Creative & Education Honolulu, HI Pop. 350,964

ESL Teacher Salary in Honolulu, Hawaii

The median esl teacher salary in Honolulu, HI is $98,000 per year, which is 75.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$98,000
vs State Avg
+$2,800
vs National
+$42,000
Cost of Living
175%

ESL Teacher Pay in Honolulu: What to Expect (2026)

Honolulu offers a median esl teacher salary of $98,000, which is $2,800 above the Hawaii state average of $95,200. Compared to the national median of $56,000, 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 $98,000 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $56,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Honolulu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for esl teachers in Honolulu spans from $63,000 at the 10th percentile to $154,000 at the 90th percentile — a $91,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $66,500, while senior esl teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $147,000. With a population of 350,964, Honolulu is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

ESL Teacher Salary in Honolulu by Experience

In Honolulu, an entry-level esl teacher earns around $66,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $147,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$66,500
+$28,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$99,750
+$42,750 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$147,000
+$63,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Honolulu, HI

Percentile Honolulu
10th Percentile $63,000
25th Percentile $77,000
Median (50th) $98,000
75th Percentile $126,000
90th Percentile $154,000

ESL Teacher Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Kailua, HI
$95,200
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$94,080
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$90,720
Pop. 38,216
Hilo, HI
$85,120
Pop. 45,703

How to Become a ESL Teacher in Honolulu

Education

Most esl teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Honolulu and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

ESL MethodsLesson PlanningCultural CompetencyAssessmentPatienceCommunication

Job Outlook

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

Find ESL Teacher Jobs in Honolulu

Browse open esl teacher positions in Honolulu, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: ESL Teacher Salary in Honolulu

How much does a ESL Teacher make in Honolulu, HI? ▼
The median esl teacher salary in Honolulu, Hawaii is $98,000 per year, which is 75.0% above the national median of $56,000. Salaries range from $63,000 (10th percentile) to $154,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a ESL Teacher make per hour in Honolulu? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $98,000, a esl teacher in Honolulu earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Honolulu compare to the Hawaii state average for esl teacher pay? ▼
Honolulu's median esl teacher salary of $98,000 is 2.9% above the Hawaii state average of $95,200. 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 esl teacher salary of $98,000 in Honolulu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a esl teacher in Honolulu? ▼
Most esl teacher positions in Honolulu require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include ESL Methods, Lesson Planning, Cultural Competency, Assessment. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.