Mechanical Engineer Salary in Honolulu, HI: $136,020 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Honolulu, HI earns a median $136,020/year (≈ $65.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Honolulu's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $114,015 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% above the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, mechanical engineers in Honolulu, HI can expect to earn a median annual salary of $136,020, significantly exceeding the national median of $107,150 by approximately 26.94%. The local salary range varies substantially, with entry-level positions starting at $90,133 (P10) and experienced engineers making as much as $210,832 (P90). These figures reflect estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data and are adjusted for regional pricing variations. Honolulu's job market benefits from a blend of industries, including aerospace giants like SpaceX and Boeing, automotive companies such as Tesla, and HVAC firms, each contributing to the competitive salaries in this field.
About the Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,133 | $43.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,789 | $50.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,020 | $65.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $174,106 | $83.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $210,832 | $101.37 |
Median Salary Position
26.94% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Honolulu
In Honolulu, HI, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $120,699 (2026 est.). At $136,020, the local median is 26.94% above the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Honolulu: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Honolulu Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Honolulu median: $136,020/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Honolulu Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $127,838 | +6.40% more |
| National Average | $107,150 | +26.94% more |
Mechanical Engineers in Honolulu, HI earn a median of $136,020 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.94% higher than the national median of $107,150 and 6.40% above the Hawaii state average of $127,838.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Honolulu has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Honolulu, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $136,020 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $114,015 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$112,256
2025 BLS Actual
$132,161
2026 Current Est.
$136,020
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,256 | Actual |
| 2020 | $114,452 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,977 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,259 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,322 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,482 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,161 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,020 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,992 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Honolulu metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $112,256 (2019) to $132,161 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,992 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,736 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Honolulu metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.92% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $90,133 – $104,789 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,789 – $136,020 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,020 – $174,106 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $174,106 – $210,832 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Honolulu
With only 68 mechanical engineers currently employed in Honolulu, the local job market remains relatively specialized. While this can be advantageous for those seeking positions, the high cost of living—evident in the CoL index of 119.3—impacts purchasing power and necessitates strategic salary negotiations. Among the top-paying employers in the area, aerospace and defense firms often lead in compensation due to the premium associated with security clearances and specialized certifications like the PE license. In contrast, automotive roles at companies like Tesla also offer attractive packages, particularly in equity and benefits. Understanding the forces driving salary disparities—from the industry's preferences for higher education credentials to the differences in compensation structure between individual contributor and management tracks—can help engineers maximize their pay potential.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $132,161 for mechanical engineersin the Honolulu metropolitan area. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Honolulu is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.92%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for mechanical engineers (SOC 17-2141).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov