Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Topeka, Kansas (November 2026)
As of November 2026, CDL drivers in Topeka, Kansas are earning a weekly average of $2,570 (median $2,000). Based on 1,465 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,955. 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.
Where Topeka, Kansas differs from the Kansas baseline
| Topeka, Kansas | Kansas | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,570 | $2,285 | +12% |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 90% | 85% | +5 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Among the figures above, average weekly pay is where Topeka, Kansas differs most from Kansas — 12% above statewide.
Topeka, Kansas CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in Topeka, 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) | $2,307 | $2,118 | 669 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,613 | $1,600 | 445 |
| Owner Operator | $7,122 | $7,000 | 351 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Topeka, Kansas
9% of Topeka, Kansas's active CDL postings are regional and 90% are OTR; local plus semi-local accounts for the rest (1%).
Across Topeka, Kansas CDL postings: 2% with guaranteed pay, 27% dedicated, 90% take-truck-home, 71% pet-friendly, 68% 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 Topeka, Kansas
- Best owner-operator companies in Topeka, Kansas
- CDL driver salary in Kansas
Where this data comes from
The score is built from four buckets. Thirty percent compensation, drawn from real active job postings and modified by bonus and settlement structure. Twenty-five percent safety, from FMCSA SAFER. Twenty-five percent benefits, scored hiring-type-aware. Twenty percent operational performance, drawn from how carriers actually behave toward applicants. Updated November 2026.