Employment of taxi drivers and chauffeurs is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Job opportunities should be plentiful. Applicants with good driving records, good customer service instincts, and the ability to work flexible schedules should have the best prospects.
Employment of taxi drivers and chauffeurs is expected to grow 16 percent during the 2008—18 projection period, faster than the average for all occupations. Drivers should see increased business as a result of growth in tourism and business travel. Also, as the number of elderly people increases, taxis will be needed to take them around town. Some growth will stem from Federal legislation requiring increased services for people with disabilities.
Because the demand for taxi and limousine services is very sensitive to economic cycles, drivers may see declining demand for their services during economic downturns. This is especially true for chauffeurs, as expensive limousine services are considered a luxury. Chauffeurs who work for private companies or individuals may face layoffs or reduced hours during times of economic distress.
Opportunities for taxi drivers and chauffeurs are expected to be plentiful, because of the need to replace the many people who work in this occupation for short periods and then leave. Also, the occupation has very low barriers to entry. Because most drivers are paid strictly based on fares, companies take on very little risk when they hire a new driver. Applicants who have clean driving records and who are willing to work flexible schedules should have the best prospects. People who are easy going and make their passengers comfortable will be most likely to succeed, as a significant part of drivers' salaries come from the tips they receive.
Opportunities fluctuate significantly with the overall movements of the economy, because the demand for transportation depends on business travel and tourism. Because most drivers own or rent their vehicles, taxi drivers are seldom laid off, but they may have to increase their work hours, and earnings may decline. When the economy is strong, many drivers transfer to other occupations, which often leads to fewer cabs on the road. Extra drivers may be hired during holiday seasons, as well as during peak travel and tourist times.
Rapidly growing metropolitan areas and cities experiencing economic growth should offer the best job opportunities.
Taxi drivers and chauffeurs held about 232,300 jobs in 2008. About 26 percent of taxi drivers and chauffeurs were self-employed. Jobs were located throughout the country, but were concentrated in large cities. Metropolitan areas with the largest employment of taxi drivers and chauffeurs in May 2008 were:
| New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-PA |
16,360 |
| Las Vegas-Paradise, NV |
10,160 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, CA |
7,510 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, IL-IN-WI |
5,300 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH |
5,040 |
Job Zone 1 - Little or no preparation needed
Overall Experience
No previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
is needed. For example, you can become a general office
clerk even if you haven't worked in an office.
Education
These occupations may require a high school diploma or GED
certificate. Some may require a formal training course to
obtain a license.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few days
to a few months of training. Usually, an experienced worker
could show you how to do the job.
Examples
Bus drivers, forest and conservation workers, general office
clerks, home health aides, and waiters/waitresses.
These occupations often involve following instructions and
helping others.
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Information on necessary permits and the registration of taxi drivers and chauffeurs is available from local taxi commissions. Questions regarding licensing should be directed to your State motor vehicle administration. For information about work opportunities as a taxi driver or chauffeur, contact local taxi or limousine companies or State employment service offices in your area.
For general information about the work of taxi drivers, chauffeurs, and paratransit drivers, contact:
- Taxicab, Limousine and Paratransit Association, 3200 Tower Oaks Blvd., Suite 220, Rockville, MD 20852. Internet: http://www.tlpa.org
For general information about the work of limousine drivers, contact:
- National Limousine Association, 49 South Maple Ave., Marlton, NJ 08053. Internet: http://www.limo.org
Sources: O*Net data version 12.0
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Department of Labor
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