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Average Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary in Illinois

Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Illinois earn an impressive average annual salary of $67,770, significantly surpassing the national average of $50,920. This elevated compensation is likely driven by a combination of factors unique to the state, including demand for public transportation services and potentially higher operational costs for transit authorities.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $67,770 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $84,440.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 7,580 and a Location Quotient of 1.29, Illinois demonstrates a robust and concentrated market for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity. This indicates a demand that is notably higher than the national average, suggesting a stable and potentially growing job market for these professionals within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$67,770

The average Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Illinois earns+33.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$32.6

Weekly

$1,303

Monthly

$5,648

Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary Distribution in Illinois

Career progression for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Illinois typically correlates with increased salary. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced drivers with specialized certifications or longer tenures can command significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight these opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$46,380$22.3
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$50,828$24.4
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$69,950$33.6
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$84,713$40.7
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$84,440$40.6

Detailed Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$67,770

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$73,824

Adjusted for COL (91.8)

The average annual salary of $67,770 in Illinois presents a favorable financial outlook when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 91.8. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of a Bus Driver's salary in Illinois is greater than the national average, allowing for a higher standard of living.

Job Market Context

7,580

Total Jobs

1.25

Per 1K Jobs

1.29

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.29, Illinois has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity roles compared to the national norm.

Illinois's Location Quotient of 1.29 for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity signifies a market concentration 29% above the national average. This suggests that the demand for these roles is strong relative to the overall workforce, making the job market competitive but also indicative of ample opportunities for skilled drivers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity

Comparing salaries near Illinois

Hiring Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercitys?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity make in Illinois?

The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Illinois is $67,770. This typically ranges from $46,380 for entry-level positions to $84,440 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Illinois is 33.1% higher than the national median of $50,920.

Is Illinois a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercitys?

Yes, Illinois offers a lucrative environment for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercitys.The average salary significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is below the national benchmark, enhancing overall financial well-being.

Is Illinois a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercitys?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Illinois?

Some top paying nearby cities include Champaign-Urbana, IL ($61,900) and Peoria, IL.

How does the Illinois salary compare to the national average?

Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Illinois earn an average of $67,770 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average of $50,920.

What is the job concentration for Bus Drivers in Illinois?

Illinois has a job concentration, or Location Quotient, of 1.29 for Bus Drivers, indicating that the presence of these jobs is 29% higher than the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the Bus Driver salary in Illinois?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, Illinois is more affordable than the national average (100). This means the $67,770 salary provides greater purchasing power for residents.

What does the total local workforce number mean for job seekers?

A total local workforce of 7,580 suggests a significant pool of professionals in this role within Illinois, indicating a well-established industry and potentially diverse employment opportunities.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,580 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 1.25 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.