Architect Salary in Honolulu, HI: $144,970 (2026)

Architect Pay in Honolulu: What to Expect (2026)

Honolulu offers a median architect salary of $144,970, which is $4,142 above the Hawaii state average of $140,828. Compared to the national median of $82,840, Honolulu pays above average for this role.

However, Honolulu's cost of living index is 175%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $144,970 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $82,840. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Honolulu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for architects in Honolulu spans from $87,500 at the 10th percentile to $259,000 at the 90th percentile — a $171,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $91,000, while senior architects with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $245,000. With a population of 350,964, Honolulu is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Architect Salary in Honolulu by Experience

In Honolulu, an entry-level architect earns around $91,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $245,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$91,000

+$39,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$148,750

+$63,750 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$245,000

+$105,000 vs national

Percentile	Honolulu	HI State	National
10th Percentile	$87,500	$85,000	$50,000
25th Percentile	$112,000	$108,800	$64,000
Median (50th)	$144,970	$140,828	$82,840
75th Percentile	$196,000	$190,400	$112,000
90th Percentile	$259,000	$251,600	$148,000

Percentile

Honolulu

10th Percentile

$87,500

25th Percentile

$112,000

Median (50th)

$144,970

75th Percentile

$196,000

90th Percentile

$259,000

How to Become a Architect in Honolulu

Education

Most architect positions require a bachelor's degree. Honolulu and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AutoCAD/RevitBuilding DesignBuilding Codes3D ModelingProject ManagementSustainability

Job Outlook

Nationally, architect employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Honolulu may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Honolulu

How much does a Architect make in Honolulu, HI? ▼

The median architect salary in Honolulu, Hawaii is $144,970 per year, which is 75.0% above the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $87,500 (10th percentile) to $259,000 (90th percentile).

How much does a Architect make per hour in Honolulu? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $144,970, a architect in Honolulu earns approximately $70 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Honolulu compare to the Hawaii state average for architect pay? ▼

Honolulu's median architect salary of $144,970 is 2.9% above the Hawaii state average of $140,828. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Honolulu, HI? ▼

Honolulu has a cost of living index of 175% compared to the national average. This means a architect salary of $144,970 in Honolulu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a architect in Honolulu? ▼

Most architect positions in Honolulu require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include AutoCAD/Revit, Building Design, Building Codes, 3D Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.

Architect Salary in Honolulu, Hawaii