Media & Communications Kailua, HI Pop. 38,635

Journalist Salary in Kailua, Hawaii

The median journalist salary in Kailua, HI is $95,132 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median and 0.0% above the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$95,132
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
+$39,172
Cost of Living
170%

Journalist Pay in Kailua: What to Expect (2026)

Kailua offers a median journalist salary of $95,132, which is $0 above the Hawaii state average of $95,132. Compared to the national median of $55,960, 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 $95,132 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $55,960. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Kailua should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for journalists in Kailua spans from $54,400 at the 10th percentile to $187,000 at the 90th percentile — a $132,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,500, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $170,000. Kailua is a smaller market (pop. 38,635), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Journalist Salary in Kailua by Experience

In Kailua, an entry-level journalist earns around $59,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $170,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,500
+$24,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$98,600
+$40,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$170,000
+$70,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kailua, HI

Percentile Kailua
10th Percentile $54,400
25th Percentile $68,000
Median (50th) $95,132
75th Percentile $132,600
90th Percentile $187,000

Journalist Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$97,930
Pop. 350,964
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 Kailua

Education

Most journalist positions require a bachelor's degree. Kailua 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 Kailua may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Journalist Jobs in Kailua

Browse open journalist positions in Kailua, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Kailua

How much does a Journalist make in Kailua, HI? ▼
The median journalist salary in Kailua, Hawaii is $95,132 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $54,400 (10th percentile) to $187,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Kailua? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $95,132, a journalist in Kailua earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kailua compare to the Hawaii state average for journalist pay? ▼
Kailua's median journalist salary of $95,132 is 0.0% above the Hawaii state average of $95,132. 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 journalist salary of $95,132 in Kailua has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Kailua? ▼
Most journalist positions in Kailua 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.