Truck Driver Salary in Kansas 2026
The average truck driver salary in Kansas is $1,655 per week as of 2026 — that's approximately $86,060 annually (or about $41.38 per hour) for qualified CDL drivers.
Truck driver salary in Kansas, 2026
How much does a Truck Driver make in Kansas?
Kansas Salary Snapshot
Kansas Truck Driver Pay at a Glance
Real wage data for Kansas pulled together in one clear view, so you know exactly what to expect before you get behind the wheel. From entry-level to top earners, wages span $42.5k – $174.4k annually
$86,060
Average Annual Salary
$1,655
Average Weekly Pay
$41.38
Average Hourly Pay
$174.4k
Top Earners (High Range)
Kansas Salary by City
Truck Driver Salary in Kansas Cities
Pay varies across the Sunflower State. Compare average earnings in Kansas's top cities to find where your driving career pays the most – based on real Indeed data and regional market trends.
Wichita
$87,000/yr
Kansas City
$86,600/yr
Overland Park
$86,200/yr
Topeka
$85,100/yr
Lawrence
$85,600/yr
Salina
$84,400/yr
Pay by Role
Kansas Salary by Driver Type
Earnings shift depending on the type of driving you do. Compare Kansas‑specific role averages to find the route that fits your income goals and lifestyle.
OTR Driver
$92,100/yr avg
Long-haul routes across multiple states, offering the highest earning potential in trucking.
View JobsRegional Driver
$86,900/yr avg
Multi-state routes within a defined region, balancing solid pay with more time at home.
View JobsLocal Driver
$78,300/yr avg
Short daily routes within a city or nearby area, ideal for drivers who want to be home every night.
View JobsDedicated Driver
$90,400/yr avg
Consistent routes for a single client, delivering predictable schedules and reliable income.
View JobsFlatbed Driver
$94,700/yr avg
Hauls oversized and open‑deck freight, commanding premium pay for specialized skill.
View JobsHazmat Driver
$105,900/yr avg
Transports hazardous materials and earns the highest average pay for certified specialists.
View JobsWhat Affects Truck Driver Salary in Kansas?
Truck driver pay isn't determined by a single factor. This dashboard highlights the key elements that influence earnings in Kansas and shows where drivers can maximize their income.
Competitive Earnings in Kansas
Kansas truck drivers earn an average of $1,655 per week ($86,060/year), which is same as the national average. Drivers with endorsements, dedicated routes, and strong safety records still have the opportunity to earn at the top of the range — up to $174,400 annually. These figures are based on 7k real Indeed salaries.
Major logistics hubs inWichita (the largest city and a major aviation & logistics hub Kansas City (a bi-state distribution powerhouse), Topeka (the state capital), Salina (a central agribusiness and regional logistics hub), and Lawrence (university and healthcare logistics) offer drivers access to high‑paying freight.
Kansas's robust agricultural sector (wheat, corn, soybeans, cattle, and ethanol production), along with its world‑renowned aviation manufacturing (Wichita is the "Air Capital of the World"), food processing, renewable energy, and logistics industries, provides abundant opportunities for both local and regional drivers to maximize their earnings potential.
Experience
18%Route Type
24%CDL Endorsements
31%Miles Driven
21%Company
16%Driving Record
27%Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about truck driver pay in Kansas, answered in plain terms — based on real Indeed data.
What is the average truck driver salary in Kansas?
The average truck driver in Kansas earns around $86,060 per year, which breaks down to roughly $1,655 per week or ~$41.38 per hour (based on a 40-hour week). Pay varies based on route type, experience, and the company you drive for. Kansas salaries are same as the national average, and drivers with specialized endorsements can earn well over the average — with top earners reaching up to $174,400 annually.
Which Kansas city pays truck drivers the most?
Wichita ($87,000/year) leads the state as Kansas's largest city and a major aviation & logistics hub along I‑35, followed by Kansas City ($86,600) — a bi-state distribution powerhouse along I‑70 and I‑35 — and Overland Park ($86,200), a key suburban logistics center in the Kansas City metro. Topeka ($85,100) and Salina ($84,400) trend below the state average, reflecting more regional government and agribusiness routes. The highest‑paying companies in Kansas specialize in dedicated OTR routes, flatbed freight serving agriculture and aviation manufacturing, and hazmat transport — especially around the Wichita, Kansas City, and Salina areas and along the I‑70, I‑35, and I‑29 freight corridors.
Do local drivers make more than OTR drivers?
Generally no. OTR drivers tend to earn more overall because of higher mileage and longer routes, while local drivers trade some income for the benefit of being home every day. In Kansas, specialized OTR routes — especially those connecting the Wichita aviation manufacturing hub, Kansas City distribution center, and Salina agribusiness corridor to the broader Midwest and national markets — can significantly boost earnings well beyond the state average.
Does experience affect truck driver salary?
Yes, significantly. Drivers with several years of clean‑record experience often qualify for premium routes and specialized freight, which can raise annual pay well above the $86,060 Kansas average. Top earners in Kansas can make up to $174,400 per year.
How can truck drivers earn more in Kansas?
Adding CDL endorsements (hazmat, tanker, doubles/triples), taking on flatbed or specialized freight, driving more miles, and maintaining a clean safety record are the fastest ways to increase earnings. Top Kansas companies offer salaries well above the state average for experienced drivers with the right credentials, especially in key logistics hubs like the Wichita aviation hub, Kansas City distribution center, and Salina agribusiness corridor along I‑70 (Colorado to Missouri), I‑35 (Midwest to Texas and Mexico), and I‑29 (along the Missouri River) that connect the Sunflower State to the broader Midwest and national markets. Kansas's robust agricultural sector (wheat, corn, soybeans, cattle, ethanol production), world‑renowned aviation manufacturing (Wichita is the "Air Capital of the World"), food processing, renewable energy, and logistics industries create steady demand for specialized freight haulers, and the state's central location as a national crossroads provides unique opportunities for long‑haul and regional freight.
Are CDL endorsements worth it?
In most cases, yes. Endorsements like hazmat or tanker require extra testing but open access to specialized freight that pays noticeably more than standard routes. In Kansas, hazmat drivers can earn well above the state average of $86,060, with top earners reaching up to $174,400 annually — especially those servicing the state's robust agriculture (wheat, corn, soybeans, cattle, ethanol), aviation manufacturing (the "Air Capital of the World"), food processing, renewable energy, and logistics sectors, plus the growing distribution networks across the Wichita, Kansas City, Topeka, and Salina areas and along the I‑70, I‑35, and I‑29 corridors that connect Kansas to the greater Midwest and national markets.
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