East Honolulu vs Kahului: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between East Honolulu, HI and Kahului, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | East Honolulu, HI | Kahului, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $146,223▲ | $142,032 |
| Hourly Rate | $70.30▲ | $68.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,120▲ | $81,635 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,981▲ | $110,232 |
| 75th Percentile | $178,734▲ | $167,032 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $223,496▲ | $213,871 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 70▲ |
Verdict
East Honolulu, HI offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kahului.
The salary gap between East Honolulu and Kahului is $4,191 (2.95%). East Honolulu's median is +16.95% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in East Honolulu spans $131,376,Kahului spans $132,236. Kahului has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kahului ($129,836 effective) pays 5.93% more than East Honolulu ($122,567 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose East Honolulu if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($146,223/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($223,496)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Kahului if…
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $129,836)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in East Honolulu grew 7.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.7% growth in Kahului over the same period.
East Honolulu, HI
$130,981 (2024) → $141,074 (2025)
Kahului, HI
$116,380 (2019) → $137,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
East Honolulu, HI
Kahului, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: East Honolulu or Kahului?
What is the hourly rate difference between East Honolulu and Kahului?
Should I relocate from East Honolulu to Kahului as a electrical engineer?
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov