Honolulu vs Kahului: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Honolulu, HI and Kahului, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Honolulu, HI | Kahului, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,377▲ | $104,200 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.16▲ | $50.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,805 | $86,763▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $99,231▲ | $88,621 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,162▲ | $118,148 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $203,634▲ | $143,076 |
| Total Employed | 68 | 140▲ |
Verdict
Honolulu, HI offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kahului.
The salary gap between Honolulu and Kahului is $27,177 (26.08%). Honolulu's median is +26.94% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Honolulu spans $120,829,Kahului spans $56,313. Honolulu has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Honolulu ($110,123 effective) pays 15.61% more than Kahului ($95,253 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Honolulu if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,377/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($203,634)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,123)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Kahului if…
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Honolulu grew -6.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.2% growth in Kahului over the same period.
Honolulu, HI
$137,099 (2024) → $128,010 (2025)
Kahului, HI
$85,160 (2019) → $101,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Honolulu, HI
Kahului, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Honolulu or Kahului?
What is the hourly rate difference between Honolulu and Kahului?
Should I relocate from Honolulu to Kahului as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Honolulu vs Kahului?
Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov