Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
Bus Drivers in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $58,310, significantly surpassing the national average of $50,180. This elevated compensation is likely driven by a combination of regional demand and the specific needs of the local school districts, reflecting a strong local job market for this essential role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,310 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $66,300.
- Outlook: The local job market for Bus Drivers, School in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, appears robust, with a total workforce of 550 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.73 indicates a concentration of these roles significantly higher than the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Bus Drivers, School in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA earns+16.2%above the national average.
$28
$1,121
$4,859
Bus Drivers, School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Bus Drivers, School in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and the increasing importance of reliable school transportation services.
Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
Salary progression for Bus Drivers, School typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive driving records and specialized certifications can command salaries significantly above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $48,600 | $23.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $43,733 | $21 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $59,390 | $28.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $72,888 | $35 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $66,300 | $31.9 |
Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,310
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$58,310
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $58,310 and a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, Bus Drivers in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, experience a salary that directly aligns with the national cost of living. This means their earnings provide a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment.
Job Market Context
550
Total Jobs
4.34
Per 1K Jobs
1.73
Location Quotient
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA has 1.7x 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 1.73 for Bus Drivers, School in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, signifies a market where this profession is considerably more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a higher demand relative to the national landscape, potentially leading to more job opportunities and competitive compensation for qualified drivers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Bus Drivers, School Salary | $63,930↑ 10% | 36 mi |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Bus Drivers, School Salary | $65,420↑ 12% | 47 mi |
| Longview-Kelso, WA Bus Drivers, School Salary | $55,150↓ 5% | 62 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $57,580↓ 1% | 70 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $52,740↓ 10% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is $58,310. This typically ranges from $48,600 for entry-level positions to $66,300 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is 16.2% higher than the national median of $50,180.
Is Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?
Yes, it is a more lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools.The average salary of $58,310 is notably higher than the national average, and the strong Location Quotient of 1.73 indicates a concentrated demand for these roles in the area.
Is Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($63,930) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
Bus Drivers in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA earn an average of $58,310 annually, which is $8,130 more than the national average of $50,180.
What is the concentration of Bus Drivers, School in this area?
The Location Quotient is 1.73, meaning the concentration of Bus Drivers, School in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is 73% higher than the national average.
How does the Cost of Living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the higher salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, translates directly to purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the total local workforce number indicate?
A total local workforce of 550 indicates a substantial number of Bus Drivers, School employed in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA area, suggesting a stable and active job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 550 employees in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA area with a job density of 4.34 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 Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA