Economist Salary in Honolulu, HI: $199,395 (2026)

Economist Pay in Honolulu: What to Expect (2026)

Honolulu offers a median economist salary of $199,395, which is $5,697 above the Hawaii state average of $193,698. Compared to the national median of $113,940, 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 $199,395 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $113,940. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Honolulu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for economists in Honolulu spans from $108,500 at the 10th percentile to $346,500 at the 90th percentile — a $238,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $113,750, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $323,750. With a population of 350,964, Honolulu is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Honolulu by Experience

In Honolulu, an entry-level economist earns around $113,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $323,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$113,750

+$48,750 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$201,250

+$86,250 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$323,750

+$138,750 vs national

Percentile	Honolulu	HI State	National
10th Percentile	$108,500	$105,400	$62,000
25th Percentile	$143,500	$139,400	$82,000
Median (50th)	$199,395	$193,698	$113,940
75th Percentile	$271,250	$263,500	$155,000
90th Percentile	$346,500	$336,600	$198,000

Percentile

Honolulu

10th Percentile

$108,500

25th Percentile

$143,500

Median (50th)

$199,395

75th Percentile

$271,250

90th Percentile

$346,500

How to Become a Economist in Honolulu

Education

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

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Honolulu may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Honolulu

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

The median economist salary in Honolulu, Hawaii is $199,395 per year, which is 75.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $108,500 (10th percentile) to $346,500 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $199,395, a economist in Honolulu earns approximately $96 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Honolulu's median economist salary of $199,395 is 2.9% above the Hawaii state average of $193,698. 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 economist salary of $199,395 in Honolulu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most economist positions in Honolulu require a master's degree. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Analysis, R/Python, Economic Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Economist Salary in Honolulu, Hawaii