Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Bowling Green, KY
School Bus Drivers in Bowling Green, KY, earn an average annual salary of $40,840. This figure is notably below the national average of $50,180, suggesting that localized economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this specific region. The pay scale reflects the unique labor market conditions present in Bowling Green.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,570.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 350 School Bus Drivers and a Location Quotient of 1.75, Bowling Green exhibits a strong concentration of these professionals relative to the national average. This indicates a robust demand for school bus transportation services within the community, suggesting a stable job market for individuals in this role.
Salary Overview
The average Bus Drivers, School in Bowling Green, KY earns-18.6%below the national average.
$19.6
$785
$3,403
Bus Drivers, School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for School Bus Drivers in Bowling Green, like in many other regions, have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is often driven by factors such as increased operational costs, union negotiations, and a sustained need for reliable school transportation.
Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Bowling Green, KY
Career progression for School Bus Drivers in Bowling Green typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, which often correlates with increased salary. While exact percentile gaps aren't detailed, experienced drivers generally command higher pay due to their reliability, knowledge of routes, and potentially specialized certifications, signifying clear career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,160 | $18.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $30,630 | $14.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $39,450 | $19 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $51,050 | $24.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $49,570 | $23.8 |
Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,840
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $40,840 for School Bus Drivers in Bowling Green aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a driver's salary in Bowling Green is equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment where the nominal wage effectively translates to real-term living expenses.
Job Market Context
350
Total Jobs
4.41
Per 1K Jobs
1.75
Location Quotient
Bowling Green, KY has 1.8x 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.
The Location Quotient of 1.75 for School Bus Drivers in Bowling Green signifies a job market that is 75% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a higher demand or a more specialized need for these services within the local economy, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive environment for employers seeking qualified drivers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Bus Drivers, School Salary | $46,620↑ 14% | 59 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Bus Drivers, School Salary | $44,940↑ 10% | 59 mi |
| Owensboro, KY Bus Drivers, School Salary | $39,680↓ 3% | 66 mi |
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $32,860↓ 20% | 86 mi |
Comparing salaries near Bowling Green, KY
Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in Bowling Green, KY?
The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Bowling Green, KY is $40,840. This typically ranges from $38,160 for entry-level positions to $49,570 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Bowling Green, KY is 18.6% lower than the national median of $50,180.
Is Bowling Green, KY a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?
No, but stable.While the average salary of $40,840 is below the national average, the strong concentration of jobs (LQ 1.75) and a cost of living at the national average suggest a stable, albeit not exceptionally high-paying, market.
Is Bowling Green, KY a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Bowling Green, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Bowling Green, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($46,620) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does Bowling Green's school bus driver salary compare to the national average?
School Bus Drivers in Bowling Green earn an average of $40,840 annually, which is less than the national average of $50,180.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.75 mean for school bus drivers in Bowling Green?
A Location Quotient of 1.75 indicates that Bowling Green has a significantly higher concentration of School Bus Drivers compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand for these services.
Is the cost of living in Bowling Green high?
No, Bowling Green's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is neither higher nor lower than the typical US city.
How many school bus drivers are there in Bowling Green?
There are approximately 350 School Bus Drivers employed in the Bowling Green, KY area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the Bowling Green, KY area with a job density of 4.41 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 Bowling Green, KY