Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Longview-Kelso, WA
Bus Drivers in Longview-Kelso, WA earn an impressive average annual salary of $55,150, significantly exceeding the national average of $50,180. This higher compensation is likely driven by the specific demands and operational needs of the local school districts within the Longview-Kelso area, which may include factors like route complexity, student needs, and local labor market conditions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $55,150 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,140.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 200 Bus Drivers and a Location Quotient of 1.94, Longview-Kelso, WA demonstrates a strong concentration of this profession compared to the national average. This indicates a robust demand for school bus drivers in the area, suggesting a stable and potentially growing job market for individuals in this role.
Salary Overview
The average Bus Drivers, School in Longview-Kelso, WA earns+9.9%above the national average.
$26.5
$1,061
$4,596
Bus Drivers, School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Bus Drivers in Longview-Kelso, WA have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring general trends in the transportation and education sectors. Factors such as inflation, increased operational costs, and a sustained need for reliable school transportation likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Longview-Kelso, WA
Salary progression for Bus Drivers in Longview-Kelso, WA typically scales with experience. 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. The observable gaps between salary percentiles signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $52,240 | $25.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $41,363 | $19.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $55,420 | $26.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $68,938 | $33.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $59,140 | $28.4 |
Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$55,150
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$55,150
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $55,150 in Longview-Kelso, WA aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a school bus driver's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
4.883
Per 1K Jobs
1.94
Location Quotient
Longview-Kelso, WA has 1.9x 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 1.94 for Bus Drivers in Longview-Kelso, WA signifies that this profession is more than twice as concentrated in the area compared to the national average. This suggests a high demand and a potentially competitive market for qualified drivers, indicating that employers may need to offer attractive compensation and benefits to secure and retain talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA Bus Drivers, School Salary | $59,610↑ 8% | 46 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Bus Drivers, School Salary | $58,310↑ 6% | 62 mi |
| Salem, OR Bus Drivers, School Salary | $52,810↓ 4% | 85 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Bus Drivers, School Salary | $63,930↑ 16% | 97 mi |
Comparing salaries near Longview-Kelso, WA
Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in Longview-Kelso, WA?
The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Longview-Kelso, WA is $55,150. This typically ranges from $52,240 for entry-level positions to $59,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Longview-Kelso, WA is 9.9% higher than the national median of $50,180.
Is Longview-Kelso, WA a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?
Yes, Longview-Kelso, WA offers a lucrative environment for School Bus Drivers.The average salary of $55,150 is notably higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong purchasing power.
Is Longview-Kelso, WA a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Longview-Kelso, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Longview-Kelso, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($59,610) and Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA.
How does the Longview-Kelso, WA salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Bus Drivers in Longview-Kelso, WA is $55,150, which is $4,970 higher than the national average of $50,180.
What is the concentration of Bus Drivers in Longview-Kelso, WA?
Longview-Kelso, WA has a Location Quotient of 1.94 for Bus Drivers, meaning the profession is nearly twice as concentrated there compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Longview-Kelso, WA?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $55,150 salary in Longview-Kelso, WA provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Bus Drivers in Longview-Kelso, WA?
There are approximately 200 Bus Drivers employed in the Longview-Kelso, WA area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Longview-Kelso, WA area with a job density of 4.883 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 Longview-Kelso, WA