Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Ithaca, NY
School Bus Drivers in Ithaca, NY, earn an average annual salary of $54,920, significantly surpassing the national average of $50,180. This elevated compensation reflects the specific demands and potentially higher operational costs associated with providing essential transportation services in the Ithaca region. Local factors, including the cost of living and the concentration of educational institutions, likely contribute to this favorable pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,920 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $64,930.
- Outlook: The job market for School Bus Drivers in Ithaca, NY, appears robust, with a total local workforce of 260 individuals. The location quotient of 2.11 indicates a concentration of these roles that is more than double the national average, suggesting a sustained demand for qualified drivers within the community. This concentration points to a stable and potentially growing employment landscape for this profession in Ithaca.
Salary Overview
The average Bus Drivers, School in Ithaca, NY earns+9.4%above the national average.
$26.4
$1,056
$4,577
Bus Drivers, School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Ithaca is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for School Bus Drivers have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased operational costs for school districts, and a persistent need for reliable transportation services typically drive upward salary adjustments in this sector.
Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Ithaca, NY
Career progression for School Bus Drivers in Ithaca, NY, typically involves a salary increase from entry-level positions to senior roles. While specific percentile data isn't available, the gap between starting wages and experienced driver compensation generally widens with accumulated years of service, demonstrated skill, and potentially additional certifications. This progression signifies a clear path for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $47,220 | $22.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $41,190 | $19.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $53,290 | $25.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $68,650 | $33 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $64,930 | $31.2 |
Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,920
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,920
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $54,920 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), School Bus Drivers in Ithaca, NY, can expect their nominal earnings to translate directly to purchasing power. This means that the salary offers a standard of living comparable to the national average, without the immediate pressure of a significantly higher cost of living impacting their take-home pay.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
5.313
Per 1K Jobs
2.11
Location Quotient
Ithaca, NY has 2.1x the national concentration of Bus Drivers, School jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The location quotient of 2.11 for School Bus Drivers in Ithaca, NY, strongly suggests a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that Ithaca has a significantly larger proportion of these jobs relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. Consequently, job seekers may find a competitive environment, but also a market with a clear and established demand for their skills.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Elmira, NY Bus Drivers, School Salary | $55,570↑ 1% | 29 mi |
| Binghamton, NY Bus Drivers, School Salary | $47,350↓ 14% | 39 mi |
| Syracuse, NY Bus Drivers, School Salary | $61,050↑ 11% | 45 mi |
| Rochester, NY Bus Drivers, School Salary | $51,480↓ 6% | 75 mi |
| Utica-Rome, NY Bus Drivers, School Salary | $50,650↓ 8% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Ithaca, NY
Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in Ithaca, NY?
The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Ithaca, NY is $54,920. This typically ranges from $47,220 for entry-level positions to $64,930 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Ithaca, NY is 9.4% higher than the national median of $50,180.
Is Ithaca, NY a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?
Yes, Ithaca, NY offers a lucrative environment for School Bus Drivers.The average salary of $54,920 is notably higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong purchasing power. The high location quotient further solidifies the demand for these roles in the area.
Is Ithaca, NY a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Ithaca, NY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Ithaca, NY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Elmira, NY ($55,570) and Binghamton, NY.
How does the Ithaca salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for School Bus Drivers in Ithaca, NY, is $54,920, which is $4,740 higher than the national average of $50,180.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.11 mean for job seekers?
A location quotient of 2.11 signifies that School Bus Driver positions are more than twice as concentrated in Ithaca, NY, compared to the national average, indicating a strong local demand for this profession.
Does the Cost of Living in Ithaca affect the salary's value?
No, Ithaca's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $54,920 salary holds its value effectively, offering standard purchasing power.
What is the total number of School Bus Drivers in Ithaca, NY?
There are approximately 260 School Bus Drivers employed in Ithaca, NY, contributing to the local transportation infrastructure.
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 Ithaca, NY area with a job density of 5.313 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 Ithaca, NY