Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Wichita, Kansas (November 2026)
$2,595/week average, $2,050 median for CDL drivers in Wichita, Kansas (November 2026). Based on 1,434 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,925. Wichita sits at I-135 / I-235 in south-central Kansas, with aerospace manufacturing freight (Spirit AeroSystems — now Boeing as of late 2025, Textron Aviation/Cessna/Beechcraft, Bombardier service centre), agricultural commodity shipments of wheat and beef, and regional distribution for the Great Plains.
What changed in November 2026
No major rank changes this month — the top carriers have held their positions since October 2026.
Where Wichita, Kansas differs from the Kansas baseline
| Wichita, Kansas | Kansas | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,595 | $2,285 | +14% |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 91% | 85% | +6 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
The largest gap is on average weekly pay: Wichita, Kansas sits 14% above the Kansas baseline.
How CDL pay breaks down in Wichita, Kansas
Across active CDL postings in Wichita, 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) | $2,341 | $2,150 | 662 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,629 | $1,625 | 423 |
| Owner Operator | $7,098 | $7,000 | 349 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
What Wichita, Kansas drivers actually run
The route mix in Wichita, Kansas this month tilts OTR: 9% regional, 91% OTR, 0% local, 0% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 2% of Wichita, Kansas postings; dedicated routes at 27%; take-truck-home at 90%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 71% and riders-allowed at 68%.
Driving CDL in Wichita
Wichita anchors south-central Kansas. Aerospace manufacturing (Spirit AeroSystems — now Boeing-owned as of Dec 2025, Textron Aviation, Bombardier service/aftermarket) drives significant high-value freight; agricultural processing (Cargill especially) adds steady volume. Cost of living is among the lowest in the country. Tornado season is severe; summer storms can develop fast.
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 Wichita, Kansas
- Best owner-operator companies in Wichita, Kansas
- CDL driver salary in Kansas
The methodology behind the rankings
Composite-score formula: compensation × 0.30, FMCSA safety × 0.25, benefits × 0.25, operational performance × 0.20. Compensation is anchored on pay percentile and lifted by sign-on bonus tier and guaranteed-pay availability. Operational performance is built mostly from driver-application response data in Lanefinder's platform, with fleet-scale percentile contributing a smaller portion. Updated November 2026.