Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
In Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, School Bus Drivers earn an average annual salary of $47,000. This figure is slightly below the national average of $50,180, a common trend in metropolitan areas where the cost of living and local economic factors can influence compensation. The specific demand and supply dynamics within the Des Moines-West Des Moines region play a crucial role in shaping this localized pay rate.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,000 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $65,250.
- Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines area supports a workforce of 890 School Bus Drivers, with 2.2 jobs per 1,000 workers. The location quotient of 0.87 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand. This workforce size and concentration point to a consistent need for school bus transportation services within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Bus Drivers, School in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-6.3%below the national average.
$22.6
$904
$3,917
Bus Drivers, School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Des Moines-West Des Moines is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for School Bus Drivers have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by factors such as increased operational costs, inflation, and ongoing efforts to attract and retain qualified drivers in a competitive labor market.
Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Salary progression for School Bus Drivers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, as elsewhere, is typically tied to experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive driving records and a history of safe operation can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, rewarding dedication and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $19,630 | $9.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $35,250 | $16.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $45,380 | $21.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $58,750 | $28.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $65,250 | $31.4 |
Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,000
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,000
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Des Moines-West Des Moines is perfectly aligned with the national average. This means the $47,000 annual salary for School Bus Drivers offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average. Consequently, the nominal salary translates directly to a standard cost of living, making financial planning straightforward for residents.
Job Market Context
890
Total Jobs
2.2
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.87x the national average concentration of Bus Drivers, School jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The location quotient of 0.87 for School Bus Drivers in Des Moines-West Des Moines indicates that the job market for this role is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it may not be as dominant a sector compared to other regions, potentially offering a balanced competitive landscape for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Bus Drivers, School Salary | $64,830↑ 38% | 31 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $45,070↓ 4% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $45,050↓ 4% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $47,600↑ 1% | 37 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $44,140↓ 6% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $47,000. This typically ranges from $19,630 for entry-level positions to $65,250 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 6.3% lower than the national median of $50,180.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $47,000 is below the national average of $50,180, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no additional purchasing power advantage.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($64,830) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines-West Des Moines salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for School Bus Drivers in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $47,000, which is $3,180 less than the national average of $50,180.
What is the concentration of School Bus Drivers in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
The location quotient is 0.87, meaning the concentration of School Bus Drivers in Des Moines-West Des Moines is slightly lower than the national average.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
The Cost of Living Index for Des Moines-West Des Moines is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating typical living expenses.
How many School Bus Drivers are there in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
There are approximately 890 School Bus Drivers employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 890 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 2.2 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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA