Truck Driver Salary in Hawaii
Complete 2026 salary data for CDL and non-CDL truck drivers in Hawaii. Compare pay by license type, see cost of living adjustments, and find the highest-paying cities.
CDL-A Avg
$58,800
CDL-B Avg
$47,500
Non-CDL Avg
$40,200
Owner-Op Gross
$180,000
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Hawaii truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Hawaii
Hawaii's cost of living is 70% above the national average. Factor this into salary comparisons with lower-cost states.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$58,800
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$34,588
After adjusting for Hawaii's cost of living index of 170, a CDL-A salary of $58,800 provides the same purchasing power as $34,588 in an average-cost area. This means the higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher expenses.
Top Paying Cities in Hawaii
These cities offer the highest average truck driver salaries in Hawaii based on freight volume, distribution center density, and local demand.
Salary Trend in Hawaii
Hawaii trucking wages are stable but limited by the island geography. All freight arrives by ship, and driving distances are short, keeping pay moderate despite extreme cost of living.
Hawaii vs National Average
| Category | HI | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $58,800 | $58,710 | +$90 |
| Cost of Living | 170 | 100 | +70 |
| Adjusted Pay | $34,588 | $58,710 | $-24,122 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Hawaii
What do truck drivers make in Hawaii?
Hawaii CDL-A drivers average $58,800, but the state's 170% cost of living index makes this equivalent to only $34,588 in mainland purchasing power. Most trucking is local delivery from ports.
What kind of trucking work exists in Hawaii?
Hawaii trucking is primarily local: port drayage from Honolulu Harbor, construction material hauling, agricultural transport (pineapple, coffee, macadamia), and military base supply runs. No long-haul OTR exists.
Should I relocate to Hawaii for trucking?
Relocating to Hawaii for trucking is generally not advisable due to the extreme cost of living. The limited routes and island geography cap earning potential well below what mainland drivers can achieve.