Science & Research Waipahu, HI Pop. 38,216

Physicist Salary in Waipahu, Hawaii

The median physicist salary in Waipahu, HI is $246,937 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median and 4.7% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$246,937
vs State Avg
$-12,194
vs National
+$94,507
Cost of Living
162%

Physicist Pay in Waipahu: What to Expect (2026)

Waipahu offers a median physicist salary of $246,937, which is $12,194 below the Hawaii state average of $259,131. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 $246,937 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $152,430. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Waipahu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physicists in Waipahu spans from $126,360 at the 10th percentile to $385,560 at the 90th percentile — a $259,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $132,840, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $356,400. Waipahu is a smaller market (pop. 38,216), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Physicist Salary in Waipahu by Experience

In Waipahu, an entry-level physicist earns around $132,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $356,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 162% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$132,840
+$50,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$251,100
+$96,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$356,400
+$136,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Waipahu, HI

Percentile Waipahu
10th Percentile $126,360
25th Percentile $174,960
Median (50th) $246,937
75th Percentile $315,900
90th Percentile $385,560

Physicist Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

How to Become a Physicist in Waipahu

Education

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

Find Physicist Jobs in Waipahu

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Waipahu

How much does a Physicist make in Waipahu, HI? ▼
The median physicist salary in Waipahu, Hawaii is $246,937 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $126,360 (10th percentile) to $385,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Waipahu? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $246,937, a physicist in Waipahu earns approximately $119 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Waipahu compare to the Hawaii state average for physicist pay? ▼
Waipahu's median physicist salary of $246,937 is 4.7% below the Hawaii state average of $259,131. 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 physicist salary of $246,937 in Waipahu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Waipahu? ▼
Most physicist positions in Waipahu 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.