Truck Driver Salary in Kailua-Kona
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$56,279
CDL-B Avg
$41,646
Non-CDL Avg
$33,767
Owner-Op Gross
$151,953
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Kailua-Kona truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona's cost of living is 78% above the national average. Higher pay partially offsets increased housing and daily expenses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$56,279
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$31,617
After adjusting for Kailua-Kona's cost of living index of 178, a CDL-A salary of $56,279 provides the same purchasing power as $31,617 in an average-cost area. The higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher local expenses.
Kailua-Kona vs Hawaii vs National Average
| Metric | Kailua-Kona | HI Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $56,279 | $58,800 | $58,710 |
| vs State | $-2,521 | ||
| vs National | $-2,431 | ||
| Cost of Living | 178 | 170 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $31,617 | $34,588 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Kailua-Kona
Trucking pay in Kailua-Kona has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from tourism & resorts and coffee (kona coffee). The Hawaii market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
Top Paying Companies in Kailua-Kona
These carriers and logistics companies offer some of the highest truck driver pay in the Kailua-Kona area.
| Company | Avg Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| 1Saia Inc. | $66,998 |
| 2Knight-Swift | $65,084 |
| 3Covenant Transport | $63,170 |
| 4Prime Inc. | $60,299 |
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Kailua-Kona
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Kailua-Kona market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Kailua-Kona
Browse CDL driver positions in Kailua-Kona, HI from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Kailua-Kona
What is the average truck driver salary in Kailua-Kona, HI?
CDL-A truck drivers in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii earn an average of $56,279 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Kailua-Kona market is influenced by tourism & resorts and coffee (kona coffee) freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Kailua-Kona?
Owner-operators based in Kailua-Kona gross approximately $151,953 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $57,742 to $72,937. The Kailua-Kona area's cost of living index of 178 is above the national average by 78%.
Is Kailua-Kona a good city for trucking jobs?
Kailua-Kona offers strong trucking employment thanks to its tourism & resorts and coffee (kona coffee) sectors. The city's cost of living is above the national average, which should be factored into salary comparisons with lower-cost markets. CDL drivers with hazmat or tanker endorsements can earn 10-20% above the city average.