Average Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earn an average annual salary of $46,700. This figure is slightly below the national average of $50,920, a common occurrence in metropolitan areas where local economic factors and demand can influence compensation levels. The specific pay in Des Moines reflects the regional labor market dynamics and the cost of operating public transit services within the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $46,700 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,270.
- Outlook: The job market for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, while not exceptionally concentrated with a Location Quotient of 0.8, indicates a stable presence within the local workforce. With a total of 310 professionals in this role, the demand is consistent, suggesting ongoing opportunities for qualified individuals. The density of 0.768 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports a steady, albeit not rapidly expanding, employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-8.3%below the national average.
$22.5
$898
$3,892
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments. Such increases are typically driven by cost-of-living adjustments, union negotiations, and evolving operational demands within the public transit sector.
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Career progression for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity typically correlates with increased earnings. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile of the salary range, while experienced drivers with extensive service records and specialized certifications can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies the value placed on reliability, safety, and tenure within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $31,230 | $15 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $35,025 | $16.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $44,760 | $21.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $58,375 | $28.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $58,270 | $28 |
Detailed Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$46,700
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$46,700
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $46,700 in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a bus driver's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither significantly higher nor lower than elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
310
Total Jobs
0.768
Per 1K Jobs
0.8
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.80x the national average concentration of Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity 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 0.8, the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA market for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a disproportionately dominant sector within the local economy. This could imply a moderately competitive job market, where opportunities exist but may require active searching.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary | $38,270↓ 18% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary | $36,300↓ 22% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary | $36,230↓ 22% | 37 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary | $37,840↓ 19% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $46,700. This typically ranges from $31,230 for entry-level positions to $58,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 8.3% lower than the national median of $50,920.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercitys?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $46,700 is below the national average, though the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is comparable.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercitys?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area ($38,270) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
What is the average salary for a Bus Driver in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The average annual salary for a Bus Driver, Transit and Intercity in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $46,700.
How does the Des Moines bus driver salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Des Moines ($46,700) is slightly lower than the national average ($50,920).
What is the cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated is the bus driver job market in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The job market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.8.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 0.768 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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA