Engineering Kailua, HI Pop. 38,635

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Kailua, Hawaii

The median mechanical engineer salary in Kailua, HI is $163,727 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median and 0.0% above the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$163,727
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
+$67,417
Cost of Living
170%

Mechanical Engineer Pay in Kailua: What to Expect (2026)

Kailua offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $163,727, which is $0 above the Hawaii state average of $163,727. Compared to the national median of $96,310, 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 $163,727 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $96,310. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Kailua should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for mechanical engineers in Kailua spans from $107,780 at the 10th percentile to $248,540 at the 90th percentile — a $140,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $110,500, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $234,600. Kailua is a smaller market (pop. 38,635), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Kailua by Experience

In Kailua, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $110,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $234,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$110,500
+$45,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$163,200
+$67,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$234,600
+$96,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kailua, HI

Percentile Kailua
10th Percentile $107,780
25th Percentile $133,960
Median (50th) $163,727
75th Percentile $203,320
90th Percentile $248,540

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$168,543
Pop. 350,964
Pearl City, HI
$161,801
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$156,022
Pop. 38,216
Hilo, HI
$146,391
Pop. 45,703

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Kailua

Education

Most mechanical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Kailua and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SolidWorks/CADThermodynamicsFEAManufacturingMaterials SciencePE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Kailua may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Kailua

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Kailua, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Kailua

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Kailua, HI? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Kailua, Hawaii is $163,727 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $107,780 (10th percentile) to $248,540 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Kailua? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $163,727, a mechanical engineer in Kailua earns approximately $79 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kailua compare to the Hawaii state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Kailua's median mechanical engineer salary of $163,727 is 0.0% above the Hawaii state average of $163,727. 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 mechanical engineer salary of $163,727 in Kailua has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Kailua? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Kailua require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include SolidWorks/CAD, Thermodynamics, FEA, Manufacturing. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.