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
$58,416
CDL-B Avg
$45,600
Non-CDL Avg
$49,286
Owner-Op Gross
$172,800
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
$58,416
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$32,818
After adjusting for Kailua-Kona's cost of living index of 178, a CDL-A salary of $58,416 provides the same purchasing power as $32,818 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 | $58,416 | $60,850 | $58,710 |
| vs State | $-2,434 | ||
| vs National | $-294 | ||
| Cost of Living | 178 | 170 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $32,818 | $35,794 | $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.
Which carriers run freight through Kailua-Kona?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Kailua-Kona — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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 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 $58,416 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 $172,800 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $65,664 to $82,944. 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.