Electrical Engineer Salary in Kailua, HI: $147,867 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Kailua, HI earns a median $147,867/year (≈ $71.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Kailua's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $123,946 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
As projected for 2026, electrical engineers in Kailua, HI, will earn a median annual salary of $147,867, which reflects a considerable premium over the national average of $125,033. The salary for these professionals ranges from $96,395 at the 10th percentile to $219,698 at the 90th percentile, indicating a competitive pay scale that rewards experience and specialization. Estimates based on 2025 BLS data consider local factors, including the city's distinct employment landscape focused heavily on semiconductor and chip design, as well as defense and cleared work sectors. The strong presence of tech companies contributes to higher-than-average wages in Kailua's job market, aligning well with the demand for skilled electrical engineers.
About the Kailua Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,395 | $46.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $114,275 | $54.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $147,867 | $71.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $185,972 | $89.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $219,698 | $105.62 |
Median Salary Position
18.26% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kailua
In Kailua, HI, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $123,303 (2026 est.). At $147,867, the local median is 18.26% above the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kailua: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kailua Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Kailua median: $147,867/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kailua Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $149,210 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | +18.26% more |
Electrical Engineers in Kailua, HI earn a median of $147,867 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.26% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 0.90% below the Hawaii state average of $149,210.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kailua has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kailua, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $147,867 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $123,946 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$116,524
2025 BLS Actual
$142,660
2026 Current Est.
$147,867
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Kailua (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $116,524 | Actual |
| 2020 | $119,244 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,759 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,189 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,482 | Actual |
| 2024 | $132,454 | Actual |
| 2025 | $142,660 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $147,867 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $153,264 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kailua metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $116,524 (2019) to $142,660 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $153,264 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,740 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kailua 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $96,395 – $114,275 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $114,275 – $147,867 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $147,867 – $185,972 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $185,972 – $219,698 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Kailua
Though only six electrical engineers are currently employed in Kailua, it is essential to understand the broader implications of the local job market. The cost of living index here sits at 119.3, which can influence take-home purchasing power compared to other regions. Employers offering the highest salaries typically come from leading technology and defense firms, underscoring the lucrative nature of specialized roles within the semiconductor industry and cleared positions. The disparity in pay is often driven by factors such as security clearance needs, advanced degrees, and individual job responsibilities—those with PhDs or specialized designations tend to command higher salaries. To maximize earning potential in Kailua, engineers may benefit from pursuing advanced certifications, particularly in the chip design domain, while also considering the balance between management and individual contributor tracks in their career progression.
More salary data for Kailua, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $142,660 for electrical engineersin the Kailua metropolitan area. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kailua 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