Average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary in Wichita, KS
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Wichita, KS earn an average annual salary of $55,900. This figure is slightly below the national average of $58,380, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and demand within the Wichita metropolitan area. The specific pay rates are a reflection of the local job market dynamics for this essential transportation role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $55,900 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,860.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 3,730 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, Wichita presents a substantial employment base for this profession. The location quotient of 0.91 suggests that the concentration of these drivers is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for their services within the region. This robust workforce size and near-average concentration point to a healthy job market for truck drivers in Wichita.
Salary Overview
The average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Wichita, KS earns-4.2%below the national average.
$26.9
$1,075
$4,658
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Wichita have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increased shipping demands, rising operational costs for trucking companies, and a persistent need for skilled drivers likely contribute to upward pressure on wages, reflecting a dynamic and evolving compensation landscape.
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Distribution in Wichita, KS
Salary progression for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Wichita typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower wage, while seasoned professionals with extensive driving records and specialized endorsements can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings, from the lower to the upper end of the pay scale, signify clear career progression opportunities and the value placed on accumulated expertise and reliability in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,290 | $18.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $41,925 | $20.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $52,000 | $25 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $69,875 | $33.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $73,860 | $35.5 |
Detailed Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$55,900
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$55,900
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $55,900 for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Wichita, KS, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the nominal wage effectively covers the typical expenses for residents in Wichita without significant deviation from the national standard.
Job Market Context
3,730
Total Jobs
12.162
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Wichita, KS has 0.91x the national average concentration of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A location quotient of 0.91 for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Wichita indicates that the concentration of these jobs in the area is very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced market where demand and supply are relatively stable, without an overabundance or significant shortage of drivers compared to other regions. The job market is competitive but offers consistent opportunities for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $57,060↑ 2% | 67 mi |
| Enid, OK Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $53,360↓ 5% | 93 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wichita, KS
Hiring Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driverss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers make in Wichita, KS?
The median annual salary for a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Wichita, KS is $55,900. This typically ranges from $38,290 for entry-level positions to $73,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wichita, KS is 4.2% lower than the national median of $58,380.
Is Wichita, KS a lucrative place for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
Yes, it offers average national earning potential with excellent cost of living alignment.Wichita, KS offers an average salary of $55,900, which is competitive with the national average, and crucially, the cost of living is exactly at the national average, making the salary's purchasing power equivalent.
Is Wichita, KS a good place to live for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
The Cost of Living Index in Wichita, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wichita, KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kansas nonmetropolitan area ($57,060) and Enid, OK.
How does Wichita's truck driver salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Wichita, KS is $55,900, which is slightly below the national average of $58,380.
What is the concentration of truck drivers in Wichita compared to the rest of the US?
Wichita has a location quotient of 0.91 for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, indicating a concentration very close to the national average, suggesting a stable job market.
Does the cost of living in Wichita affect the truck driver salary?
No, the cost of living in Wichita is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $55,900 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers are there in Wichita?
There are approximately 3,730 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers employed in Wichita, KS.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,730 employees in the Wichita, KS area with a job density of 12.162 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Wichita, KS