Creative & Education Honolulu, HI Pop. 350,964

Social Worker Salary in Honolulu, Hawaii

The median social worker salary in Honolulu, HI is $96,863 per year, which is 75.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$96,863
vs State Avg
+$2,768
vs National
+$41,513
Cost of Living
175%

Social Worker Pay in Honolulu: What to Expect (2026)

Honolulu offers a median social worker salary of $96,863, which is $2,768 above the Hawaii state average of $94,095. Compared to the national median of $55,350, 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 $96,863 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $55,350. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Honolulu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for social workers in Honolulu spans from $63,700 at the 10th percentile to $153,650 at the 90th percentile — a $89,950 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $66,500, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $143,500. With a population of 350,964, Honolulu is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Social Worker Salary in Honolulu by Experience

In Honolulu, an entry-level social worker earns around $66,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $143,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$66,500
+$28,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$98,000
+$42,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$143,500
+$61,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Honolulu, HI

Percentile Honolulu
10th Percentile $63,700
25th Percentile $77,350
Median (50th) $96,863
75th Percentile $123,200
90th Percentile $153,650

Social Worker Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Kailua, HI
$94,095
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$92,988
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$89,667
Pop. 38,216
Hilo, HI
$84,132
Pop. 45,703

How to Become a Social Worker in Honolulu

Education

Most social worker positions require a bachelor's degree. Honolulu and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Honolulu may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Social Worker Jobs in Honolulu

Browse open social worker positions in Honolulu, HI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Honolulu

How much does a Social Worker make in Honolulu, HI? ▼
The median social worker salary in Honolulu, Hawaii is $96,863 per year, which is 75.0% above the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $63,700 (10th percentile) to $153,650 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Honolulu? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $96,863, a social worker in Honolulu earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Honolulu compare to the Hawaii state average for social worker pay? ▼
Honolulu's median social worker salary of $96,863 is 2.9% above the Hawaii state average of $94,095. 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 social worker salary of $96,863 in Honolulu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Honolulu? ▼
Most social worker positions in Honolulu require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Case Management, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Community Resources. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.