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Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Birmingham, AL

In Birmingham, AL, School Bus Drivers earn an average annual salary of $19,800. This figure is significantly lower than the national average of $50,180. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Birmingham area for school transportation services likely contribute to this disparity in compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $19,800 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $21,830.
  • Outlook: The Birmingham, AL market for School Bus Drivers appears robust, with a total local workforce of 2,080 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.6 indicates a concentration of these roles that is 60% higher than the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for school bus drivers within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$19,800

The average Bus Drivers, School in Birmingham, AL earns-60.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$9.5

Weekly

$381

Monthly

$1,650

Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Birmingham, AL

Experience plays a crucial role in the earning potential for School Bus Drivers. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior drivers with extensive experience and a clean driving record can command salaries significantly above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career progression and increased earnings with tenure.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$17,540$8.4
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$14,850$7.1
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$18,550$8.9
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$24,750$11.9
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$21,830$10.5

Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$19,800

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$19,800

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary for a School Bus Driver in Birmingham, AL, is $19,800. With a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average, this salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average. Therefore, while the salary is lower than the national average, it aligns with the local cost of living.

Job Market Context

2,080

Total Jobs

4.013

Per 1K Jobs

1.6

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Birmingham, AL has 1.6x 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.

Birmingham, AL, exhibits a strong concentration of School Bus Driver positions, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.6. This suggests that the job market in Birmingham is more saturated with these roles compared to the national average, potentially indicating higher demand or a greater number of available positions relative to the overall workforce.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in Birmingham, AL?

The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Birmingham, AL is $19,800. This typically ranges from $17,540 for entry-level positions to $21,830 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Birmingham, AL is 60.5% lower than the national median of $50,180.

Is Birmingham, AL a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?

No, Birmingham, AL is not a lucrative place for School Bus Drivers based on average salary.The average salary of $19,800 is substantially lower than the national average of $50,180, indicating less lucrative compensation in this specific role within Birmingham.

Is Birmingham, AL a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Birmingham, AL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Tuscaloosa, AL ($18,700) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.

What is the average salary for a School Bus Driver in Birmingham, AL?

The average annual salary for a School Bus Driver in Birmingham, AL is $19,800.

How does Birmingham's cost of living compare to the national average?

Birmingham, AL has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.

Is there high demand for School Bus Drivers in Birmingham, AL?

Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.6 suggests a higher concentration of School Bus Driver jobs in Birmingham compared to the national average, indicating strong local demand.

How many School Bus Drivers are there in Birmingham, AL?

There are approximately 2,080 School Bus Drivers employed in Birmingham, AL.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,080 employees in the Birmingham, AL area with a job density of 4.013 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.