Engineering Waipahu, HI Pop. 38,216

Chemical Engineer Salary in Waipahu, Hawaii

The median chemical engineer salary in Waipahu, HI is $172,141 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median and 4.7% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$172,141
vs State Avg
$-8,501
vs National
+$65,881
Cost of Living
162%

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

Waipahu offers a median chemical engineer salary of $172,141, which is $8,501 below the Hawaii state average of $180,642. Compared to the national median of $106,260, Waipahu pays above average for this role.

However, Waipahu's cost of living index is 162%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $172,141 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $106,260. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Waipahu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for chemical engineers in Waipahu spans from $110,160 at the 10th percentile to $278,640 at the 90th percentile — a $168,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $113,400, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $262,440. Waipahu is a smaller market (pop. 38,216), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Waipahu by Experience

In Waipahu, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $113,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $262,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 162% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$113,400
+$43,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$174,960
+$66,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$262,440
+$100,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Waipahu, HI

Percentile Waipahu
10th Percentile $110,160
25th Percentile $136,080
Median (50th) $172,141
75th Percentile $223,560
90th Percentile $278,640

Chemical Engineer Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$185,955
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$180,642
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$178,517
Pop. 47,698
Hilo, HI
$161,515
Pop. 45,703

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Waipahu

Education

Most chemical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Waipahu 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 Waipahu may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Waipahu

Browse open chemical engineer positions in Waipahu, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Waipahu

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Waipahu, HI? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Waipahu, Hawaii is $172,141 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $110,160 (10th percentile) to $278,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Waipahu? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $172,141, a chemical engineer in Waipahu earns approximately $83 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Waipahu compare to the Hawaii state average for chemical engineer pay? ▼
Waipahu's median chemical engineer salary of $172,141 is 4.7% below the Hawaii state average of $180,642. The local cost of living index is 162% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Waipahu, HI? ▼
Waipahu has a cost of living index of 162% compared to the national average. This means a chemical engineer salary of $172,141 in Waipahu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer in Waipahu? ▼
Most chemical engineer positions in Waipahu 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.