CDL drivers in Hawaii earn an average annual salary of $82,260, which translates to approximately $40 per hour. This figure can vary significantly based on experience, specific employer, type of CDL, and the nature of the driving job.
CDL Driver Salary Breakdown in Hawaii
The earning potential for CDL drivers in Hawaii spans a wide range, reflecting different levels of experience and job responsibilities. Below is a detailed look at the typical salary ranges:
| Earning Category | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $103,376 | $49 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,400 | $44 |
| Average | $82,260 | $40 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,600 | $33 |
This table illustrates that while the average sits around $82,260 annually, experienced and highly skilled drivers can comfortably exceed $100,000 per year, with a significant portion earning over $90,000. New or less experienced drivers typically start closer to the $68,600 range.
Factors Influencing CDL Driver Pay
Several key factors contribute to the variation in CDL driver salaries across Hawaii:
- Experience Level: As with many professions, more years behind the wheel often lead to higher pay. Seasoned drivers with clean records are in high demand.
- Type of CDL License:
- Class A CDL holders, qualified to operate combination vehicles (like tractor-trailers), generally command the highest salaries.
- Class B CDL (single vehicles with a trailer, or buses) and Class C CDL (smaller vehicles carrying hazardous materials or passengers) drivers typically have lower earning potentials.
- Endorsements: Specialized endorsements can significantly boost earning potential. These include:
- HazMat (H): For transporting hazardous materials.
- Tanker (N): For hauling liquids in tanks.
- Doubles/Triples (T): For pulling multiple trailers.
- Passenger (P): For bus drivers.
- Employer and Industry: Larger companies or those in specialized sectors (e.g., shipping, port operations, fuel delivery) may offer better pay and benefits than smaller local businesses.
- Job Type:
- Local routes: Often provide consistent hours and daily returns home but may pay less than long-haul or specialized routes.
- Long-haul/Inter-island: While Hawaii's unique geography limits traditional long-haul, inter-island freight transportation (requiring ferry or barge transport of trucks) or specialized local long-distance routes can offer higher pay due to demanding schedules or specialized cargo.
- Specialized freight: Transporting oversized loads, hazardous materials, or refrigerated goods often comes with a premium.
Career Outlook for CDL Drivers in Hawaii
Despite its unique island geography, Hawaii relies heavily on commercial drivers for transporting goods across its islands and managing local supply chains. The demand for qualified CDL professionals remains steady, particularly for those with specific endorsements or experience in challenging conditions. The cost of living in Hawaii is notably high, which is often reflected in the competitive salaries offered to skilled trades, including CDL driving.
