Creative & Education Hawaii (HI) Rank #1 of 50

Librarian Salary in Hawaii

The median librarian salary in Hawaii is $104,023 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $61,190.

Median Salary
$104,023
vs National
+$42,833
State Rank
#1 of 50
Cost of Living
170%

Librarian Salary Overview in Hawaii (2026)

Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for librarian compensation. This places Hawaii in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for librarians seeking high pay. At $104,023 per year, librarians in Hawaii earn $42,833 more than the national median of $61,190.

It's worth noting that Hawaii's cost of living is 170% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $104,023 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $61,190.

The salary spread in Hawaii is significant: librarians at the 10th percentile earn $66,640, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $164,220 — a $97,580 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Hawaii for this role is Honolulu, where the median reaches $107,083.

Nationally, librarian employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for librarians across the country.

Librarian Salary in Hawaii by Experience

In Hawaii, an entry-level librarian earns around $71,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $149,600 per year. The cost of living index in Hawaii is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,400
+$29,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$105,400
+$43,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$149,600
+$61,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Hawaii

Percentile HI Salary
10th Percentile $66,640
25th Percentile $83,300
Median (50th) $104,023
75th Percentile $131,240
90th Percentile $164,220

Librarian Salary by City in Hawaii

The largest employment areas for librarians in Hawaii include Honolulu, Pearl City, Hilo, and Kailua. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Librarian in Hawaii

Education

Most librarian positions require a master's degree. Hawaii has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Information ScienceResearchCatalogingCommunity ProgrammingDigital LiteracyDatabase Management

Job Outlook in Hawaii

Nationally, librarian employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Hawaii's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Librarian Salary in Hawaii

How much does a Librarian make in Hawaii? ▼
The median librarian salary in Hawaii is $104,023 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $61,190. Salaries range from $66,640 (10th percentile) to $164,220 (90th percentile).
How much does a Librarian make per hour in Hawaii? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $104,023, a librarian in Hawaii earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Hawaii a good state for librarians? ▼
Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for librarian pay. The cost of living index is 170% of the national average. Entry-level librarians earn $71,400, while senior professionals earn $149,600.
How does Hawaii compare to other states for librarian salary? ▼
The highest paying state for librarians is Hawaii at $104,023. Hawaii's median of $104,023 ranks #1 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($84,442) and Massachusetts ($82,607).
What is the entry-level librarian salary in Hawaii? ▼
An entry-level librarian in Hawaii earns approximately $71,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $105,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $149,600.
What city in Hawaii pays librarians the most? ▼
Honolulu is the highest paying city in Hawaii for librarians, with a median salary of $107,083. Other cities include Pearl City and Hilo.