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Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK

School Bus Drivers in Fort Smith, AR-OK earn an average annual salary of $43,140. This figure is notably below the national average of $50,180, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this specific region. The cost of living in Fort Smith aligns with the national average, which is a crucial consideration when evaluating this salary.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $43,140 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 80.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $65,190.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 260 School Bus Drivers and a Location Quotient of 1.08, the job market in Fort Smith, AR-OK indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for school bus transportation services within the area, reflecting the community's reliance on this essential service.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$43,140

The average Bus Drivers, School in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-14.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20.7

Weekly

$830

Monthly

$3,595

Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK

Salary progression for School Bus Drivers in Fort Smith, AR-OK typically correlates with experience and tenure. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned drivers with extensive safe driving records and specialized certifications can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as drivers gain expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$23,920$11.5
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$32,355$15.6
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$40,700$19.6
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$53,925$25.9
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$65,190$31.3

Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$43,140

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$43,140

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $43,140 in Fort Smith, AR-OK aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a school bus driver's salary in Fort Smith is equivalent to the national average, offering neither a significant advantage nor disadvantage in terms of affordability for residents.

Job Market Context

260

Total Jobs

2.716

Per 1K Jobs

1.08

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.08, Fort Smith, AR-OK has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Bus Drivers, School roles compared to the national norm.

The Location Quotient of 1.08 for School Bus Drivers in Fort Smith, AR-OK suggests that the concentration of these jobs is slightly above the national average. This indicates a healthy, competitive market where employers may need to offer competitive wages and benefits to attract and retain qualified personnel, though it doesn't point to an oversaturated or scarce job landscape.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School

CitySalaryDist.
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Bus Drivers, School Salary$43,000↓ 0%51 mi
Hot Springs, AR Bus Drivers, School Salary$45,870↑ 6%96 mi

Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK

Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?

The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $43,140. This typically ranges from $23,920 for entry-level positions to $65,190 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 14.0% lower than the national median of $50,180.

Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the salary aligns with the local cost of living, the average annual pay of $43,140 is below the national average of $50,180 for School Bus Drivers.

Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?

The Cost of Living Index in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Smith, AR-OK?

Some top paying nearby cities include Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR ($43,000) and Hot Springs, AR.

How does the Fort Smith school bus driver salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for School Bus Drivers in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $43,140, which is lower than the national average of $50,180.

What is the cost of living in Fort Smith, AR-OK for a school bus driver?

The cost of living in Fort Smith, AR-OK is at the national average (Index of 100), meaning the $43,140 salary has average purchasing power within the region.

Is there high demand for school bus drivers in Fort Smith, AR-OK?

With a Location Quotient of 1.08, the demand is slightly above the national average, indicating a stable need for these professionals in the area.

What is the total number of school bus drivers in Fort Smith, AR-OK?

There are approximately 260 School Bus Drivers employed in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area.

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 Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 2.716 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Bus Drivers, School • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK