Engineering Waipahu, HI Pop. 38,216

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Waipahu, Hawaii

The median mechanical engineer salary in Waipahu, HI is $156,022 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median and 4.7% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$156,022
vs State Avg
$-7,705
vs National
+$59,712
Cost of Living
162%

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

Waipahu offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $156,022, which is $7,705 below the Hawaii state average of $163,727. Compared to the national median of $96,310, 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 $156,022 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $96,310. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Waipahu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for mechanical engineers in Waipahu spans from $102,708 at the 10th percentile to $236,844 at the 90th percentile — a $134,136 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $105,300, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $223,560. Waipahu is a smaller market (pop. 38,216), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Waipahu by Experience

In Waipahu, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $105,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $223,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 162% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$105,300
+$40,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$155,520
+$59,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$223,560
+$85,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Waipahu, HI

Percentile Waipahu
10th Percentile $102,708
25th Percentile $127,656
Median (50th) $156,022
75th Percentile $193,752
90th Percentile $236,844

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$168,543
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$163,727
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$161,801
Pop. 47,698
Hilo, HI
$146,391
Pop. 45,703

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Waipahu

Education

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

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Waipahu

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Waipahu, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Waipahu

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Waipahu, HI? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Waipahu, Hawaii is $156,022 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $102,708 (10th percentile) to $236,844 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Waipahu? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $156,022, a mechanical engineer in Waipahu earns approximately $75 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Waipahu compare to the Hawaii state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Waipahu's median mechanical engineer salary of $156,022 is 4.7% below the Hawaii state average of $163,727. 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 mechanical engineer salary of $156,022 in Waipahu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Waipahu? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Waipahu 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.