Average Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary in Champaign-Urbana, IL
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Champaign-Urbana, IL earn an impressive average annual salary of $61,900, significantly outpacing the national average of $50,920. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the specific demands and operational needs of the local transit infrastructure within the Champaign-Urbana metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,900 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $79,180.
- Outlook: The local market for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Champaign-Urbana, IL, appears robust. With a total local workforce of 260 individuals in this role, and a Location Quotient of 2.53, the concentration of these jobs is more than double the national average, indicating a strong and sustained demand for qualified drivers in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Champaign-Urbana, IL earns+21.6%above the national average.
$29.8
$1,190
$5,158
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a steady or growing trend in salaries for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Champaign-Urbana, IL over the past four years. Factors such as increased operational costs, a need for reliable public transportation, and potential labor shortages nationally would likely contribute to upward pressure on wages in this sector.
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary Distribution in Champaign-Urbana, IL
Career progression for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Champaign-Urbana, IL, typically correlates with increased earnings. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile of the salary range, while experienced drivers with specialized certifications or longer tenures can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their accumulated expertise and reliability.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $39,450 | $19 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $46,425 | $22.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $65,160 | $31.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $77,375 | $37.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $79,180 | $38.1 |
Detailed Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,900
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$61,900
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $61,900 for Bus Drivers in Champaign-Urbana, IL, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a driver's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, making it a financially stable location for this profession.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
2.445
Per 1K Jobs
2.53
Location Quotient
Champaign-Urbana, IL has 2.5x the national concentration of Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 2.53 for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Champaign-Urbana, IL, signifies a highly concentrated job market. This suggests that the demand for these professionals is substantially higher relative to the national average, indicating a competitive environment for employers seeking to fill these roles and potentially favorable conditions for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary | $46,380↓ 25% | 41 mi |
| East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary | $49,900↓ 19% | 41 mi |
| Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary | $52,360↓ 15% | 41 mi |
Comparing salaries near Champaign-Urbana, IL
Hiring Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercitys?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity make in Champaign-Urbana, IL?
The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Champaign-Urbana, IL is $61,900. This typically ranges from $39,450 for entry-level positions to $79,180 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Champaign-Urbana, IL is 21.6% higher than the national median of $50,920.
Is Champaign-Urbana, IL a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercitys?
Yes, Champaign-Urbana, IL offers a lucrative environment for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercitys.The average salary of $61,900 is significantly higher than the national average, and with a cost of living at the national average, your earnings provide strong purchasing power.
Is Champaign-Urbana, IL a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercitys?
The Cost of Living Index in Champaign-Urbana, IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Champaign-Urbana, IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area ($46,380) and East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
Bus Drivers in Champaign-Urbana, IL earn an average of $61,900 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average of $50,920.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.53 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 2.53 indicates that the concentration of Bus Driver jobs in Champaign-Urbana, IL is more than twice the national average, suggesting strong local demand.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Champaign-Urbana, IL?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $61,900 salary in Champaign-Urbana, IL offers purchasing power equivalent to the national standard.
Is the job market for Bus Drivers in Champaign-Urbana, IL competitive?
The high Location Quotient suggests a robust market with significant local demand, potentially making it competitive for employers but favorable for experienced drivers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the Champaign-Urbana, IL area with a job density of 2.445 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, Transit and Intercity • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Champaign-Urbana, IL