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Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Illinois

School Bus Drivers in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $49,070, slightly below the national average of $50,180. This minor difference in compensation is often influenced by a combination of regional economic factors, the specific demands of school transportation services within the state, and the overall cost of living.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $49,070 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,130.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 20,060 School Bus Drivers and a Location Quotient of 1.31, Illinois demonstrates a significant concentration of these professionals. This indicates a robust demand and a well-established job market for school bus drivers, suggesting a stable and potentially growing employment landscape within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$49,070

The average Bus Drivers, School in Illinois earns-2.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$23.6

Weekly

$944

Monthly

$4,089

Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Illinois

The career path for School Bus Drivers typically involves salary progression based on experience and tenure. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned drivers with extensive experience and a clean driving record can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their reliability and value to employers.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$36,710$17.6
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$36,803$17.7
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$49,760$23.9
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$61,338$29.5
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$59,130$28.4

Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$49,070

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$53,453

Adjusted for COL (91.8)

The average annual salary of $49,070 in Illinois presents a favorable financial standing when compared to the state's Cost of Living Index of 91.8. This index, which is below the national average of 100, suggests that the nominal salary offers a relatively good purchasing power for residents in Illinois.

Job Market Context

20,060

Total Jobs

3.307

Per 1K Jobs

1.31

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.31, Illinois has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Bus Drivers, School roles compared to the national norm.

Illinois's Location Quotient of 1.31 for School Bus Drivers signifies a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market in Illinois is more robust and potentially more competitive for School Bus Drivers than in many other states, indicating a strong regional demand for this profession.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School

CitySalaryDist.
Bloomington, IL Bus Drivers, School Salary$46,130↓ 6%9 mi
Decatur, IL Bus Drivers, School Salary$52,060↑ 6%34 mi
Champaign-Urbana, IL Bus Drivers, School Salary$43,870↓ 11%41 mi
Peoria, IL Bus Drivers, School Salary$46,310↓ 6%43 mi
Springfield, IL Bus Drivers, School Salary$49,180↑ 0%53 mi

Comparing salaries near Illinois

Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in Illinois?

The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Illinois is $49,070. This typically ranges from $36,710 for entry-level positions to $59,130 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Illinois is 2.2% lower than the national median of $50,180.

Is Illinois a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?

Yes, Illinois offers a competitive environment for School Bus Drivers.The state's higher-than-average concentration of these jobs (LQ of 1.31) and a cost of living below the national average make the $49,070 salary quite favorable.

Is Illinois a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Illinois?

Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($46,130) and Decatur, IL.

How does Illinois's average salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for School Bus Drivers in Illinois is $49,070, which is slightly lower than the national average of $50,180.

What does the Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.31 mean for School Bus Drivers in Illinois?

An LQ of 1.31 indicates that there is a 31% higher concentration of School Bus Driver jobs in Illinois compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand.

How does the cost of living in Illinois affect the salary of a School Bus Driver?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100), the $49,070 salary in Illinois offers good purchasing power, making it relatively advantageous for drivers.

What is the total number of School Bus Drivers employed in Illinois?

Illinois employs a significant workforce of 20,060 School Bus Drivers, reflecting the substantial need for these services within the state.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 20,060 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 3.307 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 Illinois