Lawyers in Hawaii earn an average annual salary of $121,900, which is notably lower than the national average of $194,940. This disparity can be attributed to a combination of factors unique to the Hawaiian market, including the island's geographic isolation, specific legal demands, and the overall economic structure of the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $121,900 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $173,040.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,430 legal professionals, Hawaii presents a moderately sized market for lawyers. The Location Quotient of 0.81 suggests a slightly lower concentration of lawyers compared to the national average, indicating a stable but not overly saturated job market. The presence of nearly 4 jobs per 1,000 workers signifies consistent demand for legal services across the islands.
Lawyers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for lawyers in Hawaii have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of professional salary growth. Economic shifts, evolving legal landscapes, and inflation likely contribute to incremental increases in compensation for legal professionals in the state.
Lawyers Salary Distribution in Hawaii
The career trajectory for lawyers in Hawaii typically involves significant salary growth with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as legal professionals gain expertise, build their reputation, and take on more complex cases, their earning potential escalates considerably. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries reflects the value placed on accumulated knowledge and proven success in the legal field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $76,180 | $36.6 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $91,425 | $44 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $116,010 | $55.8 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $152,375 | $73.3 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $173,040 | $83.2 |
Detailed Lawyers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$121,900
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$65,467
Adjusted for COL (186.2)
While the average salary for lawyers in Hawaii stands at $121,900, the state's Cost of Living Index is a substantial 186.2, more than 86% above the national average. This means that the nominal salary, while seemingly substantial, has significantly reduced purchasing power locally. Professionals considering a move to Hawaii must carefully weigh the high cost of goods and services against their potential earnings.
Job Market Context
2,430
Total Jobs
3.917
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Hawaii has 0.81x the national average concentration of Lawyers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.81 indicates that lawyers are slightly less concentrated in Hawaii than the national average. This suggests that while the legal profession is established, it is not disproportionately represented within the state's workforce. This could imply a healthy demand relative to supply, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled legal professionals without an overwhelming level of competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Lawyers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu, HI Lawyers Salary | $122,460↑ 0% | 37 mi |
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI Lawyers Salary | $121,930↑ 0% | 69 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hawaii
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Lawyers make in Hawaii?
The median annual salary for a Lawyers in Hawaii is $121,900. This typically ranges from $76,180 for entry-level positions to $173,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hawaii is 37.5% lower than the national median of $194,940.
Is Hawaii a lucrative place for Lawyers?
No, not when considering the cost of living.While lawyers in Hawaii earn a respectable $121,900 on average, the state's exceptionally high cost of living significantly diminishes the real value of this salary compared to the national average.
Is Hawaii a good place to live for Lawyers?
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 ($122,460) and Kahului-Wailuku, HI.
How does Hawaii's lawyer salary compare to the national average?
Lawyers in Hawaii earn an average of $121,900 annually, which is considerably lower than the national average of $194,940.
What is the concentration of lawyers in Hawaii?
Hawaii has a Location Quotient of 0.81 for lawyers, indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect a lawyer's salary in Hawaii?
Hawaii's Cost of Living Index is 186.2, meaning that the $121,900 average salary has less purchasing power than it would in a location with a lower cost of living.
Are there many job opportunities for lawyers in Hawaii?
With approximately 3.917 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a steady demand for legal professionals in Hawaii, though the market is not as concentrated as the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,430 employees in the Hawaii area with a job density of 3.917 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Lawyers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hawaii