Civil Engineer Salary in Kailua, HI: $122,392 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time civil engineer in Kailua, HI earns a median $122,392/year (≈ $58.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Once you factor in Kailua's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $102,592 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Civil engineers in Kailua, Hawaii, can expect a median annual salary of $122,392 in 2026, representing premium pay relative to the national median of $103,492—an increase of approximately 18.26% above the national figure. Salary ranges locally vary significantly, with the lowest 10% earning about $85,104, while high earners in the top 90% reach up to $189,708. These figures are drawn from state-level estimates and regional price adjustments based on 2025 BLS data. The local market reflects distinct segments, with consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs often providing the highest compensation, followed by government roles at state DOTs, contrasting sharply with positions in private sector construction firms.
About the Kailua Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,104 | $40.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $97,458 | $46.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,392 | $58.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $156,112 | $75.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $189,708 | $91.21 |
Median Salary Position
18.26% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kailua
In Kailua, HI, the civil engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $104,604 (2026 est.). At $122,392, the local median is 18.26% above the national median of $103,492.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kailua: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kailua Civil Engineer Pay Compares
Kailua median: $122,392/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kailua Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $123,504 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $103,492 | +18.26% more |
Civil Engineers in Kailua, HI earn a median of $122,392 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.26% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 0.90% below the Hawaii state average of $123,504.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kailua has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kailua, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $122,392 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $102,592 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$102,959
2025 BLS Actual
$119,256
2026 Current Est.
$122,392
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Kailua (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $102,959 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,745 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,130 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,365 | Actual |
| 2023 | $113,402 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,723 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,256 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,392 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $125,611 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kailua metropolitan area, the median civil engineer salary grew 15.8% from $102,959 (2019) to $119,256 (2025). At a 2.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $125,611 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,652 (22.00%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kailua metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.63% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $85,104 – $97,458 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $97,458 – $122,392 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,392 – $156,112 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $156,112 – $189,708 |
CE, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual civil engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Civil Engineer Job Market in Kailua
The job market in Kailua employs a small cohort of six civil engineers, making it crucial to understand the local economic context to grasp the full picture of civil engineer pay in Kailua, HI. The cost of living index, pegged at 119.3, indicates that residents face higher living costs compared to the national average, which can impact take-home pay and lifestyle choices. Employers that command higher salaries often belong to leading engineering consulting firms or major construction companies, driven by infrastructure projects funded through initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The disparity in pay within the market influences factors such as the type of civil engineering specialty—whether structural, geotechnical, or transportation—as well as the level of professional licensing (PE being the gateway for higher-paying roles). To maximize earnings, civil engineers in this region should consider pathways that lead to PE licensure, seek opportunities with well-established firms, and strategically position themselves within growing sectors aligned with infrastructure investments and project management roles.
More salary data for Kailua, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $119,256 for civil engineersin the Kailua metropolitan area. A 2.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kailua is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.63%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for civil engineers (SOC 17-2051).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov