Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Lincoln, NE
School Bus Drivers in Lincoln, NE, earn an impressive average annual salary of $55,790, significantly exceeding the national average of $50,180. This elevated compensation is likely influenced by the specific demands of the local school district, transportation needs, and potentially regional labor market dynamics within Nebraska.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $55,790 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 43.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $116,170.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 320 School Bus Drivers, Lincoln, NE, presents a stable employment landscape for this profession. The location quotient of 0.71 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a steady but not overly saturated market, implying consistent demand for qualified drivers.
Salary Overview
The average Bus Drivers, School in Lincoln, NE earns+11.2%above the national average.
$26.8
$1,073
$4,649
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 Lincoln, NE, have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth driven by inflation, increased operational costs for transportation services, and ongoing demand for reliable school transportation.
Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Lincoln, NE
Career progression for School Bus Drivers in Lincoln, NE, typically involves a salary scale that increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned drivers with extensive tenure and a proven safety record can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their value and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $39,480 | $19 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $41,843 | $20.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $45,030 | $21.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $69,738 | $33.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $116,170 | $55.9 |
Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$55,790
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$55,790
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $55,790 in Lincoln, NE, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a School Bus Driver's income in Lincoln is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial footing without the pressure of unusually high living expenses.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
1.78
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Lincoln, NE has 0.71x 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 0.71 for School Bus Drivers in Lincoln, NE, indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the role is present and necessary, the market is not saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for those seeking employment without intense competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA Bus Drivers, School Salary | $48,070↓ 14% | 45 mi |
| South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $49,880↓ 11% | 86 mi |
| Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $47,160↓ 15% | 86 mi |
| Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $41,910↓ 25% | 86 mi |
| Grand Island, NE Bus Drivers, School Salary | $47,130↓ 16% | 88 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lincoln, NE
Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in Lincoln, NE?
The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Lincoln, NE is $55,790. This typically ranges from $39,480 for entry-level positions to $116,170 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lincoln, NE is 11.2% higher than the national median of $50,180.
Is Lincoln, NE a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?
Yes, Lincoln, NE offers a lucrative environment for School Bus Drivers.The average salary of $55,790 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 Lincoln, NE a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Lincoln, NE is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lincoln, NE?
Some top paying nearby cities include Omaha, NE-IA ($48,070) and South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area.
How does Lincoln, NE's School Bus Driver salary compare to the national average?
School Bus Drivers in Lincoln, NE, earn an average of $55,790 annually, which is approximately $5,610 more than the national average of $50,180.
What is the concentration of School Bus Drivers in Lincoln, NE?
The concentration, or location quotient, for School Bus Drivers in Lincoln, NE, is 0.71, meaning the profession is slightly less common than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Lincoln, NE affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Lincoln, NE, matches the national average. This means the $55,790 salary has standard purchasing power relative to the rest of the country.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate for School Bus Drivers in Lincoln, NE?
There are 1.78 School Bus Driver jobs per 1,000 workers in Lincoln, NE, suggesting a consistent presence and demand for these roles within the local employment landscape.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the Lincoln, NE area with a job density of 1.78 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 Lincoln, NE