Kaneohe vs Urban Honolulu: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Kaneohe, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kaneohe, HI | Urban Honolulu, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $148,226▲ | $109,309 |
| Hourly Rate | $71.26▲ | $52.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,392▲ | $76,587 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,001▲ | $81,687 |
| 75th Percentile | $183,607▲ | $135,118 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $216,159▲ | $152,210 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 930▲ |
Verdict
Kaneohe, HI offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Urban Honolulu.
The salary gap between Kaneohe and Urban Honolulu is $38,917 (35.60%). Kaneohe's median is +18.55% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kaneohe spans $118,767,Urban Honolulu spans $75,623. Kaneohe 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, Kaneohe ($124,246 effective) pays 26.12% more than Urban Honolulu ($98,511 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kaneohe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($148,226/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($216,159)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $124,246)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Urban Honolulu if…
- ✓Larger job market (930 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Kaneohe grew 7.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.6% growth in Urban Honolulu over the same period.
Kaneohe, HI
$132,775 (2024) → $143,006 (2025)
Urban Honolulu, HI
$89,670 (2019) → $105,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kaneohe, HI
Urban Honolulu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Kaneohe or Urban Honolulu?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kaneohe and Urban Honolulu?
Should I relocate from Kaneohe to Urban Honolulu as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Kaneohe vs Urban Honolulu?
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