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Graphic Designer Salary in Honolulu, HI β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Honolulu's cost of living (index: 193). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Graphic Designer Salary in Honolulu β€” Key Numbers

$115,742
Median Salary
$84,669
25th Percentile
$157,604
75th Percentile
$206,838
90th Percentile
National median (Graphic Designer)$59,970
vs. National median+93.0%
Honolulu median household income$88,800
vs. City household income+30.3%

Cost of Living in Honolulu

Cost of Living Index
193(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,975/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio20.5%
Annual rent cost$23,700
Median Home Price$900,000
Home Price / Salary7.8Γ—
20% Down Payment$180,000
Years to save (20% rate)7.8 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Honolulu

2.9%
Unemployment Rate
1,010,000
Metro Population
27 min
Avg Commute
43
Median Age

Honolulu has a metro population of 1,010,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 2.9% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Honolulu, HI?

The estimated median salary for a Graphic Designer in Honolulu is $115,742 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $59,970 adjusted by Honolulu's cost of living index (193). The typical salary range runs from $84,669 (25th percentile) to $157,604 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $206,838.

Is Honolulu affordable for a Graphic Designer?

On a $115,742 annual salary, a Graphic Designer in Honolulu would spend approximately 20.5% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,975/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Honolulu relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $900,000 is 7.8Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Graphic Designer's salary compare to Honolulu's overall income?

Honolulu's median household income is $88,800. A Graphic Designer earning the city-adjusted median of $115,742 earns 30.3% more than the typical Honolulu household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.