Kahului vs Kailua: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Kahului, HI and Kailua, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kahului, HI | Kailua, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,200 | $122,392▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.09 | $58.84▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,763▲ | $85,104 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,621 | $97,458▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $118,148 | $156,112▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $143,076 | $189,708▲ |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Kailua, HI offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kahului.
The salary gap between Kahului and Kailua is $18,192 (17.46%). Kailua's median is +18.26% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kahului spans $56,313,Kailua spans $104,604. Kailua has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kailua ($102,592 effective) pays 7.70% 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 Kahului if…
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Kailua if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($122,392/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($189,708)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,592)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Kahului grew 19.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.6% growth in Kailua over the same period.
Kahului, HI
$85,160 (2019) → $101,530 (2025)
Kailua, HI
$127,723 (2024) → $119,256 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kahului, HI
Kailua, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Kahului or Kailua?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kahului and Kailua?
Should I relocate from Kahului to Kailua as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Kahului vs Kailua?
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