Kahului vs Pearl City: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Kahului, HI and Pearl City, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kahului, HI | Pearl City, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,200 | $119,834▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.09 | $57.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,763▲ | $78,723 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,621 | $96,939▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $118,148 | $153,388▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $143,076 | $185,743▲ |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Pearl City, HI offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kahului.
The salary gap between Kahului and Pearl City is $15,634 (15.00%). Pearl City's median is +15.79% 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,Pearl City spans $107,020. Pearl City 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, Pearl City ($100,448 effective) pays 5.45% 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 Pearl City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($119,834/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($185,743)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,448)
- ✓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 Pearl City over the same period.
Kahului, HI
$85,160 (2019) → $101,530 (2025)
Pearl City, HI
$125,054 (2024) → $116,763 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kahului, HI
Pearl City, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Kahului or Pearl City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kahului and Pearl City?
Should I relocate from Kahului to Pearl City as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Kahului vs Pearl City?
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