Bus Drivers, School Salary in Iowa
In Iowa, bus drivers, schools earn $45,380 at the median — $21.82 an hour. The range runs from $22K at the entry level to $65K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Iowa. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $45K get you in Iowa?
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Iowa
Entry-level bus drivers, schools (10th percentile) start around $22K. Mid-career wages sit at $45K. Top earners bring in $65K or more, a $43K spread from bottom to top.
Bus Drivers, School salary by metro in Iowa
7 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ames | $52K | +15% | 210 |
| Iowa City | $49K | +8% | 230 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | $48K | +7% | 150 |
| Sioux City | $48K | +6% | 240 |
| Cedar Rapids | $47K | +4% | 410 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $47K | +3% | 570 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | $45K | +0% | 890 |
Compare to other states
Track bus drivers, school salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Iowa numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do bus drivers, schools make in Iowa?
The median is $45,380 a year, that works out to about $22 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $21,630, and experienced bus drivers, schools can clear $64,830. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $45K enough to live in Iowa?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,028/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,064/month, which eats 35.1% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a bus drivers, school salary go in Iowa?
Iowa has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median bus drivers, school salary is worth about $51,069 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do bus drivers, schools get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.