Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Rockford, IL
School Bus Drivers in Rockford, IL, earn an average annual salary of $42,950. This figure is notably below the national average of $50,180. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Rockford area contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,950 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $54,800.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 570 School Bus Drivers, Rockford presents a concentrated employment landscape. The Location Quotient of 1.62 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially stable demand for qualified drivers within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Bus Drivers, School in Rockford, IL earns-14.4%below the national average.
$20.7
$826
$3,579
Bus Drivers, School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for School Bus Drivers in Rockford, like in many other sectors, have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased operational costs for employers, and evolving labor market dynamics.
Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Rockford, IL
The salary range for School Bus Drivers in Rockford, IL, naturally scales with experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior drivers with extensive experience and a proven safety record can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career progression and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $30,990 | $14.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $32,213 | $15.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $43,950 | $21.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $53,688 | $25.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $54,800 | $26.3 |
Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,950
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,950
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $42,950 in Rockford, IL, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a School Bus Driver's salary in Rockford is equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
570
Total Jobs
4.081
Per 1K Jobs
1.62
Location Quotient
Rockford, IL has 1.6x 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.
Rockford, IL, exhibits a strong concentration of School Bus Driver positions, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.62. This higher-than-average concentration suggests that the job market for these professionals is more robust locally than the national average, potentially offering more employment opportunities and a competitive environment for drivers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Janesville-Beloit, WI Bus Drivers, School Salary | $49,160↑ 14% | 30 mi |
| Madison, WI Bus Drivers, School Salary | $50,440↑ 17% | 59 mi |
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Bus Drivers, School Salary | $57,430↑ 34% | 71 mi |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN Bus Drivers, School Salary | $50,470↑ 18% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Rockford, IL
Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in Rockford, IL?
The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Rockford, IL is $42,950. This typically ranges from $30,990 for entry-level positions to $54,800 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Rockford, IL is 14.4% lower than the national median of $50,180.
Is Rockford, IL a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the salary of $42,950 is in line with the national cost of living, it falls below the national average salary for the role. However, the high concentration of jobs indicates strong local demand.
Is Rockford, IL a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Rockford, IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Rockford, IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Janesville-Beloit, WI ($49,160) and Madison, WI.
How does Rockford's cost of living affect the bus driver salary?
Rockford's cost of living index is exactly 100, matching the national average. This means the $42,950 salary has the same purchasing power in Rockford as the national average salary does across the country.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.62 mean for School Bus Drivers in Rockford?
A Location Quotient of 1.62 signifies that School Bus Drivers are 62% more concentrated in Rockford than the national average. This suggests a higher demand and potentially more job availability for this profession locally.
How many School Bus Drivers are there in Rockford, IL?
There are approximately 570 School Bus Drivers employed in the Rockford, IL area, representing a significant portion of the local workforce in this specific occupation.
Are there many job opportunities for School Bus Drivers in Rockford?
Yes, the high Location Quotient of 1.62 and the number of jobs per 1,000 workers (4.081) suggest a healthy job market with ample opportunities for School Bus Drivers in Rockford.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 570 employees in the Rockford, IL area with a job density of 4.081 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 Rockford, IL