Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Albuquerque, NM
In Albuquerque, NM, School Bus Drivers earn an average annual salary of $46,250. This figure is slightly below the national average of $50,180, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation in this region. The specific needs and funding structures for school transportation within Albuquerque likely play a significant role in setting this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $46,250 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,210.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 600 School Bus Drivers, Albuquerque presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.59 indicates that the concentration of these roles is lower than the national average, suggesting that while opportunities exist, the field is not as densely populated with professionals as in other areas. The rate of 1.486 jobs per 1,000 workers further reinforces this moderate level of demand.
Salary Overview
The average Bus Drivers, School in Albuquerque, NM earns-7.8%below the national average.
$22.2
$889
$3,854
Bus Drivers, School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Albuquerque's School Bus Driver salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in compensation, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor market demands typically drive incremental salary increases for essential roles like school transportation. This suggests that the $46,250 average may see modest growth in the coming years.
Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Albuquerque, NM
Salary progression for School Bus Drivers in Albuquerque typically correlates with experience and tenure. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned drivers with extensive safe driving records and potentially additional certifications can command higher salaries. The gap between entry-level and senior-level pay reflects the value placed on reliability, expertise, and years of dedicated service in this vital role.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $35,050 | $16.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $34,688 | $16.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $46,520 | $22.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $57,813 | $27.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $58,210 | $28 |
Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$46,250
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$46,250
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $46,250 in Albuquerque aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a School Bus Driver's salary in Albuquerque is comparable to that of a driver in a typical U.S. city. While the salary is below the national average for the role, the neutral cost of living suggests that the take-home pay will cover essential expenses without significant strain compared to the national benchmark.
Job Market Context
600
Total Jobs
1.486
Per 1K Jobs
0.59
Location Quotient
Albuquerque, NM has 0.59x the national average concentration of Bus Drivers, School jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
Albuquerque's Location Quotient of 0.59 for School Bus Drivers signifies that the profession is less concentrated locally compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market may be less saturated, potentially offering more opportunities for new entrants or those seeking employment. While not a high-demand hub, the lower concentration implies a steady need for qualified drivers within the community's educational system.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $46,110↓ 0% | 29 mi |
| Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $47,490↑ 3% | 29 mi |
Comparing salaries near Albuquerque, NM
Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in Albuquerque, NM?
The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Albuquerque, NM is $46,250. This typically ranges from $35,050 for entry-level positions to $58,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Albuquerque, NM is 7.8% lower than the national median of $50,180.
Is Albuquerque, NM a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $46,250 is below the national average of $50,180 for School Bus Drivers. The lower location quotient also indicates less concentration of these roles.
Is Albuquerque, NM a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Albuquerque, NM is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Albuquerque, NM?
Some top paying nearby cities include Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area ($46,110) and Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area.
How does Albuquerque's cost of living compare to the national average for bus drivers?
Albuquerque's cost of living index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the $46,250 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the concentration of School Bus Drivers in Albuquerque compared to the rest of the US?
The Location Quotient of 0.59 indicates that School Bus Drivers are less concentrated in Albuquerque than the national average. This means there are fewer drivers per worker in Albuquerque relative to the country as a whole.
How many School Bus Drivers are there in Albuquerque?
There are approximately 600 School Bus Drivers employed in Albuquerque, NM.
Does experience significantly impact a School Bus Driver's salary in Albuquerque?
Yes, experience is a key factor in salary progression. Senior drivers with proven safe driving records typically earn more than entry-level drivers, reflecting the value of their expertise and reliability.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 600 employees in the Albuquerque, NM area with a job density of 1.486 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Bus Drivers, School • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Albuquerque, NM