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Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Topeka, KS

School Bus Drivers in Topeka, KS, earn an average annual salary of $44,360. This figure is notably below the national average of $50,180, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within the Topeka region. The specific needs and funding structures of the local school districts likely influence this pay scale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $44,360 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,520.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 310 School Bus Drivers, Topeka exhibits a concentration slightly above the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.1. This suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these professionals within the community. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers at 2.763 further reinforces the presence of a consistent employment base for this role.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$44,360

The average Bus Drivers, School in Topeka, KS earns-11.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21.3

Weekly

$853

Monthly

$3,697

Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Topeka, KS

Salary progression for School Bus Drivers in Topeka typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned drivers with extensive safe driving records and specialized certifications can command higher salaries. The variance in pay across different experience levels signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$36,730$17.7
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$33,270$16
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$42,420$20.4
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$55,450$26.7
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$58,520$28.1

Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$44,360

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$44,360

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $44,360 in Topeka aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a School Bus Driver's salary in Topeka is equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment where typical expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than elsewhere in the country.

Job Market Context

310

Total Jobs

2.763

Per 1K Jobs

1.1

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.10, Topeka, KS has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Bus Drivers, School roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.1 for School Bus Drivers in Topeka indicates a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that while the market is not oversaturated, there is a steady demand for these roles, potentially offering a competitive environment for job seekers but also indicating a stable job market within the local transportation sector.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School

CitySalaryDist.
Lawrence, KS Bus Drivers, School Salary$44,900↑ 1%24 mi
Manhattan, KS Bus Drivers, School Salary$41,380↓ 7%50 mi
Kansas City, MO-KS Bus Drivers, School Salary$45,270↑ 2%60 mi
Kansas nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary$40,780↓ 8%66 mi
St. Joseph, MO-KS Bus Drivers, School Salary$39,300↓ 11%68 mi

Comparing salaries near Topeka, KS

Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in Topeka, KS?

The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Topeka, KS is $44,360. This typically ranges from $36,730 for entry-level positions to $58,520 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Topeka, KS is 11.6% lower than the national median of $50,180.

Is Topeka, KS a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $44,360 for School Bus Drivers in Topeka is below the national average of $50,180.

Is Topeka, KS a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?

The Cost of Living Index in Topeka, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Topeka, KS?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lawrence, KS ($44,900) and Manhattan, KS.

How does the Topeka salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for School Bus Drivers in Topeka, KS is $44,360, which is lower than the national average of $50,180.

What is the concentration of School Bus Drivers in Topeka?

Topeka has a slightly higher concentration of School Bus Drivers than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.1.

How does the cost of living in Topeka affect salary perception?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the Topeka salary of $44,360 has average purchasing power, equivalent to the national average.

What is the total number of School Bus Drivers in Topeka?

There are approximately 310 School Bus Drivers employed in Topeka, KS.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the Topeka, KS area with a job density of 2.763 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Bus Drivers, School • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Topeka, KS