Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Honolulu, HI: $93,672 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Honolulu, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $93,672 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Honolulu's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,518 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($158,721) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the workforce as electrical engineers in Honolulu, HI, the starting salary is projected to be approximately $93,672 in 2026, which represents a realistic expectation for new grads in this competitive job market. Although this figure may appear modest compared to the median annual salary of $158,721 for all electrical engineers in the city, it provides a solid foundation for growth over the first few years of one’s career. New graduates can anticipate salary increases that might take them from the 10th percentile up to the 25th percentile at around $116,307 as they gain experience and skills. With a growth rate of 3.65% annually, Honolulu currently presents a favorable market for new electrical engineers, keeping pace with rising demand in technology and utilities sectors.
About the Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Honolulu
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Honolulu
Entry-level electrical engineers in Honolulu, HI typically start between $93,672 and $116,307 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $152,346 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $158,721 — 26.94% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Hawaii of $68,000 represents just 72.59% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($93,672/year) in Honolulu. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover ABET-accredited undergraduate electrical engineering programs at public and private universities. Many electrical engineers pursue master's degrees or specialization in power, controls, or electronics.
EE Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Honolulu
- 1Research the Honolulu market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $93,672 to $116,307, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the electrical engineering field — employers in HI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Honolulu, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Honolulu for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Honolulu's above-average cost of living (index: 119.3) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Electrical Engineer Compensation Range
The electrical engineer wage spread in Honolulu is $152,346 ( 162.64%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $93,672, experienced hygienists can earn up to $246,018.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$74,400
2025 BLS Actual
$90,373
2026 Current Est.
$93,672
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,400 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,584 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,621 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,304 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,837 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,329 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,373 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,672 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,091 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Honolulu, HI grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $74,400 in 2019 to $90,373 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $97,091. New graduates entering the Honolulu job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Honolulu 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 3.65% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your electrical engineering Career in Honolulu
When it comes to securing entry-level positions in Honolulu, many key employers are in industries such as semiconductors, defense contracting, and utilities. Tech giants like Apple, Nvidia, AMD, and Intel often seek master’s or PhD-level candidates, but they do hire newer graduates for roles that can evolve into chip design projects. Government defense contractors such as Lockheed and Northrop prefer candidates with some cleared internship experience, while utility companies look for bachelor's degree holders ready to enter power systems training programs. New grads should focus on gaining credentials such as the EIT by passing the FE exam during their senior year, which will help strengthen their resumes. Additionally, pursuing a PE license could boost starting electrical engineer pay in HI significantly. Throughout the first three years, salary growth is realistic for early-career professionals, especially those gravitating towards high-paying sectors like semiconductor design or positions requiring security clearance, while roles in utilities might offer more stability but typically lag in terms of immediate compensation. Engaging with professional organizations like IEEE can also provide valuable networking opportunities and resources for career advancement.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electrical engineers in Honolulu in 2026?
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Is electrical engineering school worth it in Honolulu?
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How do I become a electrical engineer in Hawaii?
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new electrical engineering graduates. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Honolulu. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Honolulu 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 3.65%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electrical engineers (SOC 17-2071).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov