Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Salina, Kansas (November 2026)
$2,609/week — that's the average CDL driver wage in Salina, Kansas as of November 2026. Median weekly pay sits at $2,050, computed against active postings in Lanefinder's index. Based on 1,406 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,932. 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
No major rank changes this month — the top carriers have held their positions since October 2026.
Salina, Kansas vs Kansas: the numbers that diverge
| Salina, Kansas | Kansas | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,609 | $2,285 | +14% |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 91% | 85% | +6 pt |
| Regional routes | 8% | 13% | -5 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Among the figures above, average weekly pay is where Salina, Kansas differs most from Kansas — 14% above statewide.
What CDL drivers are earning across Salina, Kansas
Across active CDL postings in Salina, 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 | 647 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,636 | $1,650 | 412 |
| Owner Operator | $7,119 | $7,000 | 347 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
What Salina, Kansas drivers actually run
Of active CDL postings in Salina, Kansas this month, 8% are regional and 91% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 1%.
Across Salina, Kansas CDL postings: 2% with guaranteed pay, 27% dedicated, 90% take-truck-home, 71% 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 Salina, Kansas
- Best owner-operator companies in Salina, Kansas
- CDL driver salary in Kansas
How we compile these rankings
Pay carriers against each other within the same market (30%). Layer a weighted FMCSA SAFER safety percentile on top (25%). Score the benefits package against what actually matters for the hiring type — W2 health/financial benefits or owner-op operational perks (25%). Finish with operational performance: responsiveness to driver applications plus fleet scale (20%). All percentiles are recomputed monthly. Updated November 2026.