Engineering Hawaii (HI) Rank #1 of 50

Environmental Engineer Salary in Hawaii

The median environmental engineer salary in Hawaii is $164,594 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $96,820.

Median Salary
$164,594
vs National
+$67,774
State Rank
#1 of 50
Cost of Living
170%

Environmental Engineer Salary Overview in Hawaii (2026)

Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for environmental engineer compensation. This places Hawaii in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for environmental engineers seeking high pay. At $164,594 per year, environmental engineers in Hawaii earn $67,774 more than the national median of $96,820.

It's worth noting that Hawaii's cost of living is 170% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $164,594 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $96,820.

The salary spread in Hawaii is significant: environmental engineers at the 10th percentile earn $103,700, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $251,600 — a $147,900 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 $169,435.

Nationally, environmental engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for environmental engineers across the country.

Environmental Engineer Salary in Hawaii by Experience

In Hawaii, an entry-level environmental engineer earns around $108,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $241,400 per year. The cost of living index in Hawaii is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$108,800
+$44,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$166,600
+$68,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$241,400
+$99,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Hawaii

Percentile HI Salary
10th Percentile $103,700
25th Percentile $129,200
Median (50th) $164,594
75th Percentile $207,400
90th Percentile $251,600

Environmental Engineer Salary by City in Hawaii

The largest employment areas for environmental 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 Environmental Engineer in Hawaii

Education

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

Key Skills

Environmental RemediationWater TreatmentAir QualityEPA RegulationsGISProject Management

Job Outlook in Hawaii

Nationally, environmental engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Hawaii's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Engineer Salary in Hawaii

How much does a Environmental Engineer make in Hawaii? ▼
The median environmental engineer salary in Hawaii is $164,594 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $96,820. Salaries range from $103,700 (10th percentile) to $251,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Engineer make per hour in Hawaii? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $164,594, a environmental engineer in Hawaii earns approximately $79 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Hawaii a good state for environmental engineers? ▼
Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for environmental engineer pay. The cost of living index is 170% of the national average. Entry-level environmental engineers earn $108,800, while senior professionals earn $241,400.
How does Hawaii compare to other states for environmental engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for environmental engineers is Hawaii at $164,594. Hawaii's median of $164,594 ranks #1 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($133,612) and Massachusetts ($130,707).
What is the entry-level environmental engineer salary in Hawaii? ▼
An entry-level environmental engineer in Hawaii earns approximately $108,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $166,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $241,400.
What city in Hawaii pays environmental engineers the most? ▼
Honolulu is the highest paying city in Hawaii for environmental engineers, with a median salary of $169,435. Other cities include Pearl City and Hilo.