Creative & Education Honolulu, HI Pop. 350,964

Instructional Designer Salary in Honolulu, Hawaii

The median instructional designer salary in Honolulu, HI is $126,000 per year, which is 75.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$126,000
vs State Avg
+$3,600
vs National
+$54,000
Cost of Living
175%

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

Honolulu offers a median instructional designer salary of $126,000, which is $3,600 above the Hawaii state average of $122,400. Compared to the national median of $72,000, 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 $126,000 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $72,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Honolulu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for instructional designers in Honolulu spans from $77,000 at the 10th percentile to $206,500 at the 90th percentile — a $129,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $80,500, while senior instructional designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $196,000. With a population of 350,964, Honolulu is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Instructional Designer Salary in Honolulu by Experience

In Honolulu, an entry-level instructional designer earns around $80,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $196,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$80,500
+$34,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$129,500
+$55,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$196,000
+$84,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Honolulu, HI

Percentile Honolulu
10th Percentile $77,000
25th Percentile $98,000
Median (50th) $126,000
75th Percentile $166,250
90th Percentile $206,500

Instructional Designer Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

How to Become a Instructional Designer in Honolulu

Education

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

Key Skills

Instructional DesignArticulate/CaptivateLMSADDIE ModelE-LearningAssessment Design

Job Outlook

Nationally, instructional designer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Honolulu may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Instructional Designer Jobs in Honolulu

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Frequently Asked Questions: Instructional Designer Salary in Honolulu

How much does a Instructional Designer make in Honolulu, HI? ▼
The median instructional designer salary in Honolulu, Hawaii is $126,000 per year, which is 75.0% above the national median of $72,000. Salaries range from $77,000 (10th percentile) to $206,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Instructional Designer make per hour in Honolulu? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $126,000, a instructional designer in Honolulu earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Honolulu compare to the Hawaii state average for instructional designer pay? ▼
Honolulu's median instructional designer salary of $126,000 is 2.9% above the Hawaii state average of $122,400. 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 instructional designer salary of $126,000 in Honolulu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a instructional designer in Honolulu? ▼
Most instructional designer positions in Honolulu require a master's degree. Key skills include Instructional Design, Articulate/Captivate, LMS, ADDIE Model. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.