Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Kennewick-Richland, WA
School Bus Drivers in Kennewick-Richland, WA, earn an average annual salary of $54,700, significantly exceeding the national average of $50,180. This higher compensation is likely driven by the specific demands of the local school districts and the specialized nature of school transportation services within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,700 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $64,540.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 460 School Bus Drivers and a Location Quotient of 1.44, Kennewick-Richland, WA, demonstrates a notable concentration of this profession compared to the national average. This suggests a robust and potentially growing demand for skilled bus drivers in the area, indicating a stable job market for those in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Bus Drivers, School in Kennewick-Richland, WA earns+9.0%above the national average.
$26.3
$1,052
$4,558
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 Kennewick-Richland, WA, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring general trends in the transportation sector and reflecting adjustments for inflation and increased operational costs.
Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Kennewick-Richland, WA
Experience plays a crucial role in salary progression for School Bus Drivers. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive driving records and specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries, often found in the upper percentiles, reflecting their value and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $49,260 | $23.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $41,025 | $19.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $52,310 | $25.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $68,375 | $32.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $64,540 | $31 |
Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,700
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,700
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $54,700 in Kennewick-Richland, WA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an 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, offering a stable financial standing relative to everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
460
Total Jobs
3.621
Per 1K Jobs
1.44
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.44, Kennewick-Richland, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Bus Drivers, School roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.44 for School Bus Drivers in Kennewick-Richland, WA, signifies that this profession is 44% more concentrated in this area than the national average. This indicates a higher demand and a more specialized market for these roles, suggesting that employers may actively seek out qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Walla Walla, WA Bus Drivers, School Salary | $50,740↓ 7% | 41 mi |
| Yakima, WA Bus Drivers, School Salary | $51,660↓ 6% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kennewick-Richland, WA
Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in Kennewick-Richland, WA?
The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Kennewick-Richland, WA is $54,700. This typically ranges from $49,260 for entry-level positions to $64,540 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kennewick-Richland, WA is 9.0% higher than the national median of $50,180.
Is Kennewick-Richland, WA a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?
Yes, Kennewick-Richland, WA offers a lucrative environment for School Bus Drivers.The average salary of $54,700 is notably higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, enhancing the real value of this income.
Is Kennewick-Richland, WA a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Kennewick-Richland, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kennewick-Richland, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Walla Walla, WA ($50,740) and Yakima, WA.
How does the Kennewick-Richland, WA salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for School Bus Drivers in Kennewick-Richland, WA, is $54,700, which is $4,520 higher than the national average of $50,180.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Kennewick-Richland, WA?
A Location Quotient of 1.44 indicates that School Bus Drivers are 44% more concentrated in Kennewick-Richland, WA, than the national average, suggesting a strong local presence and demand for this occupation.
How does the cost of living affect the salary for School Bus Drivers in Kennewick-Richland, WA?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the salary of $54,700 in Kennewick-Richland, WA, has the same purchasing power as the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the national norm.
What is the total number of School Bus Drivers in Kennewick-Richland, WA?
There are approximately 460 School Bus Drivers employed in the Kennewick-Richland, WA, area, 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 460 employees in the Kennewick-Richland, WA area with a job density of 3.621 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 Kennewick-Richland, WA