Enterprise Suite
Representative tasks
Determine the quantity and orientation of cargo, and compute an aircraft's center of gravity.Direct ground crews in the loading, unloading, securing, or staging of aircraft cargo or baggage.Train new employees in areas such as safety procedures or equipment operation.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Passenger pickup and drop-off locations — identify and navigate using GPS-based mobile location software under dispatcher guidance on urban and suburban routes.Traffic laws and local regulations — follow and apply during daily vehicle operation under direct supervisor oversight at a licensed taxi company.Vehicle pre-trip inspection checklist — complete using standard protocols to confirm safety and mechanical readiness before each shift.Fare calculation and payment processing — perform using in-vehicle metering equipment and basic office suite software under senior driver guidance.Passenger communication — conduct using clear spoken English to confirm destinations and provide basic trip information in customer-facing situations.Route options and road conditions — monitor in real time using mobile navigation software to select the most efficient path on familiar city streets.Cargo or luggage stowage in the vehicle trunk — assist with loading and securing following company orientation procedures at pickup locations.Incident and trip data — record in a database or logbook using provided data entry templates under dispatcher direction at shift end.Safety and emergency procedures — recognize and follow basic protocols when hazardous situations arise during supervised on-road training.Dispatch instructions and customer requests — listen to and interpret accurately using active listening skills during radio or app-based communication.
developing
Passenger destinations across the full service area — navigate independently using mobile location-based services software without dispatcher assistance on routine and unfamiliar routes.Vehicle load distribution for multiple passengers and luggage — arrange to maintain balance and comfort, applying basic weight orientation principles during standard pickups.Trip records and mileage logs — maintain consistently using spreadsheet software to support compliance reporting with reduced supervisory review.Customer service interactions — manage with professionalism and cultural sensitivity during high-volume shifts at airports, hotels, and transit hubs.Mechanical irregularities and warning indicators — detect and report promptly by monitoring dashboard systems and vehicle performance during daily operations.Fare disputes and passenger complaints — resolve calmly by applying judgment and company policy during stressful in-vehicle situations.Traffic congestion and road closures — adapt routes in real time using critical thinking and up-to-date navigation data on busy metropolitan roads.Operating system and dispatch app software — use reliably to receive, accept, and complete ride assignments across multiple platform environments.Safety protocols for vulnerable passengers — apply attentively, including assistance with boarding and securing mobility devices, during community transport assignments.Shift performance data — review using provided spreadsheet reports to self-monitor on-time rates and identify recurring inefficiencies at the individual driver level.
proficient
Complex multi-stop and charter trip logistics — plan and execute autonomously by calculating optimal routing and timing using mapping and scheduling tools for corporate or event clients.Cargo orientation and load distribution across larger passenger vans — determine and adjust to maintain vehicle center of balance in accordance with safety standards on shared-ride assignments.Non-routine passenger situations including medical needs or difficult behavior — assess and manage independently using problem sensitivity and deductive reasoning in unpredictable field conditions.Vehicle maintenance schedules and mechanical service records — oversee and coordinate with fleet maintenance staff to ensure roadworthiness across an assigned vehicle rotation.Regulatory and public safety compliance — interpret and apply updates to licensing, insurance, and transport laws without supervisory prompting in a regulated urban taxi environment.High-stress driving scenarios including adverse weather and accident scenes — navigate safely using developed stress tolerance and operational control skills during real-time emergencies.Reading comprehension of policy documents and route updates — apply to correctly implement company procedural changes across daily operations with full autonomy.Passenger feedback and service quality metrics — analyze using database query software to identify patterns and recommend service improvements to operations management.Airport and venue staging operations — coordinate ground-level vehicle positioning and passenger flow management during large events requiring multi-driver logistics.Mentoring less-experienced drivers informally — guide on navigation strategies, customer handling, and safety practices during shared shifts or company orientation periods.
advanced
Driver safety and operations training programs — design and deliver to new employees covering safety procedures, equipment operation, and regulatory compliance at an organizational scale.Fleet dispatch and load staging procedures — establish and standardize to maximize vehicle utilization and route efficiency across the entire driver workforce.Company-wide safety and security policies — develop and enforce by integrating public safety and transportation knowledge domains into binding operational protocols.Center-of-gravity and cargo distribution standards for specialty or accessible vehicles — define and communicate to ensure all drivers apply consistent load-securing practices across the fleet.Performance and compliance data systems — oversee using database and spreadsheet software to monitor driver metrics, flag risks, and inform executive-level decisions.Regulatory relationships with municipal licensing and transport authorities — manage on behalf of the organization, representing the company's safety record and policy positions.Organizational scheduling and administration frameworks — create using office suite and management tools to optimize shift coverage, vehicle availability, and driver workload balance.Customer and personal service standards — set and institutionalize through formal policy, training materials, and web-based communication channels to define the company's service brand.Crisis response and incident command — lead during multi-vehicle accidents, severe weather events, or security incidents affecting active fleet operations across the service territory.Strategic workforce development plans — author and implement to recruit, credential, and retain qualified drivers, aligning talent pipelines with projected demand and regulatory requirements.
Also known as
21 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Bicycle Taxi DriverCab DriverDriverHack DriverHackerLimo Driver (Limousine Driver)Lyft DriverPedicab DriverRickshaw DriverRideshare Cab DriverShuttle DriverTaxi Cab DriverTaxi DriverTaxicab DriverTransportation AideTransportation DriverTransporterVan DriverVan OperatorVan OwnerWheelchair Van Driver