Public Service Hawaii (HI) Rank #1 of 50

Police Officer Salary in Hawaii

The median police officer salary in Hawaii is $111,843 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $65,790.

Median Salary
$111,843
vs National
+$46,053
State Rank
#1 of 50
Cost of Living
170%

Police Officer Salary Overview in Hawaii (2026)

Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for police officer compensation. This places Hawaii in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for police officers seeking high pay. At $111,843 per year, police officers in Hawaii earn $46,053 more than the national median of $65,790.

It's worth noting that Hawaii's cost of living is 170% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $111,843 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $65,790.

The salary spread in Hawaii is significant: police officers at the 10th percentile earn $68,680, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $180,200 — a $111,520 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Hawaii for this role is Honolulu, where the median reaches $115,133.

Nationally, police officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for police officers across the country.

Police Officer Salary in Hawaii by Experience

In Hawaii, an entry-level police officer earns around $71,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $166,600 per year. The cost of living index in Hawaii is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,400
+$29,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$112,200
+$46,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$166,600
+$68,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Hawaii

Percentile HI Salary
10th Percentile $68,680
25th Percentile $87,040
Median (50th) $111,843
75th Percentile $148,240
90th Percentile $180,200

Police Officer Salary by City in Hawaii

The largest employment areas for police officers in Hawaii include Honolulu, Pearl City, Hilo, and Kailua. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Police Officer in Hawaii

Education

Most police officer positions require a high school diploma. Hawaii has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Law EnforcementEmergency ResponseReport WritingDe-escalationPhysical FitnessCommunity Policing

Job Outlook in Hawaii

Nationally, police officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Hawaii's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Hawaii

How much does a Police Officer make in Hawaii? ▼
The median police officer salary in Hawaii is $111,843 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $68,680 (10th percentile) to $180,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Hawaii? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $111,843, a police officer in Hawaii earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Hawaii a good state for police officers? ▼
Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for police officer pay. The cost of living index is 170% of the national average. Entry-level police officers earn $71,400, while senior professionals earn $166,600.
How does Hawaii compare to other states for police officer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for police officers is Hawaii at $111,843. Hawaii's median of $111,843 ranks #1 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($90,790) and Massachusetts ($88,817).
What is the entry-level police officer salary in Hawaii? ▼
An entry-level police officer in Hawaii earns approximately $71,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $112,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $166,600.
What city in Hawaii pays police officers the most? ▼
Honolulu is the highest paying city in Hawaii for police officers, with a median salary of $115,133. Other cities include Pearl City and Hilo.