Physicist Salary in Honolulu, HI: $266,753 (2026)

Physicist Pay in Honolulu: What to Expect (2026)

Honolulu offers a median physicist salary of $266,753, which is $7,622 above the Hawaii state average of $259,131. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 $266,753 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $152,430. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Honolulu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physicists in Honolulu spans from $136,500 at the 10th percentile to $416,500 at the 90th percentile — a $280,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $143,500, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $385,000. With a population of 350,964, Honolulu is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Honolulu by Experience

In Honolulu, an entry-level physicist earns around $143,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $385,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$143,500

+$61,500 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$271,250

+$116,250 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$385,000

+$165,000 vs national

Percentile	Honolulu	HI State	National
10th Percentile	$136,500	$132,600	$78,000
25th Percentile	$189,000	$183,600	$108,000
Median (50th)	$266,753	$259,131	$152,430
75th Percentile	$341,250	$331,500	$195,000
90th Percentile	$416,500	$404,600	$238,000

Percentile

Honolulu

10th Percentile

$136,500

25th Percentile

$189,000

Median (50th)

$266,753

75th Percentile

$341,250

90th Percentile

$416,500

How to Become a Physicist in Honolulu

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Honolulu and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Honolulu may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Honolulu

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

The median physicist salary in Honolulu, Hawaii is $266,753 per year, which is 75.0% above the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $136,500 (10th percentile) to $416,500 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $266,753, a physicist in Honolulu earns approximately $128 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Honolulu's median physicist salary of $266,753 is 2.9% above the Hawaii state average of $259,131. 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 physicist salary of $266,753 in Honolulu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most physicist positions in Honolulu require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Mathematical Modeling, Experimental Physics, Python/MATLAB, Data Analysis. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.

Physicist Salary in Honolulu, Hawaii