Creative & Education Waipahu, HI Pop. 38,216

Instructional Designer Salary in Waipahu, Hawaii

The median instructional designer salary in Waipahu, HI is $116,640 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median and 4.7% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$116,640
vs State Avg
$-5,760
vs National
+$44,640
Cost of Living
162%

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

Waipahu offers a median instructional designer salary of $116,640, which is $5,760 below the Hawaii state average of $122,400. Compared to the national median of $72,000, Waipahu pays above average for this role.

However, Waipahu's cost of living index is 162%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $116,640 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $72,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Waipahu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for instructional designers in Waipahu spans from $71,280 at the 10th percentile to $191,160 at the 90th percentile — a $119,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,520, while senior instructional designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $181,440. Waipahu is a smaller market (pop. 38,216), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Instructional Designer Salary in Waipahu by Experience

In Waipahu, an entry-level instructional designer earns around $74,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $181,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 162% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,520
+$28,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$119,880
+$45,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$181,440
+$69,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Waipahu, HI

Percentile Waipahu
10th Percentile $71,280
25th Percentile $90,720
Median (50th) $116,640
75th Percentile $153,900
90th Percentile $191,160

Instructional Designer Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

How to Become a Instructional Designer in Waipahu

Education

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

Find Instructional Designer Jobs in Waipahu

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Frequently Asked Questions: Instructional Designer Salary in Waipahu

How much does a Instructional Designer make in Waipahu, HI? ▼
The median instructional designer salary in Waipahu, Hawaii is $116,640 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median of $72,000. Salaries range from $71,280 (10th percentile) to $191,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Instructional Designer make per hour in Waipahu? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $116,640, a instructional designer in Waipahu earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Waipahu compare to the Hawaii state average for instructional designer pay? ▼
Waipahu's median instructional designer salary of $116,640 is 4.7% below the Hawaii state average of $122,400. The local cost of living index is 162% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Waipahu, HI? ▼
Waipahu has a cost of living index of 162% compared to the national average. This means a instructional designer salary of $116,640 in Waipahu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a instructional designer in Waipahu? ▼
Most instructional designer positions in Waipahu 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.