Photographer Salary in Honolulu, HI: $70,350 (2026)

Photographer Pay in Honolulu: What to Expect (2026)

Honolulu offers a median photographer salary of $70,350, which is $2,010 above the Hawaii state average of $68,340. Compared to the national median of $40,200, Honolulu pays above average for this role.

However, Honolulu's cost of living index is 175%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $70,350 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $40,200. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Honolulu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for photographers in Honolulu spans from $42,000 at the 10th percentile to $143,500 at the 90th percentile — a $101,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,500, while senior photographers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $131,250. With a population of 350,964, Honolulu is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Photographer Salary in Honolulu by Experience

In Honolulu, an entry-level photographer earns around $45,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $131,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$45,500

+$19,500 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$73,500

+$31,500 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$131,250

+$56,250 vs national

Percentile	Honolulu	HI State	National
10th Percentile	$42,000	$40,800	$24,000
25th Percentile	$52,500	$51,000	$30,000
Median (50th)	$70,350	$68,340	$40,200
75th Percentile	$101,500	$98,600	$58,000
90th Percentile	$143,500	$139,400	$82,000

Percentile

Honolulu

10th Percentile

$42,000

25th Percentile

$52,500

Median (50th)

$70,350

75th Percentile

$101,500

90th Percentile

$143,500

How to Become a Photographer in Honolulu

Education

Most photographer positions require a high school diploma. Honolulu and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PhotographyLightroom/PhotoshopLightingCompositionPhoto EditingClient Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, photographer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Honolulu may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in Honolulu

How much does a Photographer make in Honolulu, HI? ▼

The median photographer salary in Honolulu, Hawaii is $70,350 per year, which is 75.0% above the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $42,000 (10th percentile) to $143,500 (90th percentile).

How much does a Photographer make per hour in Honolulu? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $70,350, a photographer in Honolulu earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Honolulu compare to the Hawaii state average for photographer pay? ▼

Honolulu's median photographer salary of $70,350 is 2.9% above the Hawaii state average of $68,340. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Honolulu, HI? ▼

Honolulu has a cost of living index of 175% compared to the national average. This means a photographer salary of $70,350 in Honolulu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a photographer in Honolulu? ▼

Most photographer positions in Honolulu require a high school diploma. Key skills include Photography, Lightroom/Photoshop, Lighting, Composition. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.

Photographer Salary in Honolulu, Hawaii