Creative & Education Honolulu, HI Pop. 350,964

Graphic Designer Salary in Honolulu, Hawaii

The median graphic designer salary in Honolulu, HI is $101,483 per year, which is 75.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$101,483
vs State Avg
+$2,900
vs National
+$43,493
Cost of Living
175%

Graphic Designer Pay in Honolulu: What to Expect (2026)

Honolulu offers a median graphic designer salary of $101,483, which is $2,900 above the Hawaii state average of $98,583. Compared to the national median of $57,990, 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 $101,483 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $57,990. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Honolulu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for graphic designers in Honolulu spans from $63,700 at the 10th percentile to $171,850 at the 90th percentile — a $108,150 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $66,500, while senior graphic designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $154,000. With a population of 350,964, Honolulu is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Graphic Designer Salary in Honolulu by Experience

In Honolulu, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $66,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $154,000 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)
$101,500
+$43,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$154,000
+$66,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Honolulu, HI

Percentile Honolulu
10th Percentile $63,700
25th Percentile $79,450
Median (50th) $101,483
75th Percentile $130,550
90th Percentile $171,850

Graphic Designer Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Kailua, HI
$98,583
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$97,423
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$93,944
Pop. 38,216
Hilo, HI
$88,145
Pop. 45,703

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Honolulu

Education

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

Key Skills

Adobe Creative SuiteTypographyLayout DesignColor TheoryBrandingUI Design

Job Outlook

Nationally, graphic designer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Honolulu may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Graphic Designer Jobs in Honolulu

Browse open graphic designer positions in Honolulu, HI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Honolulu

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Honolulu, HI? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in Honolulu, Hawaii is $101,483 per year, which is 75.0% above the national median of $57,990. Salaries range from $63,700 (10th percentile) to $171,850 (90th percentile).
How much does a Graphic Designer make per hour in Honolulu? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $101,483, a graphic designer in Honolulu earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Honolulu compare to the Hawaii state average for graphic designer pay? ▼
Honolulu's median graphic designer salary of $101,483 is 2.9% above the Hawaii state average of $98,583. 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 graphic designer salary of $101,483 in Honolulu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a graphic designer in Honolulu? ▼
Most graphic designer positions in Honolulu require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Adobe Creative Suite, Typography, Layout Design, Color Theory. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.