Honolulu vs Kailua: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Honolulu, HI and Kailua, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Honolulu, HI | Kailua, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,377▲ | $122,392 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.16▲ | $58.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,805 | $85,104▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $99,231▲ | $97,458 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,162▲ | $156,112 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $203,634▲ | $189,708 |
| Total Employed | 68▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Honolulu, HI offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kailua.
The salary gap between Honolulu and Kailua is $8,985 (7.34%). 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,Kailua spans $104,604. 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 7.34% more than Kailua ($102,592 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)
- ✓Larger job market (68 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,123)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Kailua if…
- ✓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 -6.6% growth in Kailua over the same period.
Honolulu, HI
$137,099 (2024) → $128,010 (2025)
Kailua, HI
$127,723 (2024) → $119,256 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Honolulu, HI
Kailua, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Honolulu or Kailua?
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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