SalaryNode

Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in District of Columbia

School Bus Drivers in the District of Columbia earn an average annual salary of $53,580, surpassing the national average of $50,180. This higher compensation is likely influenced by the unique economic landscape and operational demands inherent to a major metropolitan area like the District.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $53,580 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $54,480.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 530 School Bus Drivers and a Location Quotient of 0.3, the job market in the District of Columbia indicates a specialized but not overly saturated field. The concentration suggests that while the demand exists, it is less pronounced relative to the national average, implying a stable but potentially competitive environment for new entrants.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$53,580

The average Bus Drivers, School in District of Columbia earns+6.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$25.8

Weekly

$1,030

Monthly

$4,465

Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in District of Columbia

The salary progression for School Bus Drivers in the District of Columbia typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive driving records and specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles, reflecting their value and expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$49,650$23.9
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$40,185$19.3
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$54,450$26.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$66,975$32.2
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$54,480$26.2

Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$53,580

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$36,032

Adjusted for COL (148.7)

The average annual salary of $53,580 in the District of Columbia must be considered within the context of its high Cost of Living Index of 148.7. This means that while the nominal salary is above the national average, the purchasing power of that income is reduced due to significantly higher expenses for housing, goods, and services compared to the rest of the country.

Job Market Context

530

Total Jobs

0.754

Per 1K Jobs

0.3

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.30x, District of Columbia has a notably lower concentration of Bus Drivers, School jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.

A Location Quotient of 0.3 for School Bus Drivers in the District of Columbia suggests that this profession is less concentrated locally than the national average. This could imply fewer job opportunities relative to the overall workforce size, or that the demand is met by a broader range of transportation services, making the market less specialized for this specific role compared to other regions.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School

Comparing salaries near District of Columbia

Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in District of Columbia?

The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in District of Columbia is $53,580. This typically ranges from $49,650 for entry-level positions to $54,480 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in District of Columbia is 6.8% higher than the national median of $50,180.

Is District of Columbia a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?

Yes, but with caveats.The average salary of $53,580 is higher than the national average, but the significantly elevated cost of living in the District of Columbia means that take-home pay may not stretch as far as in more affordable regions.

Is District of Columbia a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?

The Cost of Living Index in District of Columbia is 148.7. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near District of Columbia?

Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($50,610) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.

How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

With 0.754 jobs per 1,000 workers, the District of Columbia has a lower concentration of School Bus Driver positions compared to the national average, indicating a less dense job market for this specific role.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient for this role?

A Location Quotient of 0.3 signifies that School Bus Drivers are less prevalent in the District of Columbia's workforce relative to the national average, suggesting a niche market.

How does the Cost of Living impact the perceived salary?

The high Cost of Living Index of 148.7 means that the $53,580 salary, while above the national average, offers less purchasing power locally due to increased expenses.

Is the School Bus Driver job market in DC growing?

Based on the provided data, the market appears stable with a workforce of 530, but the lower Location Quotient suggests it's not a rapidly expanding sector compared to national trends.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 530 employees in the District of Columbia area with a job density of 0.754 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.