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Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Wichita, KS

School Bus Drivers in Wichita, KS earn an average annual salary of $42,090. 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 this specific metropolitan area. The cost of living in Wichita aligns perfectly with the national average, making this salary comparison particularly insightful for potential and current drivers.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $42,090 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,740.
  • Outlook: Wichita, KS supports a substantial local workforce of 1,380 School Bus Drivers, indicating a consistent demand for these essential transportation professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.78 signifies a concentration of these jobs significantly higher than the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing job market for school bus drivers in the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$42,090

The average Bus Drivers, School in Wichita, KS earns-16.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20.2

Weekly

$809

Monthly

$3,508

Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Wichita, KS

Career progression for School Bus Drivers in Wichita, KS, typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, which are often accompanied by higher earning potential. While specific percentile data isn't available, the expected salary range widens significantly with experience, with senior drivers commanding salaries well above the average, reflecting accumulated expertise and responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$33,370$16
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$31,568$15.2
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$44,720$21.5
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$52,613$25.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$44,740$21.5

Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$42,090

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$42,090

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $42,090 for School Bus Drivers in Wichita, KS, is perfectly balanced by the local Cost of Living Index, which stands at 100, matching the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Wichita-based driver's salary is equivalent to that of a driver earning the national average in a location with average living expenses.

Job Market Context

1,380

Total Jobs

4.489

Per 1K Jobs

1.78

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Wichita, KS 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 1.78, Wichita, KS, demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of School Bus Driver positions compared to the national average. This indicates a strong local demand and a market where these professionals are more prevalent, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive environment for employers seeking qualified drivers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, School

CitySalaryDist.
Kansas nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary$40,780↓ 3%67 mi
Enid, OK Bus Drivers, School Salary$37,500↓ 11%93 mi

Comparing salaries near Wichita, KS

Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Wichita, KS is $42,090. This typically ranges from $33,370 for entry-level positions to $44,740 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Wichita, KS is 16.1% lower than the national median of $50,180.

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

No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $42,090 is considerably lower than the national average of $50,180 for School Bus Drivers.

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

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Wichita, KS?

Some top paying nearby cities include Kansas nonmetropolitan area ($40,780) and Enid, OK.

How does Wichita's job market compare to the national average for School Bus Drivers?

Wichita has a higher concentration of School Bus Driver jobs, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.78, suggesting a stronger local demand relative to the national landscape.

What is the average salary for a School Bus Driver in Wichita, KS?

The average annual salary for a School Bus Driver in Wichita, KS is $42,090.

How does the cost of living in Wichita affect the salary?

Wichita's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $42,090 salary has average purchasing power locally.

Are there many School Bus Driver jobs in Wichita?

Yes, with a total local workforce of 1,380 and a high Location Quotient, the job market for School Bus Drivers is more concentrated in Wichita than the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,380 employees in the Wichita, KS area with a job density of 4.489 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 Wichita, KS