Average Graphic Designers Salary in Hawaii
Graphic Designers in Hawaii earn an average annual salary of $57,840, which is notably below the national average of $68,540. This disparity is often influenced by the unique economic factors and the isolated nature of the Hawaiian islands, which can impact operational costs and the demand for specialized creative roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $57,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.2% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $86,990.
- Outlook: The graphic design job market in Hawaii, with a total local workforce of 510 professionals, presents a modest but stable employment landscape. The Location Quotient of 0.59 suggests that graphic design roles are less concentrated than the national average, indicating a potentially less saturated market but also possibly lower overall demand compared to mainland hubs.
Salary Overview
The average Graphic Designers in Hawaii earns-15.6%below the national average.
$27.8
$1,112
$4,820
Graphic Designers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Graphic Designers in Hawaii have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic shifts and the increasing reliance on digital media likely contribute to a steady, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory in compensation for creative professionals in the state.
Graphic Designers Salary Distribution in Hawaii
Career progression for Graphic Designers in Hawaii typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. The gap between starting salaries and those earned by seasoned professionals reflects the value placed on experience, specialized skills, and a proven portfolio, with higher percentiles representing advanced expertise and leadership capabilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $29,800 | $14.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $43,380 | $20.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $51,630 | $24.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $72,300 | $34.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $86,990 | $41.8 |
Detailed Graphic Designers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$57,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,063
Adjusted for COL (186.2)
A nominal salary of $57,840 in Hawaii must be viewed through the lens of its exceptionally high Cost of Living Index of 186.2. This means that the purchasing power of a Graphic Designer's income in Hawaii is considerably diminished, making the effective take-home value of their salary significantly lower than the national average when accounting for essential living expenses.
Job Market Context
510
Total Jobs
0.817
Per 1K Jobs
0.59
Location Quotient
Hawaii has 0.59x the national average concentration of Graphic Designers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.59, the graphic design job market in Hawaii is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there may not be an overwhelming abundance of opportunities compared to larger metropolitan areas, the competition for available roles might be less intense, offering a unique balance for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Graphic Designers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu, HI Graphic Designers Salary | $57,780↓ 0% | 37 mi |
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI Graphic Designers Salary | $63,910↑ 10% | 69 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hawaii
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Graphic Designers make in Hawaii?
The median annual salary for a Graphic Designers in Hawaii is $57,840. This typically ranges from $29,800 for entry-level positions to $86,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hawaii is 15.6% lower than the national median of $68,540.
Is Hawaii a lucrative place for Graphic Designers?
No, not in terms of purchasing power.While the nominal salary is $57,840, the extremely high cost of living in Hawaii significantly reduces the effective value of this income. The high cost of goods and services means that this salary does not stretch as far as it would in most other states.
Is Hawaii a good place to live for Graphic Designers?
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 ($57,780) and Kahului-Wailuku, HI.
How does Hawaii's cost of living affect Graphic Designer salaries?
Hawaii's Cost of Living Index is 186.2, meaning it's 86.2% more expensive than the national average. This high cost significantly erodes the purchasing power of the $57,840 average salary for Graphic Designers.
Is the demand for Graphic Designers high in Hawaii?
The Location Quotient of 0.59 suggests that graphic design jobs are less concentrated in Hawaii compared to the national average, implying a potentially lower overall demand or a more niche market.
What is the average salary for a Graphic Designer in Hawaii?
The average annual salary for a Graphic Designer in Hawaii is $57,840.
How does Hawaii's Graphic Designer salary compare to the national average?
Graphic Designers in Hawaii earn approximately $10,700 less per year on average compared to the national average salary of $68,540.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 510 employees in the Hawaii area with a job density of 0.817 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Graphic Designers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hawaii