Economist Salary in Hawaii
Based on 50+ workers in Hawaii
Median Annual Salary (HI)
$83,050
$39.93/hr
vs National Average
$111,296
-25.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$66K – $120K
50 employed in Hawaii
The median economist salary in Hawaii is $83,050 per year, based on data from approximately 50 workers in the state. However, this falls about 25% below the national average, reflecting Hawaii's unique economic landscape and cost of living considerations. Economists in Hawaii typically earn between $66,370 and $120,270 annually, depending on their experience and employer.
Several factors influence economist salary in Hawaii, including industry sector, years of experience, and educational background. Government positions, research institutions, and private sector employers may offer different compensation packages. Additionally, Hawaii's geographic isolation and smaller job market compared to mainland states can impact salary opportunities and career progression for economists seeking positions in the islands.
Salary Distribution — Economist in Hawaii
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $66,370 |
| 25th percentile | $71,000 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $83,050 |
| 75th percentile | $96,390 |
| 90th percentile | $120,270 |
Top-Paying Industries for Economist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Economists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Economists in Hawaii tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $210,780 | 30 |
| Wholesale Trade | $207,400 | 40 |
| Manufacturing | $180,320 | 90 |
| Finance and Insurance | $173,990 | 2K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $160,150 | 170 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Economist in Hawaii vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Hawaii) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $83,490 |
| 2023 | $88,540 |
| 2024 | $81,740 |
| 2025 | $83,050 |
| 2026 (projected) | $84,381 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $83,490 | $96,369 |
| 2023 | $88,540 | $98,241 |
| 2024 | $81,740 | $102,371 |
| 2025 | $83,050 | $111,296 |
| 2026 (projected) | $84,381 | $113,080 |
Economist Salary by Experience Level in Hawaii
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $71,000 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $83,050 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $96,390 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $120,270 |
Economist Salary in Other States
Related Economist Salaries in Hawaii
How other high-demand occupations in Hawaii compare to Economist ($83,050 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Economist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager in HI | $134,210 | +61.6% | $64.52/hr |
| Credit Analyst in HI | $98,900 | +19.1% | $47.55/hr |
| Financial Analyst in HI | $94,640 | +14.0% | $45.50/hr |
| Budget Analyst in HI | $92,380 | +11.2% | $44.41/hr |
| Compliance Officer in HI | $82,590 | -0.6% | $39.71/hr |
| Tax Examiner in HI | $77,190 | -7.1% | $37.11/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in HI | $76,070 | -8.4% | $36.57/hr |
| Accountant in HI | $74,500 | -10.3% | $35.82/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in HI | $64,170 | -22.7% | $30.85/hr |
| Loan Officer in HI | $63,740 | -23.3% | $30.64/hr |
| Financial Examiner in HI | $62,720 | -24.5% | $30.15/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in HI | $57,590 | -30.7% | $27.69/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do economists make in Hawaii?
- The median salary for economists in Hawaii is $83,050 per year, or approximately $40 per hour. This is about 25.4% below the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for economists in Hawaii?
- Economists in Hawaii earn between $66,370 and $120,270 annually, depending on experience, employer, and specialization. This represents a spread of roughly $53,900 between entry-level and top-earning positions.
Is an economist salary in Hawaii competitive compared to the US average?
- No, economist salaries in Hawaii are notably less competitive, sitting 25.4% below the national average. If you're considering this role in Hawaii, expect to earn approximately $83,050 compared to higher salaries available in other states.
How many economists are employed in Hawaii?
- There are approximately 50 economists currently employed in Hawaii, indicating a relatively small job market for this profession in the state.