Truck Driver Salary in Hawaii 2026
The average truck driver salary in Hawaii is $2,115 per week as of 2026 — that's approximately $109,980 annually (or about $52.88 per hour) for qualified CDL drivers.
Truck driver salary in Hawaii, 2026
How much does a Truck Driver make in Hawaii?
Hawaii Salary Snapshot
Hawaii Truck Driver Pay at a Glance
Real wage data for Hawaii pulled together in one clear view, so you know exactly what to expect before you get behind the wheel. From entry-level to top earners, wages span $65.4k – $185.0k annually.
$109,980
Average Salary
$2,115
Average Weekly Pay
$52.88
Average Hourly Pay
$185.0k+
Top Earners
Hawaii City Breakdown
Truck Driver Salary by Hawaii City
Pay varies across the islands. Compare average earnings in major Hawaii cities to find where your driving career pays the most – based on real Indeed data and regional market trends.
Kailua-Kona
$109,980/yr
Kea‘au
$109,928/yr
Honolulu
$109,148/yr
Hilo
$80,964/yr
Pay by Role
Hawaii Salary by Driver Type
Earnings shift depending on the type of driving you do. Compare Hawaii‑specific role averages to find the route that fits your income goals and lifestyle.
OTR Driver
$118,100/yr avg
Long-haul routes across multiple states, offering the highest earning potential in trucking.
View JobsRegional Driver
$111,500/yr avg
Multi-state routes within a defined region, balancing solid pay with more time at home.
View JobsLocal Driver
$100,000/yr avg
Short daily routes within a city or nearby area, ideal for drivers who want to be home every night.
View JobsDedicated Driver
$115,600/yr avg
Consistent routes for a single client, delivering predictable schedules and reliable income.
View JobsFlatbed Driver
$121,300/yr avg
Hauls oversized and open-deck freight, commanding premium pay for specialized skill.
View JobsHazmat Driver
$135,700/yr avg
Transports hazardous materials and earns the highest average pay for certified specialists.
View JobsWhat Affects Truck Driver Salary in Hawaii?
Truck driver pay isn't determined by a single factor. This dashboard highlights the key elements that influence earnings in Hawaii and shows where drivers can maximize their income.
Competitive Earnings in Hawaii
Hawaii truck drivers earn an average of $2,115 per week ($109,980/year), which is 27% above the national average. Drivers with endorsements, dedicated routes, and strong safety records still have the opportunity to earn at the top of the range — up to $185,000 annually.
Experience
18%Route Type
24%CDL Endorsements
31%Miles Driven
21%Company
16%Driving Record
27%Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about truck driver pay in Hawaii, answered in plain terms — based on real Indeed data.
What is the average truck driver salary in Hawaii?
The average truck driver in Hawaii earns around $109,980 per year, which breaks down to roughly $2,115 per week or ~$52.88 per hour (based on a 40-hour week). Pay varies based on route type, experience, and the company you drive for. Hawaii salaries are 27% above the national average, and drivers with specialized endorsements can earn well over the average — with top earners reaching up to $185,000 annually.
Which Hawaii city pays truck drivers the most?
Kailua-Kona and Kea‘au on the Big Island lead the state, with average salaries of $109,980 and $109,928 per year respectively — nearly matching the state average. Honolulu ($109,148) sits slightly below average due to its larger pool of drivers and varied route types. The lowest reported average is in Hilo ($80,964), reflecting its smaller market and fewer high‑paying specialized routes. The highest‑paying companies in Hawaii often specialize in inter‑island freight, dedicated OTR routes to the mainland, and hazmat endorsements — especially around the Port of Honolulu on Oahu, the Big Island's freight hubs (Kailua‑Kona and Hilo), and distribution centers serving the entire Pacific region.
Do local drivers make more than OTR drivers?
Generally no. OTR drivers tend to earn more overall because of higher mileage and longer routes, while local drivers trade some income for the benefit of being home every day. In Hawaii, specialized OTR routes — especially those connecting to the mainland via the Port of Honolulu and servicing inter‑island freight networks — can significantly boost earnings well beyond the state average.
Does experience affect truck driver salary?
Yes, significantly. Drivers with several years of clean‑record experience often qualify for premium routes and specialized freight, which can raise annual pay well above the $109,980 Hawaii average. Top earners in Hawaii can make up to $185,000 per year.
How can truck drivers earn more in Hawaii?
Adding CDL endorsements (hazmat, tanker, doubles/triples), taking on flatbed or specialized freight, driving more miles, and maintaining a clean safety record are the fastest ways to increase earnings. Top Hawaii companies offer salaries well above the state average for experienced drivers with the right credentials, especially in key logistics hubs like the Port of Honolulu, the Big Island's freight corridors (Kailua‑Kona and Hilo), and the growing distribution centers that serve the entire Pacific region.
Are CDL endorsements worth it?
In most cases, yes. Endorsements like hazmat or tanker require extra testing but open access to specialized freight that pays noticeably more than standard routes. In Hawaii, hazmat drivers can earn well above the state average of $109,980, with top earners reaching up to $185,000 annually — especially those servicing inter‑island freight, the Port of Honolulu, and the distribution networks on the Big Island and across the Pacific region.
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