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Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area

School Bus Drivers in the Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $17,460. This figure significantly trails the national average of $50,180, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially lower demand for specialized transportation services in less densely populated areas. The unique economic landscape of this region directly influences compensation levels for this vital role.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $17,460 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $19,870.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,900 School Bus Drivers, the Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a substantial concentration of this profession, indicated by a Location Quotient of 5. This high concentration suggests a robust demand for these services within the region, potentially driven by the need to transport students across a wide geographical area. The significant number of jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the importance of this role in the local labor market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$17,460

The average Bus Drivers, School in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-65.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$8.4

Weekly

$336

Monthly

$1,455

Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area

The salary progression for School Bus Drivers typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while drivers with extensive experience, specialized certifications, or those who take on additional responsibilities, such as training new drivers or maintaining routes, can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$16,200$7.8
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$13,095$6.3
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$16,900$8.1
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$21,825$10.5
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$19,870$9.6

Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$17,460

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$17,460

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $17,460 in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area, when compared to a Cost of Living Index of 100 (which is the national average), suggests that while the cost of goods and services is on par with the rest of the country, the take-home pay may present financial challenges. Potential residents should carefully consider their budget and lifestyle to determine if this salary is sufficient for their needs.

Job Market Context

1,900

Total Jobs

12.572

Per 1K Jobs

5

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area has 5.0x 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.

A Location Quotient of 5 indicates that School Bus Drivers are significantly more concentrated in the Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area than the national average. This suggests a high demand for these professionals relative to the general workforce, making the job market potentially competitive for new entrants but favorable for experienced drivers seeking employment. The abundance of these roles points to a specialized and essential service within the community.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School

Comparing salaries near Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $17,460. This typically ranges from $16,200 for entry-level positions to $19,870 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 65.2% lower than the national median of $50,180.

Is Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?

No, it is not a lucrative place for School Bus Drivers.The average salary of $17,460 is substantially lower than the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the nominal pay may not offer significant financial advantages.

Is Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?

The Cost of Living Index in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($17,480) and Birmingham, AL.

What is the average salary for a School Bus Driver in Northeast Alabama?

The average annual salary for a School Bus Driver in the Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $17,460.

How does the Northeast Alabama salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Northeast Alabama ($17,460) is considerably lower than the national average of $50,180 for School Bus Drivers.

Is there high demand for School Bus Drivers in this region?

Yes, the Location Quotient of 5 indicates a significantly higher concentration of School Bus Drivers compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand.

How does the Cost of Living affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses are average, meaning the $17,460 salary may not stretch as far as it would in a lower cost-of-living area, despite being on par with national averages.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,900 employees in the Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 12.572 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.