Truck Driver Salary in Kansas City
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Kansas City, Missouri. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$63,650
CDL-B Avg
$50,624
Non-CDL Avg
$56,336
Owner-Op Gross
$221,760
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Kansas City truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Kansas City
Kansas City's cost of living is 9% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$63,650
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$69,945
After adjusting for Kansas City's cost of living index of 91, a CDL-A salary of $63,650 provides the same purchasing power as $69,945 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Kansas City than the raw salary suggests.
Kansas City vs Missouri vs National Average
| Metric | Kansas City | MO Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $63,650 | $56,830 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$6,820 | ||
| vs National | +$4,940 | ||
| Cost of Living | 91 | 89 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $69,945 | $63,854 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Kansas City
Truck driver wages in Kansas City are trending upward, driven by growth in agricultural products and automotive manufacturing. E-commerce fulfillment expansion and high turnover across the Missouri market continue to push pay higher.
Which carriers run freight through Kansas City?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Kansas City — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record. Ask for it in cents per mile alongside the expected weekly miles.
- Schneider National
- J.B. Hunt
- TMC Transportation
- Crete Carrier
Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Kansas City
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Kansas City market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Kansas City
Browse CDL driver positions in Kansas City, MO from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Kansas City
What is the average truck driver salary in Kansas City, MO?
CDL-A truck drivers in Kansas City, Missouri earn an average of $63,650 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Kansas City market is influenced by agricultural products and automotive manufacturing freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Kansas City?
Owner-operators based in Kansas City gross approximately $221,760 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $84,269 to $106,445. The Kansas City area's cost of living index of 91 is below the national average by 9%.
Is Kansas City a good city for trucking jobs?
Kansas City offers strong trucking employment thanks to its agricultural products and automotive manufacturing sectors. The city's cost of living is below the national average, which means your paycheck goes further here than in many metros. CDL drivers with hazmat or tanker endorsements can earn 10-20% above the city average.