QA Engineer Salary in Hawaii
The median qa engineer salary in Hawaii is $148,500 per year, which is 65.0% above the national median of $90,000.
QA Engineer Salary Overview in Hawaii (2026)
Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for qa engineer compensation. This places Hawaii in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for qa engineers seeking high pay. At $148,500 per year, qa engineers in Hawaii earn $58,500 more than the national median of $90,000.
It's worth noting that Hawaii's cost of living is 170% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $148,500 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $87,353.
The salary spread in Hawaii is significant: qa engineers at the 10th percentile earn $90,750, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $234,300 — a $143,550 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 $153,000.
Nationally, qa engineer employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Hawaii and beyond.
QA Engineer Salary in Hawaii by Experience
In Hawaii, an entry-level qa engineer earns around $95,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $222,750 per year. The cost of living index in Hawaii is 170% of the national average.
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View Offers You Qualify For →Salary Percentiles in Hawaii
| Percentile | HI Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $90,750 |
| 25th Percentile | $118,800 |
| Median (50th) | $148,500 |
| 75th Percentile | $194,700 |
| 90th Percentile | $234,300 |
QA Engineer Salary by City in Hawaii
The largest employment areas for qa engineers 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 QA Engineer in Hawaii
Education
Most qa engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Hawaii has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook in Hawaii
Nationally, qa engineer employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Hawaii's demand may vary based on local industry trends.
Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay
Data shows QA Engineers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $74,250 over your career trajectory.
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