Business & Finance Hawaii (HI) Rank #1 of 50

Accountant Salary in Hawaii

The median accountant salary in Hawaii is $135,796 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $79,880.

Median Salary
$135,796
vs National
+$55,916
State Rank
#1 of 50
Cost of Living
170%

Accountant Salary Overview in Hawaii (2026)

Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for accountant compensation. This places Hawaii in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for accountants seeking high pay. At $135,796 per year, accountants in Hawaii earn $55,916 more than the national median of $79,880.

It's worth noting that Hawaii's cost of living is 170% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $135,796 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $79,880.

The salary spread in Hawaii is significant: accountants at the 10th percentile earn $85,680, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $225,760 — a $140,080 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Hawaii for this role is Honolulu, where the median reaches $139,790.

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for accountants across the country.

Accountant Salary in Hawaii by Experience

In Hawaii, an entry-level accountant earns around $88,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $204,000 per year. The cost of living index in Hawaii is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$88,400
+$36,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$136,000
+$56,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$204,000
+$84,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Hawaii

Percentile HI Salary
10th Percentile $85,680
25th Percentile $106,590
Median (50th) $135,796
75th Percentile $174,080
90th Percentile $225,760

Accountant Salary by City in Hawaii

The largest employment areas for accountants in Hawaii include Honolulu, Pearl City, Hilo, and Kailua. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Accountant in Hawaii

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Hawaii has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

GAAPTax PreparationFinancial AnalysisQuickBooksExcelAuditing

Job Outlook in Hawaii

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Hawaii's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Hawaii

How much does a Accountant make in Hawaii? ▼
The median accountant salary in Hawaii is $135,796 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $85,680 (10th percentile) to $225,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Hawaii? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $135,796, a accountant in Hawaii earns approximately $65 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Hawaii a good state for accountants? ▼
Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for accountant pay. The cost of living index is 170% of the national average. Entry-level accountants earn $88,400, while senior professionals earn $204,000.
How does Hawaii compare to other states for accountant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for accountants is Hawaii at $135,796. Hawaii's median of $135,796 ranks #1 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Massachusetts ($113,430) and California ($110,234).
What is the entry-level accountant salary in Hawaii? ▼
An entry-level accountant in Hawaii earns approximately $88,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $136,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $204,000.
What city in Hawaii pays accountants the most? ▼
Honolulu is the highest paying city in Hawaii for accountants, with a median salary of $139,790. Other cities include Pearl City and Hilo.