Business & Finance Hawaii (HI) Rank #1 of 50

Project Manager Salary in Hawaii

The median project manager salary in Hawaii is $162,129 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $95,370.

Median Salary
$162,129
vs National
+$66,759
State Rank
#1 of 50
Cost of Living
170%

Project Manager Salary Overview in Hawaii (2026)

Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for project manager compensation. This places Hawaii in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for project managers seeking high pay. At $162,129 per year, project managers in Hawaii earn $66,759 more than the national median of $95,370.

It's worth noting that Hawaii's cost of living is 170% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $162,129 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $95,370.

The salary spread in Hawaii is significant: project managers at the 10th percentile earn $95,540, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $270,470 — a $174,930 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 $166,898.

Nationally, project manager employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for project managers across the country.

Project Manager Salary in Hawaii by Experience

In Hawaii, an entry-level project manager earns around $98,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $246,500 per year. The cost of living index in Hawaii is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$98,600
+$40,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$163,200
+$67,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$246,500
+$101,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Hawaii

Percentile HI Salary
10th Percentile $95,540
25th Percentile $124,100
Median (50th) $162,129
75th Percentile $214,200
90th Percentile $270,470

Project Manager Salary by City in Hawaii

The largest employment areas for project managers 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 Project Manager in Hawaii

Education

Most project manager positions require a bachelor's degree. Hawaii has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Agile/ScrumRisk ManagementBudgetingStakeholder CommunicationJIRA/AsanaPMP Certification

Job Outlook in Hawaii

Nationally, project manager employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Hawaii's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Project Manager Salary in Hawaii

How much does a Project Manager make in Hawaii? ▼
The median project manager salary in Hawaii is $162,129 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $95,370. Salaries range from $95,540 (10th percentile) to $270,470 (90th percentile).
How much does a Project Manager make per hour in Hawaii? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $162,129, a project manager in Hawaii earns approximately $78 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Hawaii a good state for project managers? ▼
Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for project manager pay. The cost of living index is 170% of the national average. Entry-level project managers earn $98,600, while senior professionals earn $246,500.
How does Hawaii compare to other states for project manager salary? ▼
The highest paying state for project managers is Hawaii at $162,129. Hawaii's median of $162,129 ranks #1 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Massachusetts ($135,425) and California ($131,611).
What is the entry-level project manager salary in Hawaii? ▼
An entry-level project manager in Hawaii earns approximately $98,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $163,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $246,500.
What city in Hawaii pays project managers the most? ▼
Honolulu is the highest paying city in Hawaii for project managers, with a median salary of $166,898. Other cities include Pearl City and Hilo.