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School Bus Monitors Salary in Kentucky: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a School Bus Monitors salary really buy you in Kentucky?

Kentucky is 10.6% cheaper than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-05-19

Nominal Salary
$28,220
Median annual (2025)
+11.9%
Real Purchasing Power
$31,565
COL-adjusted (RPP=89.4)

Kentucky Cost of Living Index

Kentucky's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 89.4, meaning prices are 10.6% lower the national average. A School Bus Monitors earning $28,220 in Kentucky has the equivalent purchasing power of $31,565 in an average-cost US state.

KY: 89.4
Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Salary Breakdown: Nominal vs. COL-Adjusted

Every dollar goes further in low-cost states. Here is how each salary percentile compares after adjusting for Kentucky's cost of living.

Percentile Nominal Salary COL-Adjusted Difference
10th Percentile (P10) $19,820 $22,170 +$2,350
25th Percentile (P25) $21,310 $23,836 +$2,526
Median (P50) $28,220 $31,565 +$3,345
75th Percentile (P75) $30,240 $33,825 +$3,585
90th Percentile (P90) $34,940 $39,082 +$4,142
Key Insight

A School Bus Monitors in Kentucky earns $28,220 on paper, but low living costs mean your money goes 12% further — like earning $31,565 in an average-cost state. This makes Kentucky one of the best value states for this occupation.

What the Cost-of-Living Data Says

Kentucky Runs Well Below National Cost

RPP 89.4

Kentucky's Regional Price Parity (RPP) of 89.4 means a basket of goods and services costs about 10.6% less than the national average. For a School Bus Monitors, every dollar earned effectively buys more here than in a 100-RPP state.

Sizable COL Effect Reshapes This Salary

+11.9%

Adjusting $28,220 for Kentucky's cost of living yields $31,566 — a 11.9% gain in real purchasing power. This magnitude usually reflects either a materially cheaper or materially pricier metro mix than the national average.

Bottom-Quartile COL-Adjusted Pay

#42 / 50

Kentucky ranks #42 of 50 — bottom quartile for School Bus Monitors real purchasing power. Relocation, employer negotiation, or remote roles at higher-paying markets tend to generate the biggest ROI.

Best States for School Bus Monitors (After Cost of Living)

Where does School Bus Monitors salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

$43,382
RPP 88.7
2. Utah
$40,232
RPP 94.5
3. Wyoming
$40,054
RPP 91.9
$39,835
RPP 91.0
$39,696
RPP 92.3
$39,498
RPP 97.7
$39,068
RPP 88.0
$38,697
RPP 89.8
9. Vermont
$38,595
RPP 101.1
$38,551
RPP 109.8

Kentucky ranks #42 out of 50 states for School Bus Monitors after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See School Bus Monitors take-home pay in Kentucky after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a School Bus Monitors in Kentucky after cost of living?

A School Bus Monitors in Kentucky earns a median salary of $28,220 per year. After adjusting for Kentucky's cost of living (RPP=89.4), the real purchasing power is $31,565 — a +11.9% difference.

Is Kentucky expensive to live in?

Kentucky's cost of living is 10.6% lower than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for Kentucky is 89.4 (US average = 100).

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP)?

Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.

How is the cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a School Bus Monitors in Kentucky: $28,220 x (100 / 89.4) = $31,565. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Is it better to be a School Bus Monitors in Kentucky financially?

From a purchasing power perspective, yes. A School Bus Monitors in Kentucky enjoys 11.9% more buying power than the nominal salary suggests, because living costs are below the national average. However, other factors like job availability, career growth, and quality of life also matter.

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