Media & Communications Waipahu, HI Pop. 38,216

Photographer Salary in Waipahu, Hawaii

The median photographer salary in Waipahu, HI is $65,124 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median and 4.7% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$65,124
vs State Avg
$-3,216
vs National
+$24,924
Cost of Living
162%

Photographer Pay in Waipahu: What to Expect (2026)

Waipahu offers a median photographer salary of $65,124, which is $3,216 below the Hawaii state average of $68,340. Compared to the national median of $40,200, 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 $65,124 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $40,200. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Waipahu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for photographers in Waipahu spans from $38,880 at the 10th percentile to $132,840 at the 90th percentile — a $93,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,120, while senior photographers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $121,500. Waipahu is a smaller market (pop. 38,216), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Photographer Salary in Waipahu by Experience

In Waipahu, an entry-level photographer earns around $42,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $121,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 162% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,120
+$16,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,040
+$26,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$121,500
+$46,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Waipahu, HI

Percentile Waipahu
10th Percentile $38,880
25th Percentile $48,600
Median (50th) $65,124
75th Percentile $93,960
90th Percentile $132,840

Photographer Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

How to Become a Photographer in Waipahu

Education

Most photographer positions require a high school diploma. Waipahu 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 Waipahu may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Photographer Jobs in Waipahu

Browse open photographer positions in Waipahu, HI:

Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in Waipahu

How much does a Photographer make in Waipahu, HI? ▼
The median photographer salary in Waipahu, Hawaii is $65,124 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $38,880 (10th percentile) to $132,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Photographer make per hour in Waipahu? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,124, a photographer in Waipahu earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Waipahu compare to the Hawaii state average for photographer pay? ▼
Waipahu's median photographer salary of $65,124 is 4.7% below the Hawaii state average of $68,340. 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 photographer salary of $65,124 in Waipahu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a photographer in Waipahu? ▼
Most photographer positions in Waipahu 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.