Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Ames, IA
School Bus Drivers in Ames, IA, earn an impressive average annual salary of $64,830, significantly surpassing the national average of $50,180. This elevated compensation is likely driven by a combination of local demand and the specific needs of the Ames community, including its educational institutions and transportation infrastructure.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $64,830 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 61.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $116,360.
- Outlook: Ames, IA, demonstrates a robust job market for School Bus Drivers, with a total local workforce of 210 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.5 indicates a concentration of these jobs that is 50% higher than the national average, suggesting strong and consistent demand for qualified drivers within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Bus Drivers, School in Ames, IA earns+29.2%above the national average.
$31.2
$1,247
$5,403
Bus Drivers, School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for School Bus Drivers in Ames, IA, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically fueled by increasing operational costs, a persistent need for reliable transportation services, and adjustments to attract and retain skilled personnel.
Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Ames, IA
The salary trajectory for School Bus Drivers in Ames, IA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive driving records and specialized certifications can command salaries in the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify career progression and the increasing value placed on experience and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $33,090 | $15.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $48,623 | $23.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $52,020 | $25 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $81,038 | $39 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $116,360 | $55.9 |
Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$64,830
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$64,830
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $64,830 in Ames, IA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a School Bus Driver's salary in Ames is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
3.779
Per 1K Jobs
1.5
Location Quotient
Ames, IA has 1.5x 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 1.5, Ames, IA, presents a market where School Bus Drivers are more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a competitive environment for employers seeking to fill these roles, potentially leading to better compensation and benefits for drivers, while also indicating a healthy availability of positions for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $45,070↓ 30% | 21 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $45,050↓ 31% | 21 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $47,600↓ 27% | 21 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $44,140↓ 32% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Bus Drivers, School Salary | $47,000↓ 28% | 31 mi |
Comparing salaries near Ames, IA
Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in Ames, IA?
The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Ames, IA is $64,830. This typically ranges from $33,090 for entry-level positions to $116,360 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Ames, IA is 29.2% higher than the national median of $50,180.
Is Ames, IA a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?
Yes, Ames, IA offers a lucrative environment for School Bus Drivers.The average salary of $64,830 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it a financially advantageous location.
Is Ames, IA a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Ames, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Ames, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area ($45,070) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Ames, IA salary compare to the national average for School Bus Drivers?
The average annual salary for School Bus Drivers in Ames, IA, is $64,830, which is substantially higher than the national average of $50,180.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient in Ames, IA for this role?
A Location Quotient of 1.5 indicates that School Bus Driver positions are 50% more concentrated in Ames, IA, compared to the national average, suggesting higher demand and potentially more job opportunities.
Does the cost of living in Ames, IA affect the value of the salary?
No, the cost of living in Ames, IA, is at the national average (100), meaning the $64,830 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many School Bus Drivers are employed in Ames, IA?
There are approximately 210 School Bus Drivers employed locally in Ames, IA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Ames, IA area with a job density of 3.779 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 Ames, IA