Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Manhattan, Kansas (November 2026)
In Manhattan, Kansas as of November 2026, the typical CDL driver brings home $2,599 per week (median $2,050). Based on 1,422 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,949. Kansas freight moves on the I-70 east-west transcontinental corridor and I-35 north-south, with agricultural commodities — wheat, beef, and grain — dominating loads and the Kansas City metro serving as a regional hub.
What changed in November 2026
- Postings offering pets allowed fell from 72% to 70%.
Manhattan, Kansas vs Kansas: the numbers that diverge
| Manhattan, Kansas | Kansas | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,599 | $2,285 | +14% |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 91% | 85% | +6 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Manhattan, Kansas's biggest divergence from Kansas is on average weekly pay, 14% above the state baseline.
What CDL drivers are earning across Manhattan, Kansas
Across active CDL postings in Manhattan, Kansas this month, pay varies meaningfully by hiring type. The breakdown below shows the average and median weekly pay for each.
| Hiring type | Avg/wk | Median/wk | Active postings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent Contractor (1099) | $2,344 | $2,150 | 653 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,632 | $1,625 | 421 |
| Owner Operator | $7,124 | $7,000 | 348 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
How drivers spend their time on the road in Manhattan, Kansas
The route mix in Manhattan, Kansas this month tilts OTR: 9% regional, 91% OTR, 0% local, 0% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Across Manhattan, Kansas CDL postings: 2% with guaranteed pay, 27% dedicated, 90% take-truck-home, 70% pet-friendly, 69% riders-allowed.
Driving CDL in Kansas
Kansas freight moves on the I-70 east-west transcontinental corridor and I-35 north-south, with the Kansas City metro (split with MO) as the regional hub. Wheat, beef, and grain dominate outbound loads, especially in summer harvest season. Wichita aerospace and manufacturing adds steady industrial freight. Kansas has a moderate graduated state income tax; cost of living runs near the bottom of the US distribution. Far western Kansas is genuinely remote, with sparse services, and tornado season (April-June) shapes route planning each spring.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Manhattan, Kansas
- Best owner-operator companies in Manhattan, Kansas
- CDL driver salary in Kansas
How we compile these rankings
The composite score is 30% compensation, 25% FMCSA safety, 25% benefits, and 20% operational performance. Pay percentiles are computed against carriers currently hiring in each market; FMCSA percentiles come from SAFER and weight unsafe-driving and hours-of-service violations 2× heavier than the other three dimensions. Updated November 2026.