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Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Missoula, MT

Bus Drivers, School in Missoula, MT earn an average annual salary of $44,850. This figure is below the national average of $50,180, suggesting that local economic factors and demand within the Missoula region play a significant role in compensation levels. While the nominal salary may appear lower, understanding the local cost of living is crucial for a complete financial picture.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $44,850 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,740.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 210 Bus Drivers, School, Missoula presents a moderately sized employment pool for this profession. The concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.24, suggests a slightly higher prevalence of these roles in Missoula compared to the national average, hinting at a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for school transportation services within the community.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$44,850

The average Bus Drivers, School in Missoula, MT earns-10.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21.6

Weekly

$863

Monthly

$3,738

Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Missoula, MT

Career progression for Bus Drivers, School in Missoula typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, often accompanied by salary increases. While specific percentile data isn't available, the gap between starting and experienced driver wages generally signifies increased responsibility, specialized certifications, or longer tenure, reflecting a clear path for career advancement and higher earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$39,610$19
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$33,638$16.2
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$45,810$22
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$56,063$27
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$47,740$23

Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$44,850

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$44,850

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average salary of $44,850 in Missoula, MT, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Missoula-based school bus driver's salary is equivalent to that of a driver in a typical U.S. city, indicating that the lower nominal salary is balanced by the local cost of goods and services.

Job Market Context

210

Total Jobs

3.13

Per 1K Jobs

1.24

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.24, Missoula, MT has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Bus Drivers, School roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.24 indicates that Bus Drivers, School are 24% more concentrated in Missoula, MT, than the national average. This suggests a relatively robust local market for these professionals, implying that job opportunities may be more readily available or that the demand for school bus services is proportionally higher within the Missoula area compared to other regions.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School

CitySalaryDist.
Helena, MT Bus Drivers, School Salary$44,170↓ 2%97 mi

Comparing salaries near Missoula, MT

Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in Missoula, MT?

The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Missoula, MT is $44,850. This typically ranges from $39,610 for entry-level positions to $47,740 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Missoula, MT is 10.6% lower than the national median of $50,180.

Is Missoula, MT a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?

No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the concentration of jobs is higher, the average salary of $44,850 is below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no additional purchasing power advantage.

Is Missoula, MT a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?

The Cost of Living Index in Missoula, MT is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Missoula, MT?

Some top paying nearby cities include Helena, MT ($44,170) and others.

How does Missoula's school bus driver salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Bus Drivers, School in Missoula, MT is $44,850, which is approximately 11% lower than the national average of $50,180.

Is there high demand for school bus drivers in Missoula?

With a Location Quotient of 1.24, school bus drivers are more concentrated in Missoula than nationally, suggesting a stable to slightly above-average demand for their services within the local job market.

What is the cost of living impact on a Missoula school bus driver's salary?

Missoula's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. Therefore, the $44,850 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning it is neither significantly boosted nor diminished by local living expenses.

How many school bus drivers are there in Missoula?

The total local workforce for Bus Drivers, School in Missoula, MT is approximately 210 individuals.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Missoula, MT area with a job density of 3.13 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Bus Drivers, School • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Missoula, MT