School Counselor Salary in Honolulu, HI: $105,245 (2026)

School Counselor Pay in Honolulu: What to Expect (2026)

Honolulu offers a median school counselor salary of $105,245, which is $3,007 above the Hawaii state average of $102,238. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Honolulu pays above average for this role.

However, Honolulu's cost of living index is 175%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $105,245 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $60,140. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Honolulu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for school counselors in Honolulu spans from $66,850 at the 10th percentile to $165,900 at the 90th percentile — a $99,050 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,000, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $148,750. With a population of 350,964, Honolulu is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

School Counselor Salary in Honolulu by Experience

In Honolulu, an entry-level school counselor earns around $70,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $148,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$70,000

+$30,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$105,000

+$45,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$148,750

+$63,750 vs national

Percentile	Honolulu	HI State	National
10th Percentile	$66,850	$64,940	$38,200
25th Percentile	$82,250	$79,900	$47,000
Median (50th)	$105,245	$102,238	$60,140
75th Percentile	$133,350	$129,540	$76,200
90th Percentile	$165,900	$161,160	$94,800

Percentile

Honolulu

10th Percentile

$66,850

25th Percentile

$82,250

Median (50th)

$105,245

75th Percentile

$133,350

90th Percentile

$165,900

How to Become a School Counselor in Honolulu

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. Honolulu and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CounselingCollege PlanningCrisis InterventionGroup FacilitationActive ListeningStudent Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Honolulu may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Honolulu

How much does a School Counselor make in Honolulu, HI? ▼

The median school counselor salary in Honolulu, Hawaii is $105,245 per year, which is 75.0% above the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $66,850 (10th percentile) to $165,900 (90th percentile).

How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Honolulu? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $105,245, a school counselor in Honolulu earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Honolulu compare to the Hawaii state average for school counselor pay? ▼

Honolulu's median school counselor salary of $105,245 is 2.9% above the Hawaii state average of $102,238. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Honolulu, HI? ▼

Honolulu has a cost of living index of 175% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $105,245 in Honolulu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Honolulu? ▼

Most school counselor positions in Honolulu require a master's degree. Key skills include Counseling, College Planning, Crisis Intervention, Group Facilitation. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

School Counselor Salary in Honolulu, Hawaii