Construction & Real Estate Hawaii (HI) Rank #1 of 50

Architect Salary in Hawaii

The median architect salary in Hawaii is $140,828 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $82,840.

Median Salary
$140,828
vs National
+$57,988
State Rank
#1 of 50
Cost of Living
170%

Architect Salary Overview in Hawaii (2026)

Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for architect compensation. This places Hawaii in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for architects seeking high pay. At $140,828 per year, architects in Hawaii earn $57,988 more than the national median of $82,840.

It's worth noting that Hawaii's cost of living is 170% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $140,828 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $82,840.

The salary spread in Hawaii is significant: architects at the 10th percentile earn $85,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $251,600 — a $166,600 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 $144,970.

Nationally, architect employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for architects across the country.

Architect Salary in Hawaii by Experience

In Hawaii, an entry-level architect earns around $88,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $238,000 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)
$144,500
+$59,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$238,000
+$98,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Hawaii

Percentile HI Salary
10th Percentile $85,000
25th Percentile $108,800
Median (50th) $140,828
75th Percentile $190,400
90th Percentile $251,600

Architect Salary by City in Hawaii

The largest employment areas for architects 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 Architect in Hawaii

Education

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

Key Skills

AutoCAD/RevitBuilding DesignBuilding Codes3D ModelingProject ManagementSustainability

Job Outlook in Hawaii

Nationally, architect employment is projected to grow 3% 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: Architect Salary in Hawaii

How much does a Architect make in Hawaii? ▼
The median architect salary in Hawaii is $140,828 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $85,000 (10th percentile) to $251,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Hawaii? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $140,828, a architect in Hawaii earns approximately $68 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Hawaii a good state for architects? ▼
Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for architect pay. The cost of living index is 170% of the national average. Entry-level architects earn $88,400, while senior professionals earn $238,000.
How does Hawaii compare to other states for architect salary? ▼
The highest paying state for architects is Hawaii at $140,828. Hawaii's median of $140,828 ranks #1 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($114,319) and Massachusetts ($111,834).
What is the entry-level architect salary in Hawaii? ▼
An entry-level architect in Hawaii earns approximately $88,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $144,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $238,000.
What city in Hawaii pays architects the most? ▼
Honolulu is the highest paying city in Hawaii for architects, with a median salary of $144,970. Other cities include Pearl City and Hilo.