As parts prices rise, so do tech wages. This and more in the results from School Bus Fleet's 2024 Maintenance Survey.

Survey Highlights

• The average starting wage for school bus technicians among this year’s respondents rose $1.85 per hour compared to last year’s survey. Respondents who reported annual salaries rather than hourly wages were paid an average of $50,650.

• Tech pay sees another increase, with an average hourly wage of $23.81 in 2024 -- up about $2 from last year.

• At times, technicians get behind the wheel to lessen driver shortage. At half (50%) of the operations surveyed, technicians have had to cover a route often or daily this school year due to a shortage of drivers.

• Survey respondents estimated the average age of their school bus fleets. The overall average of respondents’ fleet ages is 9.3 years, which is up compared to last year.

• On average, school buses still make up almost three-quarters (73%) of the fleets maintained by survey respondents. Other vehicles include maintenance trucks, vans, and cars.

• More than three-quarters (79%) of respondents report that they don’t buy any used school buses.

• More than two-thirds (72%) of operators surveyed plan to buy new school buses this year. That’s up slightly compared to last year.

• More than half (53%) of the shops surveyed use fleet maintenance software, steady compared to 2023.

• Average school buses per technician: 20

• Average number of maintenance bays: 4

• Average number of buses per bay: 27

• Average annual miles per bus: 17,752

Fuel Types Maintained

• Diesel 96%

• Gasoline 59%

• Propane 15%

• Electric 8%

• CNG 4%

Average school bus retirement age

• Small (Type A/B): 14 years

• Large (Type C/D): 15 years

Thanks to everyone who participated in this survey. Check out the complete survey details in the March print edition of School Bus Fleet.