CDL Truck Driver in Hawaii

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for HI. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$59,320

trending_up +3.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Hawaii.

engineering

4,100

Jobs (HI)

monitoring Stable

+4.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

$45

Licensing fees

schedule

4-8 weeks

Time to complete

route How to become a cdl truck driver in Hawaii

To become a CDL Truck Driver in Hawaii, applicants must obtain their license through their respective County DMV, which operates under the Hawaii Department of Transportation. Key steps include completing FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), passing a vision test, and successfully completing written knowledge tests and a skills test. Applicants must be at least 18 years old for a permit and 21 for the full CDL, and a valid DOT medical certificate is mandatory. Hawaii offers reciprocity for out-of-state CDL holders, allowing them to transfer their license within 30 days of establishing residency.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $46,320

25th percentile $49,570

50th (median) $59,320

75th percentile $62,730

90th (experienced) $71,330

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Hawaii. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Hawaii requirements

Licensing body	County DMVs (under the Hawaii Department of Transportation)
State license	Required
Education	FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Exam	CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($15)
Application fee	$30
Renewal	Every 8.0 years
Notes	Applicants must be 18 years old for a CDL permit and 21 years old to obtain a CDL license. A valid DOT medical certificate is required. Fees vary by county, but generally include a $30 application fee for a permit, $15 per knowledge test, and a $50 skills test fee. Federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required for new applicants. Drivers on the islands of Lanai and Molokai may be eligible for a restricted CDL with waived portions of the skills test and ELDT requirements.

Source: County DMVs (under the Hawaii Department of Transportation)

workspace_premium Hawaii license tiers

Hawaii offers multiple tiers of cdl truck driver licensing:

Tier	Hours required
Class A	N/A
Class B	N/A
Class C	N/A

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+4.0%

Average

Annual openings

237,600

Nationwide per year

Total employment

2,235,100

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -1.15/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleHawaii license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a cdl truck driver career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a cdl truck driver in Hawaii? expand_more

In Hawaii, becoming a cdl truck driver requires you to complete the required education (FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)), pass the CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test, and submit your application ($30 fee).

Does Hawaii require cdl truck driver licensure? expand_more

Yes, Hawaii requires a state license to practice as a cdl truck driver. The licensing body is County DMVs (under the Hawaii Department of Transportation). You must pass the CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test.

What do cdl truck drivers earn in Hawaii? expand_more

The median cdl truck driver salary in Hawaii is $59,320 per year. That's roughly in line with the $57,440 national median. The range spans from $46,320 at the entry level to $71,330 for top earners.

What's the total cost to get cdl truck driver certified in Hawaii? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($15) and application fee ($30) and required training.

How quickly can I become a cdl truck driver in Hawaii? expand_more

Most candidates in Hawaii complete the process in 4-8 weeks, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.