Average Civil Engineers Salary in Hawaii
Civil Engineers in Hawaii earn an average annual salary of $97,590, which is notably below the national average of $106,590. This differential is largely influenced by the unique economic landscape and operational costs inherent to an island state, impacting everything from project scale to the availability of specialized resources.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $97,590 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $131,090.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,880 Civil Engineers, Hawaii presents a concentrated job market. The Location Quotient of 1.32 indicates a higher-than-average concentration of these professionals relative to the national baseline, suggesting a robust demand and a specialized need for civil engineering expertise within the state's infrastructure development and maintenance sectors.
Salary Overview
The average Civil Engineers in Hawaii earns-8.4%below the national average.
$46.9
$1,877
$8,133
Civil Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Civil Engineers in Hawaii have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is likely driven by ongoing infrastructure projects, increased demand for sustainable development, and the general rise in the cost of living across the islands.
Civil Engineers Salary Distribution in Hawaii
Salary progression for Civil Engineers in Hawaii typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start considerably lower than the average, while senior engineers with extensive project management and design expertise can command salaries well above the $97,590 mark. The widening gap between lower and higher percentile salaries reflects clear career advancement opportunities and the increasing value placed on specialized skills and leadership.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $65,520 | $31.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $73,193 | $35.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $94,970 | $45.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $121,988 | $58.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $131,090 | $63 |
Detailed Civil Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$97,590
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$52,411
Adjusted for COL (186.2)
The nominal average salary of $97,590 in Hawaii must be viewed through the lens of its exceptionally high Cost of Living Index of 186.2. This means that despite a respectable salary, the purchasing power for Civil Engineers in Hawaii is considerably diminished compared to the national average, requiring a higher nominal income to maintain a similar standard of living.
Job Market Context
1,880
Total Jobs
3.033
Per 1K Jobs
1.32
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.32, Hawaii has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Civil Engineers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.32 signifies that Civil Engineers are more concentrated in Hawaii than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet specialized job market where employers actively seek out these professionals due to their prevalence and the specific demands of island-based infrastructure projects. While the talent pool is relatively deep, the unique environmental and logistical challenges of Hawaii create a distinct demand for experienced engineers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Civil Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu, HI Civil Engineers Salary | $95,920↓ 2% | 37 mi |
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI Civil Engineers Salary | $100,130↑ 3% | 69 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hawaii
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Civil Engineers make in Hawaii?
The median annual salary for a Civil Engineers in Hawaii is $97,590. This typically ranges from $65,520 for entry-level positions to $131,090 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hawaii is 8.4% lower than the national median of $106,590.
Is Hawaii a lucrative place for Civil Engineers?
No, not solely based on nominal salary.While Civil Engineers in Hawaii earn $97,590 annually, this figure falls below the national average and is significantly impacted by the state's high cost of living, making it less lucrative in terms of purchasing power.
Is Hawaii a good place to live for Civil Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Hawaii is 186.2. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hawaii?
Some top paying nearby cities include Urban Honolulu, HI ($95,920) and Kahului-Wailuku, HI.
How does the Hawaii Civil Engineer salary compare to the national average?
The average Civil Engineer salary in Hawaii is $97,590, which is approximately $9,000 less than the national average of $106,590.
What is the concentration of Civil Engineers in Hawaii?
Hawaii has a higher concentration of Civil Engineers than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.32.
How does the cost of living affect a Civil Engineer's salary in Hawaii?
Hawaii's Cost of Living Index is 186.2, significantly higher than the national average of 100, meaning the $97,590 salary has less purchasing power locally.
What is the total number of Civil Engineers working in Hawaii?
There are approximately 1,880 Civil Engineers employed within the state of Hawaii.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,880 employees in the Hawaii area with a job density of 3.033 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Civil Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hawaii