Kansas sits at the geographic center of the US — wheat production, aviation manufacturing, and I-70 corridor freight. 28,000+ heavy truck drivers serve the state.
28,000+
CDL Drivers
$42B
Freight Value
2.8%
Growth Rate
13%
Hispanic Workforce
| City | Drivers | Growth | Industry Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City (KS) | 10,000+ | 3.5%/yr | Distribution, intermodal |
| Wichita | 8,000+ | 2.8%/yr | Aviation, manufacturing |
| Topeka | 3,000+ | 2.2%/yr | State capital, agriculture |
Average costs by metro area and program type
| Metro | Private School | Community College | Sponsored |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | $3,000-$7,000 | $1,500-$4,000 | $0 (2-yr contract) |
| Wichita | $2,500-$6,000 | $1,200-$3,500 | Aviation industry programs |
KANSASWORKS centers provide WIOA funding for CDL training.
Kansas has 200,000+ veterans near Fort Riley and McConnell AFB.
Free community college for qualifying programs.
Administered by Kansas Division of Vehicles
Wheat harvest creates massive seasonal grain transport demand
Aviation manufacturing (Spirit, Textron) requires oversize load expertise
I-70 corridor connects KC to Denver with high commercial traffic
Severe weather (tornadoes) requires emergency logistics preparedness
28,000+ drivers. 2.8% annual growth. Zero upfront investment.
“Kansas agriculture and aviation keep training demand steady. Revenue: $7,000/month.”
— Jeff Martin, Sunflower CDL
Compare DOT compliance requirements and training costs in states bordering Kansas.
22,000+ drivers · 3.0% growth
Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
55,000+ drivers · 3.5% growth
Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR)
35,000+ drivers · 3.2% growth
Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS)
45,000+ drivers · 4.5% growth
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)