Instructional Designer Salary in Kailua, HI: $122,400 (2026)

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

Kailua offers a median instructional designer salary of $122,400, which is $0 above the Hawaii state average of $122,400. Compared to the national median of $72,000, Kailua pays above average for this role.

However, Kailua's cost of living index is 170%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $122,400 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $72,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Kailua should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for instructional designers in Kailua spans from $74,800 at the 10th percentile to $200,600 at the 90th percentile — a $125,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $78,200, while senior instructional designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $190,400. Kailua is a smaller market (pop. 38,635), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Instructional Designer Salary in Kailua by Experience

In Kailua, an entry-level instructional designer earns around $78,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $190,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$78,200

+$32,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$125,800

+$51,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$190,400

+$78,400 vs national

Percentile	Kailua	HI State	National
10th Percentile	$74,800	$74,800	$44,000
25th Percentile	$95,200	$95,200	$56,000
Median (50th)	$122,400	$122,400	$72,000
75th Percentile	$161,500	$161,500	$95,000
90th Percentile	$200,600	$200,600	$118,000

Percentile

Kailua

10th Percentile

$74,800

25th Percentile

$95,200

Median (50th)

$122,400

75th Percentile

$161,500

90th Percentile

$200,600

How to Become a Instructional Designer in Kailua

Education

Most instructional designer positions require a master's degree. Kailua 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 Kailua may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Instructional Designer Salary in Kailua

How much does a Instructional Designer make in Kailua, HI? ▼

The median instructional designer salary in Kailua, Hawaii is $122,400 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $72,000. Salaries range from $74,800 (10th percentile) to $200,600 (90th percentile).

How much does a Instructional Designer make per hour in Kailua? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $122,400, a instructional designer in Kailua earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Kailua compare to the Hawaii state average for instructional designer pay? ▼

Kailua's median instructional designer salary of $122,400 is 0.0% above the Hawaii state average of $122,400. The local cost of living index is 170% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Kailua, HI? ▼

Kailua has a cost of living index of 170% compared to the national average. This means a instructional designer salary of $122,400 in Kailua has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a instructional designer in Kailua? ▼

Most instructional designer positions in Kailua 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.

Instructional Designer Salary in Kailua, Hawaii