Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX
School Bus Drivers in the Brownsville-Harlingen, TX area earn an average annual salary of $34,240. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $50,180, indicating that local economic factors and demand significantly influence compensation within this specific region. The pay scale reflects the unique labor market dynamics present in this South Texas metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,240 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,520.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 610 School Bus Drivers, Brownsville-Harlingen demonstrates a concentration of this profession, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.53. This suggests that the demand for school bus drivers is higher relative to the national average, implying a robust job market for these essential transportation professionals within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Bus Drivers, School in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX earns-31.8%below the national average.
$16.5
$658
$2,853
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 Brownsville-Harlingen have experienced steady, albeit modest, growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by factors such as increased operational costs, union negotiations, and a sustained need for reliable school transportation services.
Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX
The salary range for School Bus Drivers in Brownsville-Harlingen typically widens with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned drivers with extensive experience and a clean driving record can command salaries significantly higher, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps highlight clear opportunities for career progression and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $24,670 | $11.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $25,680 | $12.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $28,900 | $13.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $42,800 | $20.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $49,520 | $23.8 |
Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,240
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,240
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,240 in Brownsville-Harlingen aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a school bus driver's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the nominal salary is adequate for maintaining a standard of living comparable to other regions across the United States.
Job Market Context
610
Total Jobs
3.847
Per 1K Jobs
1.53
Location Quotient
Brownsville-Harlingen, TX 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.
The Location Quotient of 1.53 for School Bus Drivers in Brownsville-Harlingen signifies a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This indicates a more competitive or perhaps more abundant job market for school bus drivers in this area, suggesting that employers may have a greater pool of candidates to draw from, or that the demand for these services is particularly strong.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX Bus Drivers, School Salary | $44,640↑ 30% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near Brownsville-Harlingen, TX
Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX?
The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX is $34,240. This typically ranges from $24,670 for entry-level positions to $49,520 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX is 31.8% lower than the national median of $50,180.
Is Brownsville-Harlingen, TX a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?
No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $34,240 is significantly below the national average of $50,180, making it less lucrative in nominal terms.
Is Brownsville-Harlingen, TX a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Brownsville-Harlingen, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX ($44,640) and others.
How does the number of local workers affect the job market?
A local workforce of 610 indicates a substantial presence of school bus drivers, suggesting consistent demand and a stable employment environment for this role in Brownsville-Harlingen.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.53 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient above 1.0, like 1.53, means school bus driving jobs are more concentrated in Brownsville-Harlingen than the national average, potentially indicating more job openings relative to the workforce size.
How does the cost of living impact the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the Brownsville-Harlingen area has a cost of living on par with the national average. Therefore, the $34,240 salary provides average purchasing power locally.
Are there opportunities for salary growth as a school bus driver in this area?
Yes, as drivers gain more experience and potentially move into senior roles, their salaries are expected to increase, moving them into higher percentiles of the pay scale.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 610 employees in the Brownsville-Harlingen, TX area with a job density of 3.847 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 Brownsville-Harlingen, TX