Public Service Honolulu, HI Pop. 350,964

Firefighter Salary in Honolulu, Hawaii

The median firefighter salary in Honolulu, HI is $90,440 per year, which is 75.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$90,440
vs State Avg
+$2,584
vs National
+$38,760
Cost of Living
175%

Firefighter Pay in Honolulu: What to Expect (2026)

Honolulu offers a median firefighter salary of $90,440, which is $2,584 above the Hawaii state average of $87,856. Compared to the national median of $51,680, 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 $90,440 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $51,680. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Honolulu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for firefighters in Honolulu spans from $51,800 at the 10th percentile to $162,400 at the 90th percentile — a $110,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,000, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $143,500. With a population of 350,964, Honolulu is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Firefighter Salary in Honolulu by Experience

In Honolulu, an entry-level firefighter earns around $56,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $143,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,000
+$24,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$91,000
+$39,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$143,500
+$61,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Honolulu, HI

Percentile Honolulu
10th Percentile $51,800
25th Percentile $67,550
Median (50th) $90,440
75th Percentile $124,600
90th Percentile $162,400

Firefighter Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Kailua, HI
$87,856
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$86,822
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$83,722
Pop. 38,216
Hilo, HI
$78,554
Pop. 45,703

How to Become a Firefighter in Honolulu

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Honolulu and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook

Nationally, firefighter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Honolulu may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Honolulu

Browse open firefighter positions in Honolulu, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Honolulu

How much does a Firefighter make in Honolulu, HI? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Honolulu, Hawaii is $90,440 per year, which is 75.0% above the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $51,800 (10th percentile) to $162,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Honolulu? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,440, a firefighter in Honolulu earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Honolulu compare to the Hawaii state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Honolulu's median firefighter salary of $90,440 is 2.9% above the Hawaii state average of $87,856. 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 firefighter salary of $90,440 in Honolulu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Honolulu? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Honolulu require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.