Engineering Hawaii (HI) Rank #1 of 50

Civil Engineer Salary in Hawaii

The median civil engineer salary in Hawaii is $152,898 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $89,940.

Median Salary
$152,898
vs National
+$62,958
State Rank
#1 of 50
Cost of Living
170%

Civil Engineer Salary Overview in Hawaii (2026)

Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for civil engineer compensation. This places Hawaii in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for civil engineers seeking high pay. At $152,898 per year, civil engineers in Hawaii earn $62,958 more than the national median of $89,940.

It's worth noting that Hawaii's cost of living is 170% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $152,898 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $89,940.

The salary spread in Hawaii is significant: civil engineers at the 10th percentile earn $102,680, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $235,620 — a $132,940 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 $157,395.

Nationally, civil engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for civil engineers across the country.

Civil Engineer Salary in Hawaii by Experience

In Hawaii, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $105,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $221,000 per year. The cost of living index in Hawaii is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$105,400
+$43,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$153,000
+$63,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$221,000
+$91,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Hawaii

Percentile HI Salary
10th Percentile $102,680
25th Percentile $124,440
Median (50th) $152,898
75th Percentile $193,800
90th Percentile $235,620

Civil Engineer Salary by City in Hawaii

The largest employment areas for civil engineers 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 Civil Engineer in Hawaii

Education

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

Key Skills

AutoCADStructural AnalysisProject ManagementGISConstruction ManagementPE License

Job Outlook in Hawaii

Nationally, civil engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Hawaii's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Hawaii

How much does a Civil Engineer make in Hawaii? ▼
The median civil engineer salary in Hawaii is $152,898 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $89,940. Salaries range from $102,680 (10th percentile) to $235,620 (90th percentile).
How much does a Civil Engineer make per hour in Hawaii? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $152,898, a civil engineer in Hawaii earns approximately $74 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Hawaii a good state for civil engineers? ▼
Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for civil engineer pay. The cost of living index is 170% of the national average. Entry-level civil engineers earn $105,400, while senior professionals earn $221,000.
How does Hawaii compare to other states for civil engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for civil engineers is Hawaii at $152,898. Hawaii's median of $152,898 ranks #1 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($124,117) and Massachusetts ($121,419).
What is the entry-level civil engineer salary in Hawaii? ▼
An entry-level civil engineer in Hawaii earns approximately $105,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $153,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $221,000.
What city in Hawaii pays civil engineers the most? ▼
Honolulu is the highest paying city in Hawaii for civil engineers, with a median salary of $157,395. Other cities include Pearl City and Hilo.