Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
Bus Drivers, School in the Portland-South Portland, ME area earn an average annual salary of $48,870. This figure is slightly below the national average of $50,180, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially regional demand influence compensation. While the difference is modest, it highlights how specific geographic factors can shape earning potential for this vital role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $48,870 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $55,870.
- Outlook: The Portland-South Portland, ME area supports a local workforce of 500 Bus Drivers, School. With a Location Quotient of 0.7, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to the rest of the country. The presence of 1.769 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent need for these professionals within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Bus Drivers, School in Portland-South Portland, ME earns-2.6%below the national average.
$23.5
$940
$4,073
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 Portland-South Portland, ME have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors, inflation, and evolving labor demands typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for essential service roles like school transportation.
Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME
Career progression for Bus Drivers, School in Portland-South Portland, ME typically involves gaining experience and demonstrating reliability. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned drivers with extensive experience and a clean record can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $41,420 | $19.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $36,653 | $17.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $49,920 | $24 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $61,088 | $29.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $55,870 | $26.9 |
Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$48,870
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,870
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $48,870 in Portland-South Portland, ME aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Bus Driver's salary in this area is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the nominal salary offers a standard level of affordability relative to local expenses.
Job Market Context
500
Total Jobs
1.769
Per 1K Jobs
0.7
Location Quotient
Portland-South Portland, ME has 0.70x the national average concentration of Bus Drivers, School jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.7 for Bus Drivers, School in Portland-South Portland, ME indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is stable, it may not be saturated, potentially offering moderate opportunities for qualified individuals. The market is neither exceptionally competitive nor exceptionally abundant, presenting a balanced employment landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME Bus Drivers, School Salary | $48,580↓ 1% | 29 mi |
| Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $45,820↓ 6% | 67 mi |
| Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $43,820↓ 10% | 67 mi |
| Southwestern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $42,070↓ 14% | 67 mi |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Bus Drivers, School Salary | $45,470↓ 7% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-South Portland, ME
Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Portland-South Portland, ME is $48,870. This typically ranges from $41,420 for entry-level positions to $55,870 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-South Portland, ME is 2.6% lower than the national median of $50,180.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary is slightly below the national average, and the concentration of jobs is also lower than the national benchmark.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-South Portland, ME?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lewiston-Auburn, ME ($48,580) and Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.
What is the average salary for a School Bus Driver in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The average annual salary for a School Bus Driver in Portland-South Portland, ME is $48,870.
How does the Portland-South Portland, ME salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Portland-South Portland, ME ($48,870) is slightly lower than the national average ($50,180).
What is the Cost of Living in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100, which is the national average.
How concentrated are School Bus Driver jobs in Portland-South Portland, ME compared to the nation?
The concentration of School Bus Driver jobs in Portland-South Portland, ME, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.7, is below the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 500 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 1.769 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 Portland-South Portland, ME