Kahului vs Pearl City: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical 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 | $142,032 | $144,776▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $68.28 | $69.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,635 | $88,821▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $110,232 | $113,721▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $167,032 | $183,810▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $213,871 | $218,477▲ |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Pearl City, HI offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kahului.
The salary gap between Kahului and Pearl City is $2,744 (1.93%). Pearl City's median is +15.79% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kahului spans $132,236,Pearl City spans $129,656. Kahului 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, Kahului ($129,836 effective) pays 6.99% more than Pearl City ($121,355 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 (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $129,836)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Pearl City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($144,776/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($218,477)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Kahului grew 17.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.7% growth in Pearl City over the same period.
Kahului, HI
$116,380 (2019) → $137,030 (2025)
Pearl City, HI
$129,685 (2024) → $139,678 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kahului, HI
Pearl City, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical 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 electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Kahului vs Pearl City?
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