Average Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary in Washington
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Washington earn a substantial average annual salary of $71,670, significantly outpacing the national average of $50,920. This elevated compensation is driven by a robust demand for transit services and a higher cost of living within the state, necessitating competitive wages to attract and retain qualified professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $71,670 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $86,620.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 7,100 and a Location Quotient of 2.08, Washington demonstrates a strong concentration of Bus Driver positions relative to the national average. This indicates a healthy and potentially growing job market for transit and intercity drivers, suggesting consistent demand for their services across the state.
Salary Overview
The average Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Washington earns+40.8%above the national average.
$34.5
$1,378
$5,973
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 Washington have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and increasing operational costs. This upward trajectory is likely influenced by factors such as inflation, demand for public transportation, and the need to maintain competitive compensation packages.
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary Distribution in Washington
Salary progression for Bus Drivers in Washington 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, often reaching into the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies a clear career ladder and opportunities for advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $54,610 | $26.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $53,753 | $25.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $70,360 | $33.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $89,588 | $43.1 |
| 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
$71,670
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$62,268
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
The average annual salary of $71,670 in Washington presents a strong nominal income. However, with a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, which is 15.1% higher than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat tempered. While still offering a good standard of living, individuals should factor in the increased expenses for housing, goods, and services when considering relocation.
Job Market Context
7,100
Total Jobs
2.007
Per 1K Jobs
2.08
Location Quotient
Washington has 2.1x 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.
Washington's Location Quotient of 2.08 for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity signifies that the state has more than double the concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a highly active and potentially competitive job market, where employers may need to offer attractive compensation and benefits to secure talent, while also indicating a strong presence and reliance on public transportation infrastructure.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary | $77,240↑ 8% | 42 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salary | $64,140↓ 11% | 58 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington
Hiring Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercitys?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity make in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity in Washington is $71,670. This typically ranges from $54,610 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 Washington is 40.8% higher than the national median of $50,920.
Is Washington a lucrative place for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercitys?
Yes, Washington offers a lucrative environment for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercitys.The average salary of $71,670 significantly exceeds the national average, and the high Location Quotient indicates strong demand for these professionals within the state.
Is Washington a good place to live for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercitys?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($77,240) and Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA.
How does Washington's average Bus Driver salary compare to the national average?
Bus Drivers in Washington earn an average of $71,670 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average of $50,920.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.08 mean for Bus Drivers in Washington?
A Location Quotient of 2.08 indicates that Washington has a concentration of Bus Driver jobs that is more than twice the national average, suggesting a robust job market and high demand.
How does the Cost of Living in Washington affect the Bus Driver salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, Washington is more expensive than the national average. While the high salary helps offset this, it's important to consider the increased expenses when evaluating the real value of the income.
What is the total number of Bus Drivers employed in Washington?
There are approximately 7,100 Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity employed within Washington state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,100 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 2.007 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Washington
- All Occupations Salary in Washington
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Washington
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Washington
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Washington
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Washington
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Washington
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Washington
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Washington
- Management Occupations Salary in Washington
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Washington
- Browse All Jobs in Washington →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington