Average Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area earn an average annual salary of $46,260. This figure is notably below the national average of $50,920, suggesting that local economic factors and potentially a slightly lower demand compared to national trends influence compensation in this region. The specific dynamics of the local transit market and the overall economic landscape of the Tampa Bay area play a crucial role in shaping these salary outcomes.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $46,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,230.
- Outlook: The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area supports a local workforce of 1,170 Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity. With a Location Quotient of 0.84, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderately less saturated market relative to other regions. While not exceptionally high, this quotient suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for transit and intercity bus drivers within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL earns-9.2%below the national average.
$22.2
$890
$3,855
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that, similar to national trends, salaries for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increased operational costs for transit agencies, and evolving labor market conditions that necessitate competitive compensation to attract and retain qualified drivers.
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary Distribution in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Career progression for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL, typically involves a salary scale that increases with experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay spectrum, while senior drivers with extensive experience, clean driving records, and potentially supervisory or training roles can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, rewarding seasoned professionals with greater compensation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $35,450 | $17 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $34,695 | $16.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $43,570 | $20.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $57,825 | $27.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $60,230 | $29 |
Detailed Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$46,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$46,260
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $46,260 for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned by drivers in this region offers purchasing power that is equivalent to the national average. Consequently, the take-home pay effectively balances with the general cost of goods and services, suggesting a stable financial environment for these professionals relative to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
1,170
Total Jobs
0.814
Per 1K Jobs
0.84
Location Quotient
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL has 0.84x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.84 for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL, indicates that the concentration of these jobs is slightly lower than the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent need for transit and intercity bus drivers, the market is not as heavily saturated as in some other major metropolitan areas. This could imply a moderate level of competition for available positions, with opportunities present but not overwhelmingly abundant.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary | $42,860↓ 7% | 32 mi |
| South Florida nonmetropolitan area Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary | $53,970↑ 17% | 49 mi |
| Homosassa Springs, FL Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary | $34,630↓ 25% | 60 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity make in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is $46,260. This typically ranges from $35,450 for entry-level positions to $60,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 9.2% lower than the national median of $50,920.
Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercitys?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $46,260 is below the national average of $50,920, and the Cost of Living Index is at the national average, meaning the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent but not superior.
Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercitys?
The Cost of Living Index in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL ($42,860) and South Florida nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater bus driver salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is $46,260, which is lower than the national average of $50,920.
What is the concentration of Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity jobs in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.84, indicating that the proportion of these jobs in the area is slightly below the national average.
How does the Cost of Living in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL affect the bus driver salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $46,260 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, neither significantly better nor worse.
What is the total number of Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area?
There are approximately 1,170 Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity employed in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL 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 1,170 employees in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area with a job density of 0.814 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 Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL