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Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area

School Bus Drivers in the Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $46,720. This figure is slightly below the national average of $50,180, a common occurrence in nonmetropolitan regions where cost of living and demand dynamics can influence compensation. The specific economic landscape and local funding for school transportation services play a significant role in shaping these pay rates.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $46,720 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,760.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,060 individuals in this role, the school bus driver sector in Northeastern Wisconsin demonstrates a stable presence. The high Location Quotient of 2.16 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting robust local demand and a specialized need for these professionals within the region's educational infrastructure.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$46,720

The average Bus Drivers, School in Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area earns-6.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22.5

Weekly

$898

Monthly

$3,893

Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area

Salary progression for School Bus Drivers typically correlates with experience and tenure. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned drivers with extensive safe driving records and specialized certifications can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression opportunities, rewarding dedication and skill development within the profession.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$32,590$15.7
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$35,040$16.8
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$46,100$22.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$58,400$28.1
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$57,760$27.8

Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$46,720

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$46,720

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $46,720 in Northeastern Wisconsin 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 stable financial standing relative to typical expenses for housing, utilities, and daily necessities.

Job Market Context

1,060

Total Jobs

5.429

Per 1K Jobs

2.16

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area has 2.2x 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 2.16 for School Bus Drivers in Northeastern Wisconsin is a strong indicator of a concentrated job market. This value, more than double the national average, suggests that the demand for school bus drivers is significantly higher in this nonmetropolitan area relative to the overall employment landscape, making it a key sector for local transportation needs.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School

Comparing salaries near Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area is $46,720. This typically ranges from $32,590 for entry-level positions to $57,760 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area is 6.9% lower than the national median of $50,180.

Is Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?

Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to its cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power equivalent. The high concentration of jobs (LQ 2.16) indicates strong local demand.

Is Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Wausau, WI ($45,820) and Oshkosh-Neenah, WI.

How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

With 5.429 jobs per 1,000 workers, this metric indicates a notable presence of school bus driver roles within the local workforce, suggesting a higher proportion compared to the national average.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role?

An LQ of 2.16 signifies that school bus driver jobs are more than twice as concentrated in Northeastern Wisconsin compared to the national average, highlighting a specialized and robust demand for these professionals in the region.

Does experience impact a school bus driver's salary in this area?

Yes, like most professions, experience is a key factor in salary determination. Senior drivers with proven track records and potentially additional certifications typically earn more than entry-level drivers.

How does the salary compare to the cost of living in Northeastern Wisconsin?

The average salary of $46,720 aligns precisely with the national Cost of Living Index of 100, indicating that the local salary offers average purchasing power, neither significantly high nor low relative to typical expenses.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,060 employees in the Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.429 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.