CDL Truck Driver in Kansas
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for KS
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.
CDL Truck Driver Requirements in Kansas
| Detail | Kansas |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) Division of Vehicles |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($15) |
| Application Fee | $41 |
| Renewal | Every 4.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants 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
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 |
CDL Truck Driver Salary in Kansas
The median cdl truck driver salary in Kansas is $56,940 per year, which is 0.9% below the national median of $57,440.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $39,450 |
| 25th | $47,000 |
| 50th (median) | $56,940 |
| 75th | $65,760 |
| 90th (experienced) | $78,800 |
Kansas employs approximately 23,250 cdl truck drivers.
CDL Truck Driver Job Outlook
AI Impact on CDL Truck Drivers
Low AI Exposure (Score: -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.
Is Becoming a CDL Truck Driver in Kansas Worth It?
Factors to consider: Kansas's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.