How to Become A CDL Truck Driver in Hawaii
Hawaii employs approximately 4,070 cdl truck drivers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $59,820 1. Nationally, cdl truck driver employment is projected to grow 4.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 237,600 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a cdl truck driver in Hawaii, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A CDL Truck Driver in Hawaii
How do I become a cdl truck driver in Hawaii? Hawaii requires credentials such as Commercial Drivers License (CDL), Commercial Drivers License (CDL), Commercial Drivers License (CDL). The licensing authority is the Honolulu City and County 3. You also need to complete an approved training program or apprenticeship.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Hawaii? Yes. Hawaii has licensing or registration requirements for cdl truck drivers. The Honolulu City and County oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do cdl truck drivers earn in Hawaii? The median annual wage for cdl truck drivers in Hawaii is $59,820 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $47,480 and experienced professionals can earn $74,530 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Licensing authority: Honolulu City and County
- Median wage (Hawaii): $59,820 per year 1
- Exam requirement: State exam required
CDL Truck Driver License Requirements in Hawaii
The Honolulu City and County oversees cdl truck driver licensing in Hawaii 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Commercial Drivers License (CDL) | Commercial Drivers Licenses are issued by state departments but are similar from state to state, since the minimum requirements of the licenses and endorsements are set centrally. |
| Commercial Drivers License (CDL) | Commercial Drivers Licenses are issued by state departments but are similar from state to state, since the minimum requirements of the licenses and endorsements are set centrally. |
| Commercial Drivers License (CDL) | Commercial Drivers Licenses are issued by state departments but are similar from state to state, since the minimum requirements of the licenses and endorsements are set centrally. |
| Commercial Drivers License (CDL) | Commercial Drivers Licenses are issued by state departments but are similar from state to state, since the minimum requirements of the licenses and endorsements are set centrally. |
Additional Requirements
- Background check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Exam: State exam required
- Experience: No experience required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
CDL Truck Driver Wages by Metro Area in Hawaii
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Wages by Metro Area in Hawaii
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers wages in Hawaii vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu | 2,890 | $59,330 | $59,850 | $47,250 | $73,840 |
| Kahului-Wailuku | 530 | $63,420 | $65,240 | $50,900 | $77,410 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Cdl truck drivers in Hawaii
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest cdl truck driver employment within Hawaii according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu | 2,890 | $59,330 |
| Kahului-Wailuku | 530 | $63,420 |
Explore More Trades in Hawaii
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for cdl truck drivers in Hawaii? Hawaii currently employs approximately 4,070 cdl truck drivers 1. Nationally, cdl truck driver employment is projected to grow 4.0% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a cdl truck driver in Hawaii with an out-of-state license? Contact the Honolulu City and County for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Hawaii? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Hawaii.
How much do cdl truck drivers earn in Hawaii compared to the national average? The median annual wage for cdl truck drivers in Hawaii is $59,820, which is $2,380 above the national median of $57,440 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Honolulu City and County - Licensing Information: http://www.honolulu.gov/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade career guide using BLS, DOL, and state licensing data. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.