Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Bus Drivers, School in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area earn an average annual salary of $43,370. This figure is notably below the national average of $50,180. Local economic factors, including regional demand and the specific needs of the school districts within this metropolitan area, likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,370 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $51,370.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 950 Bus Drivers, School, and a Location Quotient of 0.67, the job market in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While not indicating a shortage, the steady presence of nearly a thousand professionals suggests consistent demand within the local educational system.
Salary Overview
The average Bus Drivers, School in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI earns-13.6%below the national average.
$20.9
$834
$3,614
Bus Drivers, School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Grand Rapids is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Bus Drivers, School have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring general trends in the transportation and education sectors. This growth is often driven by inflation, increased operational costs for employers, and a sustained need for reliable school transportation services.
Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Salary progression for Bus Drivers, School typically correlates with experience and tenure. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior drivers with extensive experience and a clean driving record can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $34,230 | $16.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $32,528 | $15.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $43,960 | $21.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $54,213 | $26.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $51,370 | $24.7 |
Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,370
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,370
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $43,370 in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a school bus driver's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the nominal salary is neither significantly boosted nor diminished by local living expenses.
Job Market Context
950
Total Jobs
1.685
Per 1K Jobs
0.67
Location Quotient
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI has 0.67x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.67 for Bus Drivers, School in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI suggests that this occupation is less concentrated in this metropolitan area than it is nationally. This implies that while the jobs exist and are necessary, the market is not saturated, and there may be a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, level of demand relative to the national employment landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI Bus Drivers, School Salary | $41,070↓ 5% | 35 mi |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Bus Drivers, School Salary | $41,220↓ 5% | 48 mi |
| Battle Creek, MI Bus Drivers, School Salary | $42,890↓ 1% | 51 mi |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI Bus Drivers, School Salary | $44,740↑ 3% | 58 mi |
| Mid Michigan nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $43,580↑ 0% | 62 mi |
Comparing salaries near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $43,370. This typically ranges from $34,230 for entry-level positions to $51,370 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 13.6% lower than the national median of $50,180.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?
No, it is not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $43,370 is below the national average of $50,180, although the cost of living is at the national average, meaning your earnings will not stretch as far as in lower cost-of-living areas.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI ($41,070) and Kalamazoo-Portage, MI.
How does the Grand Rapids school bus driver salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Bus Drivers, School in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $43,370, which is lower than the national average of $50,180.
What is the cost of living in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The Cost of Living Index for Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How many school bus drivers are there in the Grand Rapids area?
There are approximately 950 Bus Drivers, School employed in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI metropolitan area.
Is there high demand for school bus drivers in Grand Rapids?
The Location Quotient of 0.67 suggests that the concentration of school bus drivers is lower than the national average, indicating a steady but not exceptionally high demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 950 employees in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area with a job density of 1.685 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Bus Drivers, School Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- All Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Production Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Management Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Browse All Jobs in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Bus Drivers, School • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI