Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
School Bus Drivers in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $44,140. This figure is notably below the national average of $50,180, suggesting that regional economic factors and potentially lower demand contribute to this compensation difference. The specific economic landscape of nonmetropolitan Iowa shapes the earning potential for this vital role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,140 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,010.
- Outlook: The job market for School Bus Drivers in Southwest Iowa appears robust, with a total local workforce of 390 individuals. The location quotient of 2.09 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating a higher concentration of these jobs relative to the general workforce in this region. This suggests a strong and sustained demand for school bus drivers within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Bus Drivers, School in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-12.0%below the national average.
$21.2
$849
$3,678
Bus Drivers, School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for School Bus Drivers in Southwest Iowa have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increased operational costs and a consistent need for reliable transportation likely drive incremental salary adjustments to retain qualified personnel.
Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for School Bus Drivers typically correlates with experience and tenure. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior drivers with extensive experience and a clean driving record can command higher salaries, potentially reaching into the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior driver compensation signifies clear career progression opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $20,120 | $9.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $33,105 | $15.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $43,990 | $21.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $55,175 | $26.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $63,010 | $30.3 |
Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,140
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,140
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $44,140 in Southwest Iowa aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, making the cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the real value of the compensation.
Job Market Context
390
Total Jobs
5.265
Per 1K Jobs
2.09
Location Quotient
Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 2.1x 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 2.09, Southwest Iowa exhibits a significantly higher concentration of School Bus Driver positions compared to the national average. This indicates a robust and potentially competitive market for these roles, suggesting that employers may actively seek to attract and retain drivers due to the relative scarcity of professionals in this specific geographic area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Bus Drivers, School Salary | $64,830↑ 47% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Bus Drivers, School Salary | $47,000↑ 6% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Bus Drivers, School Salary | $52,580↑ 19% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Bus Drivers, School Salary | $49,650↑ 12% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Bus Drivers, School Salary | $46,320↑ 5% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $44,140. This typically ranges from $20,120 for entry-level positions to $63,010 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 12.0% lower than the national median of $50,180.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?
No, but the cost of living is balanced.While the average salary of $44,140 is below the national average, the local cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the purchasing power is comparable. The high concentration of jobs suggests demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($64,830) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 5.265 jobs per 1,000 workers, Southwest Iowa has a notably higher density of school bus driver positions compared to the national average, reinforcing the strong local demand.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ)?
An LQ of 2.09 means that school bus driving jobs are more than twice as concentrated in Southwest Iowa compared to the national average, indicating a specialized and in-demand job market in the region.
Does experience impact a School Bus Driver's salary in this area?
Yes, like most professions, experienced School Bus Drivers in Southwest Iowa can expect to earn more than entry-level drivers, reflecting their skills, reliability, and tenure.
How does the salary compare to other nonmetropolitan areas?
While this data provides a specific comparison to the national average, salaries in nonmetropolitan areas can vary widely. However, the $44,140 figure suggests that pay in this particular region is below the national benchmark for school bus drivers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 390 employees in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.265 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 Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area