Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Wausau, WI
School Bus Drivers in Wausau, WI, earn an average annual salary of $45,820. This figure is approximately 8.7% below the national average of $50,180. Local economic factors, such as the specific demand for transportation services within the Wausau school district and the overall cost of living, likely contribute to this differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,820 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,200.
- Outlook: The Wausau, WI, market for School Bus Drivers presents a stable employment landscape. With a total local workforce of 230 individuals in this role, the concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.31, suggests a demand that is 31% higher than the national average. This elevated quotient points to a robust need for these essential transportation professionals within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Bus Drivers, School in Wausau, WI earns-8.7%below the national average.
$22
$881
$3,818
Bus Drivers, School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wausau is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for School Bus Drivers have seen a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increased operational costs for employers, and a sustained demand for reliable school transportation services.
Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Wausau, WI
Career progression for School Bus Drivers in Wausau, WI, typically involves a salary increase tied to experience and tenure. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned drivers with extensive experience and a clean driving record can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,660 | $18.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $34,365 | $16.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $48,360 | $23.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $57,275 | $27.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $58,200 | $28 |
Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,820
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,820
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $45,820 in Wausau, WI, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Wausau-based School Bus Driver's salary is equivalent to that of a driver earning the national average in a location with average living expenses. Consequently, the salary offers a standard lifestyle relative to the local economic environment.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
3.307
Per 1K Jobs
1.31
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.31, Wausau, WI has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Bus Drivers, School roles compared to the national norm.
Wausau, WI, exhibits a notable concentration of School Bus Drivers, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.31. This indicates that the occupation is more prevalent in Wausau than in the nation overall, suggesting a potentially competitive job market for new entrants but also a strong presence of experienced professionals. Employers may find a readily available pool of qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $50,070↑ 9% | 48 mi |
| Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $46,720↑ 2% | 48 mi |
| Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $49,050↑ 7% | 48 mi |
| Northwestern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary | $45,890↑ 0% | 48 mi |
| Appleton, WI Bus Drivers, School Salary | $48,500↑ 6% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wausau, WI
Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in Wausau, WI?
The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Wausau, WI is $45,820. This typically ranges from $37,660 for entry-level positions to $58,200 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wausau, WI is 8.7% lower than the national median of $50,180.
Is Wausau, WI a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?
No, Wausau, WI, offers a salary slightly below the national average for School Bus Drivers.The average annual salary of $45,820 is lower than the national average of $50,180. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the salary's purchasing power is comparable.
Is Wausau, WI a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Wausau, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wausau, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area ($50,070) and Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area.
How does Wausau's Cost of Living compare to the national average?
Wausau, WI, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services in Wausau is neither significantly higher nor lower than the national benchmark.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.31 mean for School Bus Drivers in Wausau?
A Location Quotient of 1.31 signifies that School Bus Drivers are 31% more concentrated in Wausau, WI, compared to the national average. This suggests a higher demand or a larger proportion of these jobs relative to the total workforce in the area.
How many School Bus Drivers are there in Wausau, WI?
There are approximately 230 School Bus Drivers employed in Wausau, WI, contributing to the local transportation infrastructure.
Are there many job openings for School Bus Drivers in Wausau?
With a Location Quotient of 1.31, the demand for School Bus Drivers in Wausau appears to be higher than the national average, suggesting a potentially favorable job market for qualified individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Wausau, WI area with a job density of 3.307 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 Wausau, WI