Media & Communications Waipahu, HI Pop. 38,216

Journalist Salary in Waipahu, Hawaii

The median journalist salary in Waipahu, HI is $90,655 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median and 4.7% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$90,655
vs State Avg
$-4,477
vs National
+$34,695
Cost of Living
162%

Journalist Pay in Waipahu: What to Expect (2026)

Waipahu offers a median journalist salary of $90,655, which is $4,477 below the Hawaii state average of $95,132. Compared to the national median of $55,960, 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 $90,655 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $55,960. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Waipahu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for journalists in Waipahu spans from $51,840 at the 10th percentile to $178,200 at the 90th percentile — a $126,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,700, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $162,000. Waipahu is a smaller market (pop. 38,216), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Journalist Salary in Waipahu by Experience

In Waipahu, an entry-level journalist earns around $56,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $162,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 162% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,700
+$21,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$93,960
+$35,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$162,000
+$62,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Waipahu, HI

Percentile Waipahu
10th Percentile $51,840
25th Percentile $64,800
Median (50th) $90,655
75th Percentile $126,360
90th Percentile $178,200

Journalist Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$97,930
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$95,132
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$94,013
Pop. 47,698
Hilo, HI
$85,059
Pop. 45,703

How to Become a Journalist in Waipahu

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Waipahu

Browse open journalist positions in Waipahu, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Waipahu

How much does a Journalist make in Waipahu, HI? ▼
The median journalist salary in Waipahu, Hawaii is $90,655 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $51,840 (10th percentile) to $178,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Waipahu? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,655, a journalist in Waipahu earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Waipahu compare to the Hawaii state average for journalist pay? ▼
Waipahu's median journalist salary of $90,655 is 4.7% below the Hawaii state average of $95,132. 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 journalist salary of $90,655 in Waipahu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Waipahu? ▼
Most journalist positions in Waipahu 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.