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Light Truck Drivers Salary in Hawaii: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a Light Truck Drivers salary really buy you in Hawaii?

Hawaii is 10.8% pricier than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-05-19

Nominal Salary
$45,930
Median annual (2025)
-9.7%
Real Purchasing Power
$41,453
COL-adjusted (RPP=110.8)

Hawaii Cost of Living Index

Hawaii's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 110.8, meaning prices are 10.8% higher the national average. A Light Truck Drivers earning $45,930 in Hawaii has the equivalent purchasing power of $41,453 in an average-cost US state.

HI: 110.8
Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Salary Breakdown: Nominal vs. COL-Adjusted

Every dollar goes further in low-cost states. Here is how each salary percentile compares after adjusting for Hawaii's cost of living.

Percentile Nominal Salary COL-Adjusted Difference
10th Percentile (P10) $34,740 $31,353 $-3,386
25th Percentile (P25) $37,930 $34,232 $-3,697
Median (P50) $45,930 $41,453 $-4,476
75th Percentile (P75) $58,740 $53,014 $-5,725
90th Percentile (P90) $85,100 $76,805 $-8,294
Key Insight

While $45,930 sounds high, Hawaii's elevated cost of living erases 10% of that salary's purchasing power. Your real buying power is $41,453. Consider whether the higher pay offsets the higher costs.

What the Cost-of-Living Data Says

Hawaii Is a High-Cost State

RPP 110.8

Hawaii's RPP of 110.8 puts it 10.8% above the national baseline cost of living. A Light Truck Drivers needs that premium in nominal pay just to maintain the same purchasing power as an average-cost state.

Meaningful Purchasing-Power Shift

-9.7%

After applying Hawaii's RPP, the $45,930 median salary translates to $41,453 in real terms — a 9.7% loss. That difference can cover several months of expenses over a year for a Light Truck Drivers.

Bottom-Quartile COL-Adjusted Pay

#49 / 51

Hawaii ranks #49 of 51 — bottom quartile for Light Truck Drivers real purchasing power. Relocation, employer negotiation, or remote roles at higher-paying markets tend to generate the biggest ROI.

Best States for Light Truck Drivers (After Cost of Living)

Where does Light Truck Drivers salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

1. Alaska
$56,068
RPP 102.0
$54,058
RPP 88.7
3. Montana
$51,406
RPP 90.3
$50,030
RPP 97.7
$49,945
RPP 91.1
$49,479
RPP 92.3
$49,136
RPP 88.0
$49,131
RPP 89.8
$49,074
RPP 91.8
10. Kansas
$48,588
RPP 90.0

Hawaii ranks #49 out of 51 states for Light Truck Drivers after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See Light Truck Drivers take-home pay in Hawaii after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Light Truck Drivers in Hawaii after cost of living?

A Light Truck Drivers in Hawaii earns a median salary of $45,930 per year. After adjusting for Hawaii's cost of living (RPP=110.8), the real purchasing power is $41,453 — a -9.7% difference.

Is Hawaii expensive to live in?

Hawaii's cost of living is 10.8% higher than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for Hawaii is 110.8 (US average = 100).

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP)?

Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.

How is the cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a Light Truck Drivers in Hawaii: $45,930 x (100 / 110.8) = $41,453. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Does the high cost of living in Hawaii offset the salary?

Partially — a Light Truck Drivers's nominal salary of $45,930 in Hawaii has 9.7% less purchasing power due to higher living costs. The real value is $41,453. However, Hawaii may offer better career opportunities, networking, and industry access.

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