CDL Truck Driver in Kansas

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for KS. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$56,940
trending_down -0.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Kansas.

engineering
23,250

Jobs (KS)

monitoring Stable
+4.0%

10-yr job growth

payments
$56

Licensing fees

schedule
3-8 weeks

Time to complete

route How to become a cdl truck driver in Kansas

To become a CDL Truck Driver in Kansas, individuals must obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) and complete FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). The licensing body is the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) Division of Vehicles. Applicants must pass a general knowledge test and a skills test, and a valid DOT medical certificate is required. Kansas has reciprocity agreements with Nebraska, Missouri, and Oklahoma for farm use exemptions.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $39,450
25th percentile $47,000
50th (median) $56,940
75th percentile $65,760
90th (experienced) $78,800

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Kansas. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Kansas requirements

Licensing bodyKansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) Division of Vehicles
State license Required
EducationFMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
ExamCDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($15)
Application fee$41
RenewalEvery 4.0 years
NotesApplicants must be 18+ for intrastate or 21+ for interstate commerce, to transport hazardous materials, or to drive passengers. A valid DOT medical certificate is required and must be electronically submitted by a certified medical examiner to the National Registry. As of February 7, 2022, Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required for new applicants for a Class A or B CDL, or for H, P, or S endorsements. Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) training is also required before obtaining a new CDL or renewing a current one. The CLP fee is $13.00. CDL endorsement fees are $10.00 each. Skills test fees are paid to third-party providers and vary, but the state exam fee is $15.00. If you are over 65 years old, your license renews every four years. If you are under 21, your license expires on your 21st birthday. Kansas has reciprocity agreements with Nebraska, Missouri, and Oklahoma for farm use exemptions.

Source: Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) Division of Vehicles

workspace_premium Kansas license tiers

Kansas offers multiple tiers of cdl truck driver licensing:

Tier Hours required
Class A N/A
Class B N/A
Class C N/A

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+4.0%
Average
Annual openings
237,600
Nationwide per year
Total employment
2,235,100
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -1.15/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • check_circleKansas license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a cdl truck driver in Kansas? expand_more
Kansas requires cdl truck drivers to complete the required education (FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)), pass the CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test, and submit your application ($41 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a cdl truck driver in Kansas? expand_more
You cannot practice as a cdl truck driver in Kansas without a state license from Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) Division of Vehicles. The required exam is the CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test.
What is the average cdl truck driver salary in Kansas? expand_more
The median cdl truck driver salary in Kansas is $56,940 per year. That's roughly in line with the $57,440 national median. Wages range from $39,450 (10th percentile) up to $78,800 (90th percentile).
What are the fees to become a cdl truck driver in Kansas? expand_more
Costs include exam fee ($15) and application fee ($41). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
How many months or years does cdl truck driver certification take in Kansas? expand_more
The typical timeline in Kansas is 3-8 weeks. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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