Electrical Engineer Salary in Kaneohe, HI: $148,226 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Kaneohe, HI earns a median $148,226/year (≈ $71.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Kaneohe's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $124,246 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, electrical engineers in Kaneohe, Hawaii, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $148,226, reflecting the city’s robust tech-oriented job market. With a salary range spanning from $97,392 at the 10th percentile to $216,159 at the 90th, local opportunities are significantly bolstered by the high demand for expertise in semiconductor and chip design, which consistently offers higher compensation compared to utility power systems or defense roles. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors, emphasizing how the local market uniquely positions Kaneohe as an attractive place for electrical engineers seeking competitive pay. The area's job landscape demonstrates a clear tilt towards tech and semiconductor sectors, hinting at a vibrant future for electrical engineering professionals.
About the Kaneohe Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,392 | $46.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $115,001 | $55.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $148,226 | $71.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $183,607 | $88.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $216,159 | $103.92 |
Median Salary Position
18.55% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kaneohe
In Kaneohe, HI, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $118,767 (2026 est.). At $148,226, the local median is 18.55% above the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kaneohe: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kaneohe Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Kaneohe median: $148,226/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kaneohe Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $149,120 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | +18.55% more |
Electrical Engineers in Kaneohe, HI earn a median of $148,226 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.55% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 0.60% below the Hawaii state average of $149,120.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kaneohe has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kaneohe, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $148,226 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $124,246 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$116,807
2025 BLS Actual
$143,006
2026 Current Est.
$148,226
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Kaneohe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $116,807 | Actual |
| 2020 | $119,533 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,047 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,485 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,788 | Actual |
| 2024 | $132,775 | Actual |
| 2025 | $143,006 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $148,226 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $153,636 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kaneohe metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $116,807 (2019) to $143,006 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $153,636 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,829 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kaneohe 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) | $97,392 – $115,001 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $115,001 – $148,226 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $148,226 – $183,607 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $183,607 – $216,159 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Kaneohe
While there are only five electrical engineers employed in Kaneohe, the job market exhibits a steady growth rate of 3.65% annually, underscoring the area's potential for career advancement. With a cost-of-living index of 119.3, residents face a higher expense level than the national average, which impacts the purchasing power of their salaries. Top employers in Kaneohe typically include tech giants in semiconductor manufacturing and defense contractors, with lucrative positions available at firms like Intel or Northrop Grumman, where security clearances can further elevate pay. Industry comparisons reveal that those in semiconductor roles wield a clear advantage, driven by the need for specialized skills and advanced degrees. For electrical engineers, pursuing a master’s degree or gaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license can significantly enhance earning potential, along with focusing on opportunities within high-growth sectors like automotive electronics and consumer tech. Exploring these avenues will be essential for maximizing earnings in Kaneohe’s competitive market for electrical engineer pay.
More salary data for Kaneohe, 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 $143,006 for electrical engineersin the Kaneohe 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 Kaneohe 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