Average Light Truck Drivers Salary in Topeka, KS
Light Truck Drivers in Topeka, KS earn an average annual salary of $43,270. This figure is slightly below the national average of $47,920, reflecting local economic conditions and demand specific to the Topeka region. Factors such as the cost of living and the concentration of related industries influence this localized pay rate.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,270 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.4% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,070.
- Outlook: The job market for Light Truck Drivers in Topeka, KS, shows a stable presence with a total local workforce of 630 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.87 suggests that the concentration of these roles in Topeka is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderate but not oversaturated demand for these professionals within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Light Truck Drivers in Topeka, KS earns-9.7%below the national average.
$20.8
$832
$3,606
Light Truck Drivers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Topeka's Light Truck Driver salaries over the last four years isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, inflation, and evolving logistics demands typically contribute to gradual salary increases for essential roles like truck driving, suggesting a potentially positive trajectory for earnings in this field.
Light Truck Drivers Salary Distribution in Topeka, KS
Salary progression for Light Truck Drivers in Topeka, KS, typically correlates with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive driving records, specialized endorsements, or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $24,740 | $11.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $32,453 | $15.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $39,570 | $19 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $54,088 | $26 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $63,070 | $30.3 |
Detailed Light Truck Drivers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,270
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,270
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Topeka, KS, offers a cost of living that is precisely at the national average. This means the nominal salary of $43,270 for Light Truck Drivers holds its purchasing power directly in line with the national standard, providing a balanced lifestyle relative to other areas.
Job Market Context
630
Total Jobs
5.586
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
Topeka, KS has 0.87x the national average concentration of Light Truck Drivers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.87 for Light Truck Drivers in Topeka, KS, indicates that the employment concentration for this role is slightly less than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, the market may not be as saturated as in some other regions, potentially offering a competitive environment for skilled drivers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Light Truck Drivers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, KS Light Truck Drivers Salary | $39,340↓ 9% | 24 mi |
| Manhattan, KS Light Truck Drivers Salary | $37,470↓ 13% | 50 mi |
| Kansas City, MO-KS Light Truck Drivers Salary | $49,310↑ 14% | 60 mi |
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Light Truck Drivers Salary | $42,180↓ 3% | 66 mi |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS Light Truck Drivers Salary | $46,960↑ 9% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near Topeka, KS
Hiring Light Truck Driverss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Light Truck Drivers make in Topeka, KS?
The median annual salary for a Light Truck Drivers in Topeka, KS is $43,270. This typically ranges from $24,740 for entry-level positions to $63,070 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Topeka, KS is 9.7% lower than the national median of $47,920.
Is Topeka, KS a lucrative place for Light Truck Drivers?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $43,270 is below the national average of $47,920, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no significant advantage in purchasing power.
Is Topeka, KS a good place to live for Light Truck Drivers?
The Cost of Living Index in Topeka, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Topeka, KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lawrence, KS ($39,340) and Manhattan, KS.
How does Topeka's Light Truck Driver salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Light Truck Drivers in Topeka, KS is $43,270, which is approximately $4,650 less than the national average of $47,920.
What is the concentration of Light Truck Drivers in Topeka, KS?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.87, meaning there are slightly fewer Light Truck Drivers per worker in Topeka compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Topeka affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Topeka's cost of living is exactly average. Therefore, the $43,270 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What does the total local workforce size suggest about job availability?
A local workforce of 630 Light Truck Drivers indicates a stable, established presence of the profession within Topeka, suggesting consistent, albeit not rapidly expanding, job opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 630 employees in the Topeka, KS area with a job density of 5.586 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Light Truck Drivers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Topeka, KS