Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
School Bus Drivers in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $59,610, significantly exceeding the national average of $50,180. This higher compensation is likely influenced by the region's specific transportation needs, operational costs, and the demand for reliable school transportation services.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $59,610 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,780.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,570 School Bus Drivers and a Location Quotient of 0.84, the job market in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro indicates a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average. However, the presence of over 2,500 professionals suggests a stable and established demand for these essential services within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Bus Drivers, School in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earns+18.8%above the national average.
$28.7
$1,146
$4,968
Bus Drivers, School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Portland is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for School Bus Drivers have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring general wage growth across many sectors. Factors such as inflation, increased operational costs for employers, and a continued need for qualified drivers likely contribute to this positive salary trajectory.
Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
The salary progression for School Bus Drivers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned drivers with extensive experience and a clean driving record can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career progression opportunities and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $48,550 | $23.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $44,708 | $21.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $62,150 | $29.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $74,513 | $35.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $74,780 | $36 |
Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$59,610
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$59,610
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $59,610 in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. 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 the cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
2,570
Total Jobs
2.115
Per 1K Jobs
0.84
Location Quotient
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA has 0.84x 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 0.84 suggests that while School Bus Drivers are a vital part of the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro workforce, their concentration is slightly below the national average. This could imply a balanced job market where demand is consistent but not overwhelmingly high, offering steady employment opportunities without intense competition for roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Salem, OR Bus Drivers, School Salary | $52,810↓ 11% | 44 mi |
| Longview-Kelso, WA Bus Drivers, School Salary | $55,150↓ 7% | 46 mi |
| Albany, OR Bus Drivers, School Salary | $51,220↓ 14% | 65 mi |
| Corvallis, OR Bus Drivers, School Salary | $51,020↓ 14% | 72 mi |
| Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $46,360↓ 22% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $59,610. This typically ranges from $48,550 for entry-level positions to $74,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 18.8% higher than the national median of $50,180.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?
Yes, it is a relatively lucrative place for School Bus Drivers.The average salary of $59,610 is notably higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good purchasing power.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Salem, OR ($52,810) and Longview-Kelso, WA.
How does the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro salary compare to the national average?
School Bus Drivers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro earn an average of $59,610 annually, which is approximately $19,430 more than the national average of $50,180.
What is the concentration of School Bus Drivers in this area?
The Location Quotient for School Bus Drivers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro is 0.84, indicating that the job is slightly less concentrated here than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is exactly the national average. Therefore, the higher salary in Portland provides equivalent or better purchasing power compared to the national average.
What is the total number of School Bus Drivers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
There are approximately 2,570 School Bus Drivers employed in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,570 employees in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area with a job density of 2.115 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-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA