Average Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area earn a commanding average annual salary of $77,240. This figure significantly outpaces the national average of $50,920, reflecting the region's robust economy and higher demand for skilled transportation professionals. Factors such as the cost of living and the concentration of transit-related industries contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $77,240 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $86,620.
- Outlook: The local job market for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, appears robust with a substantial workforce of 4,520 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.25 indicates a concentration of these roles nearly 2.25 times the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+51.7%above the national average.
$37.1
$1,485
$6,437
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 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increased demand for public transportation and potential labor shortages likely contribute to upward pressure on wages in this sector.
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Career progression for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as drivers gain years of service, acquire specialized certifications, and potentially move into supervisory or specialized route roles, their earnings can climb substantially, reflecting the value of their expertise and reliability.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $59,670 | $28.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $57,930 | $27.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $81,400 | $39.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $96,550 | $46.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $86,620 | $41.6 |
Detailed Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$77,240
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$77,240
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $77,240 and a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, Bus Drivers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, experience strong purchasing power. The nominal salary effectively translates to a comfortable standard of living, as the local expenses align with the national benchmark, allowing the higher wages to provide significant financial benefit.
Job Market Context
4,520
Total Jobs
2.172
Per 1K Jobs
2.25
Location Quotient
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 2.3x 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 2.25 for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that the region has a significantly higher proportion of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking talent and a favorable landscape for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary | $64,140↓ 17% | 18 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary | $54,620↓ 29% | 42 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $77,240. This typically ranges from $59,670 for entry-level positions to $86,620 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 51.7% higher than the national median of $50,920.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercitys?
Yes, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is a highly lucrative location for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity.The average salary of $77,240 is substantially higher than the national average, and the Cost of Living Index is at the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercitys?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($64,140) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue bus driver salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Bus Drivers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $77,240, which is significantly higher than the national average of $50,920.
What is the concentration of Bus Drivers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The Location Quotient is 2.25, meaning the concentration of Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is more than double the national average.
How many Bus Drivers are employed in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area?
There are approximately 4,520 Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity employed within the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area.
Does the cost of living in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA affect the bus driver salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the higher salary of $77,240 offers excellent purchasing power without being offset by excessively high local costs.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,520 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 2.172 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA