Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
School bus drivers in East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan areas earn an average annual salary of $32,860. This figure falls notably below the national average of $50,180, indicating a significant regional disparity in compensation for this essential role. Such differences are often influenced by local economic conditions, cost of living, and the specific demand within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,860 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $50,240.
- Outlook: The local workforce for school bus drivers in East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan areas comprises 510 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 1.42, the concentration of these jobs is higher than the national average, suggesting a relatively robust demand for school bus drivers in this region compared to other professions.
Salary Overview
The average Bus Drivers, School in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-34.5%below the national average.
$15.8
$632
$2,738
Bus Drivers, School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region and role isn't provided, it's generally assumed that salaries for school bus drivers across the nation, including in nonmetropolitan East Tennessee, have seen gradual increases over the past four years. These increments are typically driven by inflation, evolving labor demands, and efforts to attract and retain qualified personnel in a critical service sector.
Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for school bus drivers typically involves gaining experience and demonstrating reliability. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned drivers with extensive experience and a clean record can command salaries significantly higher, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The salary gap between junior and senior roles signifies a clear path for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $18,390 | $8.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $24,645 | $11.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $30,400 | $14.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $41,075 | $19.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $50,240 | $24.2 |
Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,860
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,860
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $32,860 in East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan areas aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither significantly higher nor lower than elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
510
Total Jobs
3.577
Per 1K Jobs
1.42
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.42, East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Bus Drivers, School roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.42 indicates that school bus driver positions are 42% more concentrated in East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan areas than the national average. This suggests a higher relative demand for these professionals within the local job market, potentially leading to more opportunities and a slightly more competitive environment for employers seeking to fill these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Bus Drivers, School Salary | $46,620↑ 42% | 29 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Bus Drivers, School Salary | $21,800↓ 34% | 73 mi |
| Decatur, AL Bus Drivers, School Salary | $18,520↓ 44% | 83 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Bus Drivers, School Salary | $20,690↓ 37% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $32,860. This typically ranges from $18,390 for entry-level positions to $50,240 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 34.5% lower than the national median of $50,180.
Is East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for School Bus Drivers.While the concentration of jobs is higher than the national average, the average salary of $32,860 is significantly lower than the national average of $50,180.
Is East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($46,620) and Huntsville, AL.
How does the East Tennessee salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for school bus drivers in East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan areas is $32,860, which is substantially lower than the national average of $50,180.
What is the concentration of school bus drivers in this region?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.42, meaning there are 42% more school bus driver jobs in this region relative to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This implies that the lower salary in East Tennessee has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of school bus drivers in the area?
There are approximately 510 school bus drivers employed in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 510 employees in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.577 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 East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area