Average Interior Designers Salary in Hawaii
Interior Designers in Hawaii earn an average annual salary of $68,860, which is slightly below the national average of $71,230. This difference can be attributed to a combination of factors unique to the Hawaiian market, including the island's specific economic drivers and the specialized demand for design services that cater to a tropical environment and a unique tourism-driven economy.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $68,860 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $101,500.
- Outlook: The job market for Interior Designers in Hawaii, with a total local workforce of 230 professionals, indicates a niche but stable presence. The Location Quotient of 0.83 suggests that while the concentration of these professionals is slightly lower than the national average, there is still a consistent demand, translating to approximately 0.377 jobs per 1,000 workers. This signifies a healthy, albeit not booming, employment landscape for skilled designers.
Salary Overview
The average Interior Designers in Hawaii earns-3.3%below the national average.
$33.1
$1,324
$5,738
Interior Designers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Hawaii's Interior Designer salaries over the past four years is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, increased construction, and evolving design trends typically drive salary increases for skilled professionals. Therefore, it's likely that Interior Designers in Hawaii have experienced incremental salary growth, reflecting both inflation and increasing demand for their specialized services.
Interior Designers Salary Distribution in Hawaii
Career progression for Interior Designers in Hawaii significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, perhaps around $50,000-$55,000. With 5-10 years of experience, designers can expect to command salaries in the mid-range, closer to $65,000-$75,000. Senior designers, those with over 10 years of experience and a strong portfolio, can achieve salaries exceeding $80,000, with top performers potentially earning well into the six figures. These percentile gaps clearly signify substantial career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $46,460 | $22.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $51,645 | $24.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $60,600 | $29.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $86,075 | $41.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $101,500 | $48.8 |
Detailed Interior Designers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$68,860
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,982
Adjusted for COL (186.2)
The nominal salary of $68,860 in Hawaii must be viewed through the lens of its exceptionally high Cost of Living Index of 186.2. This means that everyday expenses, from housing to groceries, are nearly double the national average. Consequently, while the salary appears competitive on the surface, its purchasing power is considerably diminished, suggesting that designers may need to earn more than the national average to maintain a comparable standard of living.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
0.377
Per 1K Jobs
0.83
Location Quotient
Hawaii has 0.83x the national average concentration of Interior 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 0.83, the Interior Designer job market in Hawaii is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while the demand exists, the supply of professionals is not disproportionately high. This scenario often translates to a moderately competitive market where experienced and skilled designers can find ample opportunities without facing overwhelming competition from a saturated professional pool.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Interior Designers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu, HI Interior Designers Salary | $66,500↓ 3% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hawaii
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Interior Designers make in Hawaii?
The median annual salary for a Interior Designers in Hawaii is $68,860. This typically ranges from $46,460 for entry-level positions to $101,500 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hawaii is 3.3% lower than the national median of $71,230.
Is Hawaii a lucrative place for Interior Designers?
No, not entirely, due to the high cost of living.While the average salary of $68,860 is respectable, it falls slightly below the national average and is significantly impacted by Hawaii's extremely high cost of living, making it less lucrative in terms of purchasing power.
Is Hawaii a good place to live for Interior 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 ($66,500) and others.
How does experience affect an Interior Designer's salary in Hawaii?
Experience is a major factor. Entry-level designers earn less, while senior designers with extensive portfolios and proven track records can command significantly higher salaries, often exceeding $80,000.
Is the demand for Interior Designers high in Hawaii?
The demand is consistent, as indicated by the jobs per 1,000 workers metric. While not a booming market, there is a steady need for skilled professionals, especially given the unique design requirements of the islands.
What is the Cost of Living Index in Hawaii compared to the national average?
Hawaii's Cost of Living Index is 186.2, meaning it is 86.2% more expensive to live there than the national average (which is indexed at 100).
How does Hawaii's Interior Designer salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Hawaii ($68,860) is slightly lower than the national average ($71,230), a difference that becomes more pronounced when considering the local cost of living.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Hawaii area with a job density of 0.377 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Interior Designers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hawaii