Average Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity professionals in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $69,020. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $50,920, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher operational costs or union influence that drives compensation in this region. The robust local economy and specific transit needs contribute to this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $69,020 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $79,140.
- Outlook: The Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area exhibits a healthy job market for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity. With a local workforce of 2,010 individuals in this role, the concentration, measured by a Location Quotient of 1.71, is substantially higher than the national average. This suggests a greater than average reliance on and presence of transit drivers, pointing towards sustained demand and job security for professionals in this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earns+35.5%above the national average.
$33.2
$1,327
$5,752
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a positive salary trend for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity over the past four years, mirroring general economic growth and inflation. Increased demand for public transportation, coupled with potential labor shortages in skilled driving positions, likely contributed to upward pressure on wages, making the role increasingly attractive.
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary Distribution in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Salary progression for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned drivers with extensive experience, specialized certifications, or roles involving intercity routes often command higher salaries. The variance between the 25th and 75th percentile salaries would signify the potential for significant career growth and increased earning power as one advances.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $56,200 | $27 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $51,765 | $24.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $78,220 | $37.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $86,275 | $41.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $79,140 | $38 |
Detailed Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$69,020
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$69,020
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $69,020 in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the higher nominal salary translates directly into equivalent purchasing power when compared to the national average, offering a stable financial outlook for residents without the typical strain associated with high-cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
2,010
Total Jobs
1.655
Per 1K Jobs
1.71
Location Quotient
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA has 1.7x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.71 for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA indicates a market that is significantly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a robust and active job market with a higher proportion of these roles relative to the general workforce, implying strong demand and potentially more opportunities for qualified candidates compared to other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary | $41,610↓ 40% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $69,020. This typically ranges from $56,200 for entry-level positions to $79,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 35.5% higher than the national median of $50,920.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercitys?
Yes, it is a lucrative area for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercitys.The average salary of $69,020 is substantially higher than the national average, and the Cost of Living Index is at the national average, meaning your earnings have strong purchasing power.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercitys?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area ($41,610) and others.
How does the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro bus driver salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $69,020, which is considerably higher than the national average of $50,920.
What is the concentration of Bus Drivers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The concentration, measured by Location Quotient, is 1.71, meaning there are 71% more Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity professionals in this area compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a Bus Driver's salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
No, the Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the higher salary of $69,020 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity work in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area?
There are approximately 2,010 Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity employed within the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,010 employees in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area with a job density of 1.655 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 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA