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Average Bus Drivers, School Salary in Yakima, WA

School Bus Drivers in Yakima, WA earn an average annual salary of $51,660, which is notably higher than the national average of $50,180. This localized premium is likely influenced by the specific demands and operational costs within the Yakima region, reflecting a tailored compensation structure for essential transportation roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $51,660 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,400.
  • Outlook: Yakima, WA presents a robust employment landscape for School Bus Drivers, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 510 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.07 strongly indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting consistent demand and a stable job market for this profession within the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$51,660

The average Bus Drivers, School in Yakima, WA earns+2.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.8

Weekly

$993

Monthly

$4,305

Bus Drivers, School Salary Distribution in Yakima, WA

The career path for a School Bus Driver in Yakima, WA typically sees salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with many years of service and a proven safety record can command salaries significantly above the average. The percentile distribution of salaries, though not detailed here, would generally show a widening gap as experience levels increase, signifying clear opportunities for career progression and higher earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$36,610$17.6
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$38,745$18.6
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$52,060$25
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$64,575$31
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$61,400$29.5

Detailed Bus Drivers, School Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$51,660

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$51,660

Adjusted for COL (100)

For individuals considering a move to Yakima, WA, the average annual salary of $51,660 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a School Bus Driver's salary in Yakima is equivalent to the national average, indicating that the nominal salary offers a standard of living comparable to the rest of the country.

Job Market Context

510

Total Jobs

5.207

Per 1K Jobs

2.07

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Yakima, WA 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.

Yakima, WA exhibits a highly concentrated market for School Bus Drivers, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.07. This significantly above-average concentration suggests that the demand for these professionals is robust relative to the national landscape, 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.
Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Bus Drivers, School Salary$53,750↑ 4%59 mi
Kennewick-Richland, WA Bus Drivers, School Salary$54,700↑ 6%71 mi
Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary$57,580↑ 11%71 mi
Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, School Salary$52,740↑ 2%71 mi

Comparing salaries near Yakima, WA

Hiring Bus Drivers, Schools?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Bus Drivers, School make in Yakima, WA?

The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, School in Yakima, WA is $51,660. This typically ranges from $36,610 for entry-level positions to $61,400 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Yakima, WA is 2.9% higher than the national median of $50,180.

Is Yakima, WA a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Schools?

Yes, Yakima, WA offers a competitive salary for School Bus Drivers.The average salary of $51,660 is above the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it a financially sound location.

Is Yakima, WA a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Schools?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Yakima, WA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA ($53,750) and Kennewick-Richland, WA.

How does Yakima's School Bus Driver salary compare to the national average?

School Bus Drivers in Yakima, WA earn an average of $51,660 annually, which is higher than the national average of $50,180.

What is the concentration of School Bus Drivers in Yakima, WA?

Yakima, WA has a Location Quotient of 2.07 for School Bus Drivers, indicating a concentration that is more than double the national average.

What is the cost of living in Yakima, WA compared to the national average?

Yakima, WA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the same as the national average.

How many School Bus Drivers are employed in Yakima, WA?

There are approximately 510 School Bus Drivers employed in the Yakima, WA area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 510 employees in the Yakima, WA area with a job density of 5.207 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 Yakima, WA