How does a Professor's salary in Honolulu compare to the rest of Hawaii?

Honolulu's cost of living index is 193 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted upward accordingly. A Professor earning the city-adjusted median of $162,853 earns $74,053 more than the median household income in Honolulu ($88,800).

Professor Salary in Honolulu, HI — 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.

Professor Salary in Honolulu — Key Numbers

$162,853

Median Salary

$111,168

25th Percentile

$236,348

75th Percentile

$326,016

90th Percentile

National median (Professor)$84,380

vs. National median+93.0%

Honolulu median household income$88,800

vs. City household income+83.4%

Cost of Living in Honolulu

Cost of Living Index

193(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$1,975/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio14.6%

Annual rent cost$23,700

Median Home Price$900,000

Home Price / Salary5.5×

20% Down Payment$180,000

Years to save (20% rate)5.5 yrs

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

Job Market in Honolulu

2.9%

Unemployment Rate

1,010,000

Metro Population

27 min

Avg Commute

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.

Financial Calculators for Honolulu

💰

Take-Home Pay Calculator

See your net pay on $162,853/yr

⏱️

Salary to Hourly

Convert $162,853/yr to hourly rate

🏙️

Cost of Living — Honolulu

Compare Honolulu to other cities

🏠

Rent vs. Buy in Honolulu

Is buying worth it on your salary?

📊

Budget Planner

Plan your budget in Honolulu

🗺️

Professor Salary in Hawaii

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Honolulu

Physician$442,549 Chief Executive Officer$405,300 Dentist$338,734 IT Manager$327,154 Marketing Manager$304,207 Lawyer$281,317

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Professor make in Honolulu, HI?

The estimated median salary for a Professor in Honolulu is $162,853 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $84,380 adjusted by Honolulu's cost of living index (193). The typical salary range runs from $111,168 (25th percentile) to $236,348 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $326,016.

Is Honolulu affordable for a Professor?

On a $162,853 annual salary, a Professor in Honolulu would spend approximately 14.6% 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 5.5× the annual salary.

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

Honolulu's median household income is $88,800. A Professor earning the city-adjusted median of $162,853 earns 83.4% more than the typical Honolulu household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Professor — National Professor in Hawaii All Salary Guides

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.