Honolulu vs Kailua: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Honolulu, HI and Kailua, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Honolulu, HI | Kailua, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $158,721▲ | $147,867 |
| Hourly Rate | $76.31▲ | $71.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,672 | $96,395▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $116,307▲ | $114,275 |
| 75th Percentile | $203,163▲ | $185,972 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $246,018▲ | $219,698 |
| Total Employed | 68▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Honolulu, HI offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kailua.
The salary gap between Honolulu and Kailua is $10,854 (7.34%). Honolulu's median is +26.94% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Honolulu spans $152,346,Kailua spans $123,303. 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 ($133,044 effective) pays 7.34% more than Kailua ($123,946 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 ($158,721/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($246,018)
- ✓Larger job market (68 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,044)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Kailua if…
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Honolulu grew 7.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.7% growth in Kailua over the same period.
Honolulu, HI
$142,177 (2024) → $153,132 (2025)
Kailua, HI
$132,454 (2024) → $142,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Honolulu, HI
Kailua, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Honolulu or Kailua?
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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