Media & Communications Hawaii (HI) Rank #1 of 50

Editor Salary in Hawaii

The median editor salary in Hawaii is $124,236 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $73,080.

Median Salary
$124,236
vs National
+$51,156
State Rank
#1 of 50
Cost of Living
170%

Editor Salary Overview in Hawaii (2026)

Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for editor compensation. This places Hawaii in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for editors seeking high pay. At $124,236 per year, editors in Hawaii earn $51,156 more than the national median of $73,080.

It's worth noting that Hawaii's cost of living is 170% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $124,236 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $73,080.

The salary spread in Hawaii is significant: editors at the 10th percentile earn $68,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $224,400 — a $156,400 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 $127,890.

Nationally, editor employment is projected to grow -5% over the next decade (decline). Despite slower growth nationally, experienced editors with in-demand specializations continue to command strong salaries.

Editor Salary in Hawaii by Experience

In Hawaii, an entry-level editor earns around $71,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $212,500 per year. The cost of living index in Hawaii is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,400
+$29,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$127,500
+$52,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$212,500
+$87,500 vs national

You May Qualify for Premium Rewards

Professionals earning $124,236+ often qualify for premium rewards cards with $500+ signup bonuses and 2–5% cashback on every purchase.

View Offers You Qualify For →

Salary Percentiles in Hawaii

Percentile HI Salary
10th Percentile $68,000
25th Percentile $90,100
Median (50th) $124,236
75th Percentile $166,600
90th Percentile $224,400

Editor Salary by City in Hawaii

The largest employment areas for editors 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 Editor in Hawaii

Education

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

Key Skills

EditingAP/Chicago StyleCMS PlatformsContent StrategyFact-CheckingCommunication

Job Outlook in Hawaii

Nationally, editor employment is projected to grow -5% over the next decade (decline). Hawaii's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Editors who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $88,264 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Editor Roles in Hawaii?

Get matched with recruiters hiring editors in Hawaii at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Editor Salary in Hawaii

How much does a Editor make in Hawaii? ▼
The median editor salary in Hawaii is $124,236 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $73,080. Salaries range from $68,000 (10th percentile) to $224,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Editor make per hour in Hawaii? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $124,236, a editor in Hawaii earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Hawaii a good state for editors? ▼
Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for editor pay. The cost of living index is 170% of the national average. Entry-level editors earn $71,400, while senior professionals earn $212,500.
How does Hawaii compare to other states for editor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for editors is Hawaii at $124,236. Hawaii's median of $124,236 ranks #1 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($100,850) and Massachusetts ($98,658).
What is the entry-level editor salary in Hawaii? ▼
An entry-level editor in Hawaii earns approximately $71,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $127,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $212,500.
What city in Hawaii pays editors the most? ▼
Honolulu is the highest paying city in Hawaii for editors, with a median salary of $127,890. Other cities include Pearl City and Hilo.