Honolulu vs Pearl City: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Honolulu, HI and Pearl City, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Honolulu, HI | Pearl City, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,377▲ | $119,834 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.16▲ | $57.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,805▲ | $78,723 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,231▲ | $96,939 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,162▲ | $153,388 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $203,634▲ | $185,743 |
| Total Employed | 68▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Honolulu, HI offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pearl City.
The salary gap between Honolulu and Pearl City is $11,543 (9.63%). 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,Pearl City spans $107,020. 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 9.63% more than Pearl City ($100,448 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 Pearl City 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 Pearl City over the same period.
Honolulu, HI
$137,099 (2024) → $128,010 (2025)
Pearl City, HI
$125,054 (2024) → $116,763 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Honolulu, HI
Pearl City, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Honolulu or Pearl City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Honolulu and Pearl City?
Should I relocate from Honolulu to Pearl City as a civil engineer?
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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