Truck Driver Salary in Honolulu
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Honolulu, Hawaii. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$65,718
CDL-B Avg
$51,300
Non-CDL Avg
$55,447
Owner-Op Gross
$194,400
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Honolulu truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Honolulu
Honolulu's cost of living is 92% above the national average. Higher pay partially offsets increased housing and daily expenses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$65,718
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$34,228
After adjusting for Honolulu's cost of living index of 192, a CDL-A salary of $65,718 provides the same purchasing power as $34,228 in an average-cost area. The higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher local expenses.
Honolulu vs Hawaii vs National Average
| Metric | Honolulu | HI Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $65,718 | $60,850 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$4,868 | ||
| vs National | +$7,008 | ||
| Cost of Living | 192 | 170 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $34,228 | $35,794 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Honolulu
Truck driver wages in Honolulu are trending upward, driven by growth in tourism & hospitality and military & defense. E-commerce fulfillment expansion and high turnover across the Hawaii market continue to push pay higher.
Which carriers run freight through Honolulu?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Honolulu — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record. Ask for it in cents per mile alongside the expected weekly miles.
- CRST International
- Knight-Swift
- Saia Inc.
- Covenant Transport
Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Honolulu
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Honolulu market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Honolulu
Browse CDL driver positions in Honolulu, HI from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Honolulu
What is the average truck driver salary in Honolulu, HI?
CDL-A truck drivers in Honolulu, Hawaii earn an average of $65,718 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Honolulu market is influenced by tourism & hospitality and military & defense freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Honolulu?
Owner-operators based in Honolulu gross approximately $194,400 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $73,872 to $93,312. The Honolulu area's cost of living index of 192 is above the national average by 92%.
Is Honolulu a good city for trucking jobs?
Honolulu offers strong trucking employment thanks to its tourism & hospitality and military & defense 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.