SalaryNode

Average Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC

Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earn an average annual salary of $45,630. This figure is notably below the national average of $50,920. Local economic factors, including the specific demand for public transportation services and the overall wage structure within the region, likely contribute to this pay differential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $45,630 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,520.
  • Outlook: The Durham-Chapel Hill area supports a local workforce of 410 Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity. With a Location Quotient of 1.24, indicating a concentration 24% higher than the national average, the job market for these professionals shows a robust demand relative to the national landscape. This suggests a stable and potentially growing employment environment for bus drivers in the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$45,630

The average Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-10.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21.9

Weekly

$878

Monthly

$3,803

Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC

Salary progression for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive driving records and specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities, rewarding accumulated expertise and reliability.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$39,980$19.2
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$34,223$16.5
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$44,720$21.5
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$57,038$27.4
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$58,520$28.1

Detailed Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$45,630

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$45,630

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $45,630 in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC aligns precisely with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a bus driver's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living does not present a disadvantage, suggesting that the take-home pay offers comparable living standards.

Job Market Context

410

Total Jobs

1.2

Per 1K Jobs

1.24

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.24, Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.24 for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC signifies a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market in this region is more specialized or has a greater demand for bus drivers relative to its overall workforce size. Consequently, job seekers may find a more abundant opportunity pool, and employers might face a more competitive environment for talent.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercitys?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?

The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $45,630. This typically ranges from $39,980 for entry-level positions to $58,520 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 10.4% lower than the national median of $50,920.

Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercitys?

No, not more lucrative than the national average.While the Cost of Living Index is at the national average, the average salary of $45,630 is below the national average of $50,920, indicating less lucrative earning potential.

Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercitys?

The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?

Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($41,910) and Burlington, NC.

How does the number of bus drivers in Durham-Chapel Hill compare to the national average?

Durham-Chapel Hill has a higher concentration of bus drivers relative to its workforce size, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.24, meaning there are 24% more bus drivers per worker than the national average.

What is the total number of Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?

There are approximately 410 Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity employed in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area.

Does experience impact a Bus Driver's salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?

Yes, experience significantly impacts salary. Senior drivers with specialized skills and a proven track record typically earn more than entry-level drivers, reflecting career progression.

How does the cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill affect the bus driver salary?

The cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill is exactly at the national average (100). This means the $45,630 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, despite being lower than the national average wage.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 410 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 1.2 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.