Science & Research Waipahu, HI Pop. 38,216

Chemist Salary in Waipahu, Hawaii

The median chemist salary in Waipahu, HI is $134,120 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median and 4.7% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$134,120
vs State Avg
$-6,623
vs National
+$51,330
Cost of Living
162%

Chemist Pay in Waipahu: What to Expect (2026)

Waipahu offers a median chemist salary of $134,120, which is $6,623 below the Hawaii state average of $140,743. Compared to the national median of $82,790, 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 $134,120 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $82,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Waipahu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for chemists in Waipahu spans from $77,760 at the 10th percentile to $230,040 at the 90th percentile — a $152,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $81,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $218,700. Waipahu is a smaller market (pop. 38,216), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chemist Salary in Waipahu by Experience

In Waipahu, an entry-level chemist earns around $81,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $218,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 162% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$81,000
+$31,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$136,080
+$52,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$218,700
+$83,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Waipahu, HI

Percentile Waipahu
10th Percentile $77,760
25th Percentile $100,440
Median (50th) $134,120
75th Percentile $176,580
90th Percentile $230,040

Chemist Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$144,883
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$140,743
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$139,087
Pop. 47,698
Hilo, HI
$125,841
Pop. 45,703

How to Become a Chemist in Waipahu

Education

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

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Waipahu may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemist Jobs in Waipahu

Browse open chemist positions in Waipahu, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Waipahu

How much does a Chemist make in Waipahu, HI? ▼
The median chemist salary in Waipahu, Hawaii is $134,120 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $77,760 (10th percentile) to $230,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Waipahu? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $134,120, a chemist in Waipahu earns approximately $64 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Waipahu compare to the Hawaii state average for chemist pay? ▼
Waipahu's median chemist salary of $134,120 is 4.7% below the Hawaii state average of $140,743. 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 chemist salary of $134,120 in Waipahu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Waipahu? ▼
Most chemist positions in Waipahu require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Analytical Chemistry, Lab Techniques, Spectroscopy, HPLC. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.