Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Decatur, AL
In Decatur, AL, School Bus Drivers earn an average annual salary of $18,520. This figure is significantly lower than the national average of $50,180, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the transportation sector within the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $18,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $20,750.
- Outlook: Decatur, AL supports a dedicated workforce of 260 School Bus Drivers, with a Location Quotient of 1.73, suggesting a concentration of these roles higher than the national average. This indicates a robust local demand for school transportation services, implying a stable job market for experienced drivers.
Salary Overview
The average Bus Drivers, School in Decatur, AL earns-63.1%below the national average.
$8.9
$356
$1,543
Bus Drivers, School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for School Bus Drivers in Decatur, AL have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and potential adjustments to meet cost-of-living increases and retain qualified personnel.
Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Decatur, AL
Experience plays a crucial role in salary progression for School Bus Drivers. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with extensive driving records and specialized certifications can expect significantly higher compensation, with percentile gaps reflecting this career advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $16,870 | $8.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $13,890 | $6.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $18,090 | $8.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $23,150 | $11.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $20,750 | $10 |
Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$18,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$18,520
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal salary of $18,520 in Decatur, AL aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this role, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
4.348
Per 1K Jobs
1.73
Location Quotient
Decatur, AL has 1.7x 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 1.73, Decatur, AL demonstrates a higher concentration of School Bus Driver positions relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market in Decatur is more abundant in these roles compared to other areas, potentially leading to increased competition for available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Huntsville, AL Bus Drivers, School Salary | $21,800↑ 18% | 22 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Bus Drivers, School Salary | $20,690↑ 12% | 42 mi |
| Gadsden, AL Bus Drivers, School Salary | $17,650↓ 5% | 68 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Bus Drivers, School Salary | $19,800↑ 7% | 73 mi |
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $32,860↑ 77% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Decatur, AL
Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in Decatur, AL?
The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Decatur, AL is $18,520. This typically ranges from $16,870 for entry-level positions to $20,750 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Decatur, AL is 63.1% lower than the national median of $50,180.
Is Decatur, AL a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?
No, it is not a lucrative place for School Bus Drivers.The average annual salary of $18,520 is substantially below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the nominal pay is not competitive.
Is Decatur, AL a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Decatur, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Decatur, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Huntsville, AL ($21,800) and Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL.
How does Decatur's cost of living compare to the national average?
Decatur, AL has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly on par with the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is neither higher nor lower than the U.S. average.
What is the total number of School Bus Drivers in Decatur, AL?
There are approximately 260 School Bus Drivers employed in Decatur, AL, representing a significant portion of the local workforce dedicated to this essential service.
How concentrated are School Bus Driver jobs in Decatur, AL?
The concentration of School Bus Driver jobs in Decatur, AL, measured by a Location Quotient of 1.73, is 73% higher than the national average, indicating a strong local presence of this occupation.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.73 signify for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.73 suggests that School Bus Driver roles are more prevalent in Decatur, AL than in the average U.S. location, potentially offering more opportunities but also indicating a specialized local job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the Decatur, AL area with a job density of 4.348 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 Decatur, AL