Creative & Education Kailua, HI Pop. 38,635

Social Worker Salary in Kailua, Hawaii

The median social worker salary in Kailua, HI is $94,095 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median and 0.0% above the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$94,095
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
+$38,745
Cost of Living
170%

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

Kailua offers a median social worker salary of $94,095, which is $0 above the Hawaii state average of $94,095. Compared to the national median of $55,350, Kailua pays above average for this role.

However, Kailua's cost of living index is 170%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $94,095 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $55,350. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Kailua should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for social workers in Kailua spans from $61,880 at the 10th percentile to $149,260 at the 90th percentile — a $87,380 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $64,600, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $139,400. Kailua is a smaller market (pop. 38,635), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Social Worker Salary in Kailua by Experience

In Kailua, an entry-level social worker earns around $64,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $139,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$64,600
+$26,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$95,200
+$39,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$139,400
+$57,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kailua, HI

Percentile Kailua
10th Percentile $61,880
25th Percentile $75,140
Median (50th) $94,095
75th Percentile $119,680
90th Percentile $149,260

Social Worker Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$96,863
Pop. 350,964
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 Kailua

Education

Most social worker positions require a bachelor's degree. Kailua 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 Kailua may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Social Worker Jobs in Kailua

Browse open social worker positions in Kailua, HI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Kailua

How much does a Social Worker make in Kailua, HI? ▼
The median social worker salary in Kailua, Hawaii is $94,095 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $61,880 (10th percentile) to $149,260 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Kailua? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $94,095, a social worker in Kailua earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kailua compare to the Hawaii state average for social worker pay? ▼
Kailua's median social worker salary of $94,095 is 0.0% above the Hawaii state average of $94,095. The local cost of living index is 170% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kailua, HI? ▼
Kailua has a cost of living index of 170% compared to the national average. This means a social worker salary of $94,095 in Kailua has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Kailua? ▼
Most social worker positions in Kailua 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.