Bus Driver Salaries in Hawaii — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Bus Drivers in Hawaii earn an average of $51,210 per year ($24.62/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 530 bus drivers.
Bus Driver salaries in Hawaii are above the national average by approximately $5,623. Hawaii has a state income tax rate of up to 11%.
Hawaii's strong economy and high demand for skilled workers drive competitive wages for bus drivers.
Hawaii Bus Driver Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Hawaii after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Hawaii has a state income tax rate of up to 11%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Hawaii has a state income tax rate of up to 11%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Hawaii Bus Driver Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Hawaii median of $51,210.
Bus Driver Salary by Experience — Hawaii
Bus Driver Salary Trend in Hawaii — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for bus drivers in Hawaii: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Hawaii's public transit and school transport.
Bus Driver Salary by City — Hawaii
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | $56,850 | $27.33 | +11.0% | 185 |
| Hilo | $54,300 | $26.11 | +6.0% | 148 |
| Kailua | $52,750 | $25.36 | +3.0% | 95 |
| Pearl City | $49,150 | $23.63 | -4.0% | 50 |
| Waipahu | $46,600 | $22.40 | -9.0% | 50 |
| Kaneohe | $44,550 | $21.42 | -13.0% | 50 |
Tip: Honolulu offers the highest bus driver salaries in Hawaii at $56,850/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Hawaii vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Hawaii sits in the mid-range for bus drivers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Hawaii has a state income tax rate of up to 11%.
Bus Driver Job Outlook in Hawaii
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for bus drivers in Hawaii is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Hawaii job market. Hawaii's strong economy and high demand for skilled workers drive competitive wages for bus drivers.
How to Earn More as a Bus Driver in Hawaii
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a bus driver in Hawaii typically adds $41,900 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State DMV — CDL Licence can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Honolulu pays bus drivers $56,850/yr — +11.0% above the Hawaii average. Simply relocating within Hawaii can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Bus Drivers who specialise in public transit and school transport typically command premium rates in Hawaii. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
Find Bus Driver Jobs in Hawaii
Live ListingsSearch current bus driver job vacancies in Hawaii:
🔍 Bus Driver jobs in Hawaii — Indeed→ 🔍 Bus Driver jobs in Hawaii — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Bus Driver jobs — Honolulu, HI→Frequently Asked Questions
Bus Driver Salary in Nearby States
No neighbouring state data available.