Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Waco, TX
School Bus Drivers in Waco, TX, earn an average annual salary of $46,670. This figure is slightly below the national average of $50,180, a common occurrence in areas where local economic factors and demand influence compensation structures. The specific needs and funding models within the Waco school district likely contribute to this localized pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $46,670 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 48.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $80,680.
- Outlook: Waco, TX, supports a local workforce of 320 School Bus Drivers, with a Location Quotient of 0.96, indicating a concentration very close to the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these professionals within the community. The presence of 2.427 jobs per 1,000 workers further solidifies the consistent need for qualified drivers in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Bus Drivers, School in Waco, TX earns-7.0%below the national average.
$22.4
$898
$3,889
Bus Drivers, School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Waco is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for essential roles like School Bus Drivers tend to see modest, consistent growth year-over-year. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased operational costs for employers, and a steady demand for reliable transportation services, ensuring that compensation keeps pace with the evolving economic landscape over a four-year period.
Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Waco, TX
Career progression for School Bus Drivers in Waco, TX, is typically marked by increased compensation as experience is gained. 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. This salary scaling reflects accumulated expertise, reliability, and the ability to handle more complex routes or specialized student needs.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $28,760 | $13.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $35,003 | $16.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $43,630 | $21 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $58,338 | $28 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $80,680 | $38.8 |
Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$46,670
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$46,670
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $46,670 in Waco, TX, 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 Waco is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the nominal wage effectively covers the typical expenses for residents in the area without significant strain or surplus.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
2.427
Per 1K Jobs
0.96
Location Quotient
Waco, TX has 0.96x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.96, the job market for School Bus Drivers in Waco, TX, is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced market where the number of drivers is neither significantly oversupplied nor undersupplied relative to the national trend. Professionals entering this field in Waco can expect a competitive but stable employment environment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $42,010↓ 10% | 41 mi |
| Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $42,050↓ 10% | 41 mi |
| Hill Country Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $41,510↓ 11% | 41 mi |
| Coastal Plains Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $44,530↓ 5% | 41 mi |
| Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $45,490↓ 3% | 41 mi |
Comparing salaries near Waco, TX
Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in Waco, TX?
The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Waco, TX is $46,670. This typically ranges from $28,760 for entry-level positions to $80,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waco, TX is 7.0% lower than the national median of $50,180.
Is Waco, TX a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the salary of $46,670 is in line with the local cost of living, it falls below the national average for School Bus Drivers. The job market concentration is also very close to the national average, indicating stable but not exceptionally high demand.
Is Waco, TX a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Waco, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waco, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area ($42,010) and Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area.
How does Waco's cost of living compare to the national average for bus drivers?
Waco, TX, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the expenses for daily living in Waco are comparable to the average across the United States.
What is the concentration of School Bus Drivers in Waco, TX?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.96. This indicates that the proportion of School Bus Drivers in Waco's workforce is very close to the national average, suggesting a stable employment landscape for this profession.
How many School Bus Driver jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Waco?
In Waco, TX, there are approximately 2.427 School Bus Driver jobs for every 1,000 workers in the local labor force, reflecting a consistent need for these services.
What is the total number of School Bus Drivers employed in Waco, TX?
The total local workforce for School Bus Drivers in Waco, TX, consists of 320 individuals, representing a significant segment of the local transportation services sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the Waco, TX area with a job density of 2.427 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Bus Drivers, School Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Waco, TX
- All Occupations Salary in Waco, TX
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Waco, TX
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Waco, TX
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Waco, TX
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Waco, TX
- Management Occupations Salary in Waco, TX
- Production Occupations Salary in Waco, TX
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Waco, TX
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Waco, TX
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Waco, TX
- Browse All Jobs in Waco, TX →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Bus Drivers, School • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Waco, TX