Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Iowa City, IA
School Bus Drivers in Iowa City, IA, earn an average annual salary of $46,320. This figure is slightly below the national average of $50,180, a common trend in many regions where local economic factors and demand influence compensation levels. The specific pay for this role in Iowa City is shaped by the local job market dynamics and the cost of living.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $46,320 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.8% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $65,070.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 230 School Bus Drivers and a Location Quotient of 0.99, the job market in Iowa City is stable and closely mirrors national concentration levels. This indicates a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these essential transportation professionals within the community, suggesting a steady employment landscape for those in the field.
Salary Overview
The average Bus Drivers, School in Iowa City, IA earns-7.7%below the national average.
$22.3
$891
$3,860
Bus Drivers, School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for School Bus Drivers in Iowa City have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors, inflation, and adjustments to meet living costs typically drive incremental increases in compensation for roles like this, ensuring that pay remains competitive within the local market.
Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Iowa City, IA
Salary progression for School Bus Drivers in Iowa City typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with many years of service and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career progression and increased earning potential available to experienced drivers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $18,290 | $8.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $34,740 | $16.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $48,860 | $23.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $57,900 | $27.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $65,070 | $31.3 |
Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$46,320
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$46,320
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $46,320 in Iowa City aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power directly against the national average, indicating that the cost of essential goods and services is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage for residents compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
2.496
Per 1K Jobs
0.99
Location Quotient
Iowa City, IA has 0.99x 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 0.99 suggests that the concentration of School Bus Drivers in Iowa City is nearly identical to the national average. This implies a balanced job market where the supply of drivers closely matches the demand, indicating a moderately competitive environment for job seekers and employers alike, without significant oversupply or undersupply.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA Bus Drivers, School Salary | $49,650↑ 7% | 23 mi |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Bus Drivers, School Salary | $45,770↓ 1% | 48 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Bus Drivers, School Salary | $52,580↑ 14% | 72 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $45,070↓ 3% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Iowa City, IA
Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in Iowa City, IA?
The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Iowa City, IA is $46,320. This typically ranges from $18,290 for entry-level positions to $65,070 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Iowa City, IA is 7.7% lower than the national median of $50,180.
Is Iowa City, IA a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative, but it is stable.The average salary of $46,320 is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable. The market is stable with demand closely matching the national average concentration.
Is Iowa City, IA a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Iowa City, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa City, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($49,650) and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL.
How does experience affect a School Bus Driver's salary in Iowa City?
Experience is a key factor in salary determination for School Bus Drivers in Iowa City. As drivers gain more years of service and develop a strong safety record, their earning potential increases significantly, moving them into higher pay brackets.
What is the job outlook for School Bus Drivers in Iowa City?
The job outlook appears stable, with a local workforce size and concentration that closely mirrors national averages. This suggests consistent demand for School Bus Drivers in the area.
How does Iowa City's cost of living compare to the national average for School Bus Drivers?
Iowa City's cost of living is exactly at the national average (100). This means the $46,320 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average salary of $50,180 in a higher cost-of-living area.
Are there many School Bus Driver jobs in Iowa City compared to other areas?
The number of jobs per 1,000 workers is 2.496, which is a moderate figure. The Location Quotient of 0.99 indicates that the density of School Bus Driver jobs in Iowa City is very similar to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Iowa City, IA area with a job density of 2.496 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 Iowa City, IA