Engineering Kailua, HI Pop. 38,635

Chemical Engineer Salary in Kailua, Hawaii

The median chemical engineer salary in Kailua, HI is $180,642 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median and 0.0% above the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$180,642
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
+$74,382
Cost of Living
170%

Chemical Engineer Pay in Kailua: What to Expect (2026)

Kailua offers a median chemical engineer salary of $180,642, which is $0 above the Hawaii state average of $180,642. Compared to the national median of $106,260, Kailua pays above average for this role.

However, Kailua's cost of living index is 170%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $180,642 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $106,260. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Kailua should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for chemical engineers in Kailua spans from $115,600 at the 10th percentile to $292,400 at the 90th percentile — a $176,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $119,000, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $275,400. Kailua is a smaller market (pop. 38,635), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Kailua by Experience

In Kailua, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $119,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $275,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$119,000
+$49,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$183,600
+$75,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$275,400
+$113,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kailua, HI

Percentile Kailua
10th Percentile $115,600
25th Percentile $142,800
Median (50th) $180,642
75th Percentile $234,600
90th Percentile $292,400

Chemical Engineer Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$185,955
Pop. 350,964
Pearl City, HI
$178,517
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$172,141
Pop. 38,216
Hilo, HI
$161,515
Pop. 45,703

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Kailua

Education

Most chemical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Kailua and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Process EngineeringChemical ProcessesASPENSafety EngineeringQuality ControlThermodynamics

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemical engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Kailua may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Kailua

Browse open chemical engineer positions in Kailua, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Kailua

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Kailua, HI? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Kailua, Hawaii is $180,642 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $115,600 (10th percentile) to $292,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Kailua? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $180,642, a chemical engineer in Kailua earns approximately $87 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kailua compare to the Hawaii state average for chemical engineer pay? ▼
Kailua's median chemical engineer salary of $180,642 is 0.0% above the Hawaii state average of $180,642. The local cost of living index is 170% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kailua, HI? ▼
Kailua has a cost of living index of 170% compared to the national average. This means a chemical engineer salary of $180,642 in Kailua has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer in Kailua? ▼
Most chemical engineer positions in Kailua require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Process Engineering, Chemical Processes, ASPEN, Safety Engineering. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.