Chief Executive Officer Salary in Hawaii
Based on 470+ workers in Hawaii
Median Annual Salary (HI)
$281,640
$135.40/hr
vs National Average
$212,619
+32.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$100K – $494K
470 employed in Hawaii
Chief Executive Officer salary in Hawaii averages $281,640 annually, positioning the state as a lucrative market for executive leadership roles. With approximately 470 CEOs employed across the islands, Hawaii offers compensation that runs 32% above the national average, reflecting the state's unique economic landscape and cost of living considerations.
Several factors influence Chief Executive Officer salary in Hawaii, including company size, industry sector, and organizational revenue. The islands' tourism, real estate, and technology sectors drive demand for top executive talent, while the higher cost of living and geographic isolation typically support elevated compensation packages compared to mainland counterparts.
Salary Distribution — Chief Executive Officer in Hawaii
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $100,030 |
| 25th percentile | $169,240 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $281,640 |
| 75th percentile | $394,780 |
| 90th percentile | $493,870 |
Top-Paying Industries for Chief Executive Officer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Chief Executive Officers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Chief Executive Officers in Hawaii tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $358,310 | 15K |
| Finance and Insurance | $316,050 | 17K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $311,120 | 680 |
| Information | $275,030 | 9K |
| Manufacturing | $263,290 | 11K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Chief Executive Officer in Hawaii vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Hawaii) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $223,900 |
| 2024 | $231,500 |
| 2025 | $281,640 |
| 2026 (projected) | $298,538 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Hawaii Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $223,900 | $173,235 |
| 2024 | $231,500 | $176,421 |
| 2025 | $281,640 | $212,619 |
| 2026 (projected) | $298,538 | $225,376 |
Chief Executive Officer Salary by Experience Level in Hawaii
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $169,240 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $281,640 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $394,780 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $493,870 |
Chief Executive Officer Salary in Other States
Related Chief Executive Officer Salaries in Hawaii
How other high-demand occupations in Hawaii compare to Chief Executive Officer ($281,640 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chief Executive Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Manager in HI | $128,910 | -54.2% | $61.98/hr |
| Construction Manager in HI | $128,910 | -54.2% | $61.98/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in HI | $124,650 | -55.7% | $59.93/hr |
| Marketing Manager in HI | $117,770 | -58.2% | $56.62/hr |
| Sales Manager in HI | $116,340 | -58.7% | $55.93/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in HI | $113,490 | -59.7% | $54.56/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in HI | $113,400 | -59.7% | $54.52/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in HI | $110,840 | -60.6% | $53.29/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in HI | $108,180 | -61.6% | $52.01/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in HI | $105,010 | -62.7% | $50.49/hr |
| Management Analyst in HI | $101,750 | -63.9% | $48.92/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in HI | $78,000 | -72.3% | $37.50/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do CEOs make in Hawaii?
- The median CEO salary in Hawaii is $281,640 per year, or $135 per hour. This represents a 32.5% premium over the national average CEO salary, making Hawaii one of the higher-paying states for executive leadership positions.
What is the salary range for a CEO in Hawaii?
- CEO salaries in Hawaii range from $100,030 at the lower end to $493,870 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in company size, industry, and individual experience levels among the 470 employed CEOs in the state.
Is CEO pay higher in Hawaii than the national average?
- Yes, CEO compensation in Hawaii is significantly higher than the national average, with Hawaii's median salary of $281,640 exceeding the national average by 32.5%. This makes Hawaii an attractive location for executive positions compared to most other states.
How many CEOs are employed in Hawaii?
- There are approximately 470 chief executive officers currently employed in Hawaii. This represents the total number of CEO positions across all industries and company sizes throughout the state.