Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
School Bus Drivers in the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $40,980. This figure is notably below the national average of $50,180, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a different demand structure for this essential role. The lower average salary in this nonmetropolitan area is often influenced by local economic conditions and the cost of living.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 41.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,360.
- Outlook: The local job market for School Bus Drivers in South Central Tennessee is moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 1.82, indicating a higher presence of these roles compared to the national average. With a total local workforce of 510, the demand, while concentrated, is supported by a stable number of professionals in the field, suggesting a consistent need for these services within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Bus Drivers, School in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-18.3%below the national average.
$19.7
$788
$3,415
Bus Drivers, School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact region and role isn't provided, it's generally assumed that salaries for School Bus Drivers across the nation, including nonmetropolitan areas like South Central Tennessee, have seen modest growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased operational costs for school districts, and ongoing efforts to attract and retain qualified drivers in a competitive labor market.
Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for School Bus Drivers typically involves gaining experience and demonstrating reliability. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile of the salary range, while seasoned drivers with extensive experience and a clean driving record can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The salary gap between junior and senior roles signifies the value placed on accumulated knowledge, specialized certifications, and a proven track record of safe and efficient service.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $19,300 | $9.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $30,735 | $14.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $43,660 | $21 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $51,225 | $24.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $60,360 | $29 |
Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,980
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $40,980 for School Bus Drivers in South Central Tennessee aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a School Bus Driver's salary in this region is comparable to that of a driver in a national average cost of living area. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay may offer similar lifestyle affordability.
Job Market Context
510
Total Jobs
4.589
Per 1K Jobs
1.82
Location Quotient
South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has 1.8x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 1.82, South Central Tennessee's nonmetropolitan area shows a significantly higher concentration of School Bus Driver positions relative to the national average. This suggests that the demand for these professionals is more pronounced in this region, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a more robust local market for individuals seeking employment in this sector compared to national averages.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Bus Drivers, School Salary | $46,620↑ 14% | 29 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Bus Drivers, School Salary | $21,800↓ 47% | 73 mi |
| Decatur, AL Bus Drivers, School Salary | $18,520↓ 55% | 83 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Bus Drivers, School Salary | $20,690↓ 50% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $40,980. This typically ranges from $19,300 for entry-level positions to $60,360 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 18.3% lower than the national median of $50,180.
Is South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?
No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $40,980 is substantially lower than the national average of $50,180, indicating less lucrative compensation.
Is South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($46,620) and Huntsville, AL.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 510 School Bus Drivers suggests a stable, established presence in the region, indicating consistent demand and opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.82 mean for School Bus Drivers?
A Location Quotient of 1.82 signifies that School Bus Drivers are employed at a rate 82% higher in South Central Tennessee than the national average, pointing to a concentrated job market.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $40,980 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than elsewhere.
Are there many School Bus Driver jobs per 1,000 workers?
With 4.589 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a solid presence of School Bus Driver roles within the broader workforce, reflecting the essential nature of these services in the community.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 510 employees in the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.589 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 South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area