Truck Driver Salary in Hilo
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Hilo, 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 Hilo truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Hilo
Hilo's cost of living is 70% 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
$34,362
After adjusting for Hilo's cost of living index of 170, a CDL-A salary of $58,416 provides the same purchasing power as $34,362 in an average-cost area. The higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher local expenses.
Hilo vs Hawaii vs National Average
| Metric | Hilo | HI Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $58,416 | $60,850 | $58,710 |
| vs State | $-2,434 | ||
| vs National | $-294 | ||
| Cost of Living | 170 | 170 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $34,362 | $35,794 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Hilo
Trucking pay in Hilo has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from agriculture (macadamia, coffee) and tourism. The Hawaii market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
Which carriers run freight through Hilo?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Hilo — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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 Hilo
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Hilo market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Hilo
Browse CDL driver positions in Hilo, HI from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Hilo
What is the average truck driver salary in Hilo, HI?
CDL-A truck drivers in Hilo, 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 Hilo market is influenced by agriculture (macadamia, coffee) and tourism freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Hilo?
Owner-operators based in Hilo 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 Hilo area's cost of living index of 170 is above the national average by 70%.
Is Hilo a good city for trucking jobs?
Hilo offers strong trucking employment thanks to its agriculture (macadamia, coffee) and tourism 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.