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Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Altoona, PA

School Bus Drivers in Altoona, PA, earn an average annual salary of $39,010. This figure is notably below the national average of $50,180. Local economic factors and the specific demand within Altoona's community likely contribute to this compensation difference.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $39,010 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.7% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,370.
  • Outlook: Altoona, PA, hosts a local workforce of 300 School Bus Drivers, indicating a stable, albeit niche, employment sector. The Location Quotient of 2.04 suggests that this role is more concentrated in Altoona than the national average, implying a consistent demand for these essential transportation services within the community.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$39,010

The average Bus Drivers, School in Altoona, PA earns-22.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.8

Weekly

$750

Monthly

$3,251

Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Altoona, PA

Salary progression for School Bus Drivers in Altoona, PA, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned drivers with extensive service records and specialized certifications can command higher salaries. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$20,750$10
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$29,258$14.1
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$39,850$19.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$48,763$23.4
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$49,370$23.7

Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$39,010

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$39,010

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $39,010 in Altoona, PA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in Altoona is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical American city.

Job Market Context

300

Total Jobs

5.121

Per 1K Jobs

2.04

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Altoona, PA has 2.0x the national concentration of Bus Drivers, School jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

With a Location Quotient of 2.04, Altoona, PA, exhibits a significantly higher concentration of School Bus Drivers compared to the national average. This indicates a robust local market for this profession, suggesting that job opportunities may be more readily available and the demand for drivers is relatively strong within the area.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School

CitySalaryDist.
Johnstown, PA Bus Drivers, School Salary$34,740↓ 11%30 mi
State College, PA Bus Drivers, School Salary$45,740↑ 17%35 mi
Chambersburg, PA Bus Drivers, School Salary$42,560↑ 9%56 mi
Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Bus Drivers, School Salary$39,890↑ 2%70 mi

Comparing salaries near Altoona, PA

Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in Altoona, PA?

The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Altoona, PA is $39,010. This typically ranges from $20,750 for entry-level positions to $49,370 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Altoona, PA is 22.3% lower than the national median of $50,180.

Is Altoona, PA a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?

No, but stable.While the average salary of $39,010 is below the national average, the strong Location Quotient suggests consistent demand and job availability for School Bus Drivers in Altoona.

Is Altoona, PA a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?

The Cost of Living Index in Altoona, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Altoona, PA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Johnstown, PA ($34,740) and State College, PA.

How does Altoona's cost of living affect the bus driver salary?

Altoona's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $39,010 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a fair reflection of local economic conditions.

What is the concentration of School Bus Drivers in Altoona compared to the nation?

Altoona has a Location Quotient of 2.04 for School Bus Drivers, meaning the profession is more than twice as concentrated there compared to the national average, indicating higher local demand.

How many School Bus Drivers are there in Altoona, PA?

The total local workforce for School Bus Drivers in Altoona, PA, is approximately 300 individuals.

What is the national average salary for School Bus Drivers?

The national average annual salary for School Bus Drivers is $50,180.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the Altoona, PA area with a job density of 5.121 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Bus Drivers, School • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Altoona, PA