Trades & Labor Hawaii (HI) Rank #1 of 50

Truck Driver Salary in Hawaii

The median truck driver salary in Hawaii is $88,858 per year, which is 78.0% above the national median of $49,920.

Median Salary
$88,858
vs National
+$38,938
State Rank
#1 of 50
Cost of Living
170%

Truck Driver Salary Overview in Hawaii (2026)

Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for truck driver compensation. This places Hawaii in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for truck drivers seeking high pay. At $88,858 per year, truck drivers in Hawaii earn $38,938 more than the national median of $49,920.

It's worth noting that Hawaii's cost of living is 170% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $88,858 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $52,269.

The salary spread in Hawaii is significant: truck drivers at the 10th percentile earn $59,096, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $138,840 — a $79,744 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Hawaii for this role is Honolulu, where the median reaches $91,354.

Nationally, truck driver employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for truck drivers across the country.

Truck Driver Salary in Hawaii by Experience

In Hawaii, an entry-level truck driver earns around $62,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $128,160 per year. The cost of living index in Hawaii is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,300
+$27,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$89,000
+$39,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$128,160
+$56,160 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Hawaii

Percentile HI Salary
10th Percentile $59,096
25th Percentile $71,556
Median (50th) $88,858
75th Percentile $113,564
90th Percentile $138,840

Truck Driver Salary by City in Hawaii

The largest employment areas for truck drivers in Hawaii include Honolulu, Pearl City, Hilo, and Kailua. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Truck Driver in Hawaii

Education

Most truck driver positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Hawaii has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CDL LicenseRoute PlanningVehicle InspectionDOT RegulationsTime ManagementDefensive Driving

Job Outlook in Hawaii

Nationally, truck driver employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Hawaii's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Hawaii

How much does a Truck Driver make in Hawaii? ▼
The median truck driver salary in Hawaii is $88,858 per year, which is 78.0% above the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $59,096 (10th percentile) to $138,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in Hawaii? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,858, a truck driver in Hawaii earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Hawaii a good state for truck drivers? ▼
Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for truck driver pay. The cost of living index is 170% of the national average. Entry-level truck drivers earn $62,300, while senior professionals earn $128,160.
How does Hawaii compare to other states for truck driver salary? ▼
The highest paying state for truck drivers is Hawaii at $88,858. Hawaii's median of $88,858 ranks #1 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($71,386) and Massachusetts ($67,392).
What is the entry-level truck driver salary in Hawaii? ▼
An entry-level truck driver in Hawaii earns approximately $62,300 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $89,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $128,160.
What city in Hawaii pays truck drivers the most? ▼
Honolulu is the highest paying city in Hawaii for truck drivers, with a median salary of $91,354. Other cities include Pearl City and Hilo.