Media & Communications Honolulu, HI Pop. 350,964

Journalist Salary in Honolulu, Hawaii

The median journalist salary in Honolulu, HI is $97,930 per year, which is 75.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$97,930
vs State Avg
+$2,798
vs National
+$41,970
Cost of Living
175%

Journalist Pay in Honolulu: What to Expect (2026)

Honolulu offers a median journalist salary of $97,930, which is $2,798 above the Hawaii state average of $95,132. Compared to the national median of $55,960, 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 $97,930 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $55,960. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Honolulu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for journalists in Honolulu spans from $56,000 at the 10th percentile to $192,500 at the 90th percentile — a $136,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,250, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $175,000. With a population of 350,964, Honolulu is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Journalist Salary in Honolulu by Experience

In Honolulu, an entry-level journalist earns around $61,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $175,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,250
+$26,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$101,500
+$43,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$175,000
+$75,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Honolulu, HI

Percentile Honolulu
10th Percentile $56,000
25th Percentile $70,000
Median (50th) $97,930
75th Percentile $136,500
90th Percentile $192,500

Journalist Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Kailua, HI
$95,132
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$94,013
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$90,655
Pop. 38,216
Hilo, HI
$85,059
Pop. 45,703

How to Become a Journalist in Honolulu

Education

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

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook

Nationally, journalist employment is projected to grow -3% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Honolulu may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Journalist Jobs in Honolulu

Browse open journalist positions in Honolulu, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Honolulu

How much does a Journalist make in Honolulu, HI? ▼
The median journalist salary in Honolulu, Hawaii is $97,930 per year, which is 75.0% above the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $56,000 (10th percentile) to $192,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Honolulu? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $97,930, a journalist in Honolulu earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Honolulu compare to the Hawaii state average for journalist pay? ▼
Honolulu's median journalist salary of $97,930 is 2.9% above the Hawaii state average of $95,132. 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 journalist salary of $97,930 in Honolulu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Honolulu? ▼
Most journalist positions in Honolulu require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Writing, Investigative Research, Interviewing, AP Style. The job market is projected to grow -3% nationally over the next decade.