Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Honolulu, HI: $76.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Honolulu, HI runs $76.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $158,721 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Honolulu's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $63.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $95,231 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Honolulu, electrical engineers command a median hourly pay of $76.31, significantly higher than the national median of $60.11. This advantageous rate reflects the region's cost of living, estimated at 19.3% above the national average, as well as demand for engineers in niche sectors like semiconductor manufacturing and defense contracting. For professionals engaging in part-time work, such as those operating three days a week, earnings can be substantial while allowing flexibility. Per diem engineers, particularly in critical settings like semiconductor fab clean rooms or military-grade facilities, often find themselves earning within a range of $45.04 to $118.28 per hour, establishing competitive advantage over traditional salary structures. This hourly range accommodates both entry-level positions and top-tier earners, meeting the diverse needs of a rapidly evolving workforce in HI.
About the Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45.04 | $360.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.92 | $447.35 |
| Median (P50) | $76.31 | $610.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97.68 | $781.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118.28 | $946.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Honolulu
Based on $76.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.31/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Honolulu, HI can expect to earn approximately $158,719 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $91,569. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Honolulu.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Honolulu
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,052.29 | $13,227 | $158,719 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,831.37 | $7,936 | $95,231 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,220.91 | $5,291 | $63,488 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Honolulu) | $76.31 |
| Mechanical Engineer (National Avg) | $48.61 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer (National Avg) | $69.00 |
| Electronics Engineer (National Avg) | $58.25 |
| Electrical Engineering Technician (National Avg) | $35.08 |
Electrical Engineers in Honolulu, HI earn a median of $158,721 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.94% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 6.40% above the Hawaii state average of $149,174.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.31/hr = $95,231/year (purchasing power: $79,825).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $158,719/year (purchasing power: $133,042).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$60.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$73.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $73.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Honolulu grew 22.4% from $60.13/hr (2019) to $73.62/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $79.09/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem electrical engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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.
Working as an Hourly Electrical Engineer in Honolulu
Beyond the standard hourly rates, the earning potential for a part-time electrical engineer working 24 hours a week would yield significantly less than one working full-time, emphasizing the trade-off between hours worked and annual income. Per diem and contract electrical engineers can often earn more through agency work, with typical billing rates starting around $90 and ranging upwards of $400 per hour in specialized roles such as chip design consultancy or patent litigation expert witness work. Employers in Honolulu vary significantly in compensation; tech giants, including Apple and Intel, tend to provide higher hourly rates compared to traditional utility companies or defense contractors. While some engineers may opt for positions that offer health benefits at lower hourly pay, others prefer flexibility and higher rates without benefits. Negotiating an hourly wage in Honolulu may involve demonstrating unique skills or securing additional certifications that align with the latest industry trends, thereby enhancing one's value in a competitive job market.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for electrical engineers in Honolulu in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for electrical engineers in Honolulu. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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