Physicist Salary in Kailua, HI: $259,131 (2026)

Physicist Pay in Kailua: What to Expect (2026)

Kailua offers a median physicist salary of $259,131, which is $0 above the Hawaii state average of $259,131. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 $259,131 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $152,430. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Kailua should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physicists in Kailua spans from $132,600 at the 10th percentile to $404,600 at the 90th percentile — a $272,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $139,400, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $374,000. Kailua is a smaller market (pop. 38,635), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Physicist Salary in Kailua by Experience

In Kailua, an entry-level physicist earns around $139,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $374,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$139,400

+$57,400 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$263,500

+$108,500 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$374,000

+$154,000 vs national

Percentile	Kailua	HI State	National
10th Percentile	$132,600	$132,600	$78,000
25th Percentile	$183,600	$183,600	$108,000
Median (50th)	$259,131	$259,131	$152,430
75th Percentile	$331,500	$331,500	$195,000
90th Percentile	$404,600	$404,600	$238,000

Percentile

Kailua

10th Percentile

$132,600

25th Percentile

$183,600

Median (50th)

$259,131

75th Percentile

$331,500

90th Percentile

$404,600

How to Become a Physicist in Kailua

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Kailua 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 Kailua may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Kailua

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

The median physicist salary in Kailua, Hawaii is $259,131 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $132,600 (10th percentile) to $404,600 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $259,131, a physicist in Kailua earns approximately $125 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Kailua's median physicist salary of $259,131 is 0.0% above the Hawaii state average of $259,131. 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 physicist salary of $259,131 in Kailua has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most physicist positions in Kailua 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 Kailua, Hawaii