Truck Driver Career Guide in Hawaii
Explore truck driver salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Hawaii.
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How to Become a Truck Driver in Hawaii
Local Class A training is available through colleges and driving schools. The employer opportunities below include paid training for hired drivers, but Xpress Trucking, DHX, and Ryder list positions requiring an existing Class A CDL. Their onboarding does not replace initial ELDT.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Truck Driver Salary in Hawaii
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Hawaii median wage for truck driver workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $57,440, the median wage in Hawaii is approximately $2,380 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Truck Drivers in Hawaii
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONTruck Driver Training Requirements in Hawaii
To become a tractor-trailer driver in Hawaii:
- Obtain a Hawaii commercial learner’s permit (CLP) for the appropriate license class.
- Complete FMCSA-required entry-level driver training (ELDT) when applicable.
- Meet medical requirements and pass the applicable knowledge and skills tests.
- Obtain a Class A CDL for qualifying tractor-trailer combinations.
- Obtain cargo-specific endorsements when required; post-licensure employer training does not replace ELDT.
Truck Driver Training Providers in Hawaii
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Leeward Community College | Pearl City | View Program |
| University of Hawaiʻi Maui College | Kahului | View Program |
| Hawaii CDL Academy | Keaau | View Program |
| Professional Driving Academy | Kapolei | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESTruck Driver Apprenticeship Programs in Hawaii
Truck Operator and Driver Apprenticeship
Organization: Hawaii Joint Apprenticeship Committee for Operating Engineers
Truck Driver Licensing Requirements in Hawaii
Hawaii requires a CDL for qualifying heavy commercial vehicles. A Class A CDL is generally needed for tractor-trailer combinations. Applicants must meet medical standards, obtain a CLP, complete applicable ELDT, and pass knowledge and skills tests. Hawaii’s published CDL application guidance specifies a minimum age of 21.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSTruck Driver Job Outlook in Hawaii
Employment is projected to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 500 annual openings.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the truck driver salary in Hawaii?
The statewide median wage for truck drivers in Hawaii is approximately $59,820 per year, or $28.76 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Hawaii require truck driver licensing?
Yes. Hawaii requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt truck driver work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with Hawaii Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Safety Office; county driver licensing offices.
How long does it take to become a truck driver in Hawaii?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 3–6 Months + OJT, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are truck drivers in demand in Hawaii?
Hawaii projects truck driver employment to grow by approximately 7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 500 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Hawaii Wages for Truck Driver (SOC 53-3032) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Hawaii Truck Driver Wages
- Hawaii Truck Driver Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Hawaii Truck Driver Employment Trends
- Hawaii Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Safety Office; county driver licensing offices — Licensing authority. Hawaii Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Safety Office; county driver licensing offices