Truck Driver Salary in Hawaii (2026): BLS OEWS Data, Top Metros & Carriers

Truck Driver Salary in Hawaii (2026): BLS OEWS Data, Top Metros & Carriers

Last verified: 2026-04-20 against the BLS OEWS 53-3032 May 2024 release (published March 2025).

Hawaii's trucking economy is unique in the U.S.: there is no interstate freight — all freight arrives by ocean container ship (primarily Matson and Pasha) or air cargo, and is trucked intra-island. Each island operates as a separate freight market. Oahu (Honolulu) accounts for the majority of CDL driver employment.

Key Takeaways

• BLS OEWS 53-3032, May 2024 — Hawaii state median: $53,930. Employment: ~2,870.²
• Hawaii median sits ~$3,510 below the national median — nominal is offset in the worst direction by the highest cost of living of any U.S. state.³
• Only metro (by scale): Urban Honolulu MSA.
• Distinguishing features: No interstate freight (all freight is island-local or port-to-warehouse drayage), Matson + Pasha shipping + cruise-port freight, Honolulu harbor, highest cost of living in U.S. per BEA RPP.

Hawaii Truck Driver Wages — BLS OEWS 53-3032 State Data

Verify at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_hi.htm.²

How Hawaii Compares to the National Median

Hawaii's $53,930 median sits below national, and Hawaii has the highest cost of living of any U.S. state per BEA Regional Price Parities.³ Real purchasing power of Hawaii driver pay is materially below nominal. State income tax progressive to ~11%.

For drivers considering Hawaii as a career destination: housing cost is the single largest consideration. Many Hawaii-based CDL drivers rent rather than own or live with family.

Top Hawaii Metros for Truck Drivers

Urban Honolulu MSA (Oahu)

• Honolulu Harbor + Aloha Stadium freight cluster.
• Matson / Pasha terminal drayage.
• Hotel / hospitality supply distribution (Waikiki area).
• Pearl Harbor defense logistics.

Data: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_46520.htm.⁴

Kahului (Maui) / Hilo / Kona (Big Island) / Lihue (Kauai)

• Inter-island ocean freight deliveries + intra-island distribution.
• Each island operates its own freight ecosystem.

Major Freight Industries Driving Hawaii Pay

Major Carriers Hiring in Hawaii

• Island-specific: Young Brothers / Foss Maritime inter-island shipping fleet, Matson terminal operations, Pasha Hawaii, Dependable Hawaiian Express.
• Dedicated: Walmart, Costco, Target Hawaii distribution.
• Hotel / hospitality distribution: HFM FoodService, Y. Hata (local distributor), Sysco Hawaii.
• Fuel / petroleum: Aloha Petroleum, Par Hawaii.

Hawaii hiring is island-specific. Verify openings on Oahu, Maui, Big Island, Kauai separately.

FAQs

How much does a truck driver make in Hawaii in 2026? Hawaii state median is $53,930 per BLS OEWS May 2024, with only ~2,870 drivers employed.² Sits below national. Highest cost of living in U.S. materially erodes real purchasing power.

Is Hawaii a good state for truck drivers? Nominal pay is below national; cost of living is highest in the U.S. For drivers choosing Hawaii, it's typically a lifestyle decision rather than a pay-optimization. Drivers born and raised in Hawaii or with family support can make it work; drivers moving from the mainland face significant housing cost shock.

What is the highest-paying trucking job in Hawaii? Petroleum / fuel specialty (X endorsement) at Aloha Petroleum or Par Hawaii, and senior Honolulu harbor drayage. $78,000–$90,000+ achievable.

What are the largest carriers hiring in Hawaii in 2026? Young Brothers, Matson, Pasha Hawaii, Dependable Hawaiian Express, Walmart, Costco, Sysco Hawaii, Aloha Petroleum. Island-specific hiring.

Sources