Lawyer Salary in Hawaii
Based on 2K+ workers in Hawaii
Median Annual Salary (HI)
$124,990
$60.09/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
-7.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$74K – $179K
2K employed in Hawaii
Lawyer salary in Hawaii reflects the state's unique economic conditions and legal market. The median annual compensation for attorneys in Hawaii is $124,990, with a salary range spanning from $73,890 to $179,010. This median falls approximately 7% below the national average, despite Hawaii's high cost of living. Currently, around 2,270 lawyers are employed throughout the state.
Several factors influence lawyer salary in Hawaii, including years of experience, practice specialization, and employer type. Attorneys working in larger firms or specialized practice areas such as real estate or corporate law typically earn more than those in solo practices or public service roles. Geographic location within the islands, client base size, and individual professional reputation also play significant roles in determining compensation levels. The relatively smaller legal market compared to mainland states may limit earning potential for some practitioners.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in Hawaii
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $73,890 |
| 25th percentile | $97,460 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $124,990 |
| 75th percentile | $155,880 |
| 90th percentile | $179,010 |
Top-Paying Industries for Lawyer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Lawyers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Lawyers in Hawaii tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $254,990 | 710 |
| Manufacturing | $236,630 | 5K |
| Information | $230,880 | 11K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $223,560 | 25K |
| Utilities | $221,400 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Lawyer in Hawaii vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Hawaii) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $99,280 |
| 2023 | $107,990 |
| 2024 | $116,010 |
| 2025 | $124,990 |
| 2026 (projected) | $132,489 |
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 | $99,280 | $116,457 |
| 2023 | $107,990 | $126,734 |
| 2024 | $116,010 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $124,990 | $134,712 |
| 2026 (projected) | $132,489 | $142,795 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in Hawaii
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $97,460 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $124,990 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $155,880 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $179,010 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in Hawaii
How other high-demand occupations in Hawaii compare to Lawyer ($124,990 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paralegal in HI | $62,840 | -49.7% | $30.21/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in HI | $47,010 | -62.4% | $22.60/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in HI | $124,650 | -0.3% | $59.93/hr |
| Software Developer in HI | $124,040 | -0.8% | $59.63/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in HI | $123,800 | -1.0% | $59.52/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in HI | $126,250 | +1.0% | $60.70/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in HI | $128,910 | +3.1% | $61.98/hr |
| Construction Manager in HI | $128,910 | +3.1% | $61.98/hr |
| Software Engineer in HI | $120,100 | -3.9% | $57.74/hr |
| Veterinarian in HI | $130,120 | +4.1% | $62.56/hr |
| Computer Programmer in HI | $118,180 | -5.4% | $56.82/hr |
| Psychologist in HI | $117,860 | -5.7% | $56.66/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do lawyers make in Hawaii?
- The median salary for lawyers in Hawaii is $124,990 per year, or $60 per hour. This is about 7.2% lower than the national average for lawyers.
What is the salary range for lawyers in Hawaii?
- Lawyer salaries in Hawaii range from $73,890 at the lower end to $179,010 at the higher end, depending on experience, specialization, and employer.
How many lawyers are employed in Hawaii?
- There are approximately 2,270 lawyers currently employed in Hawaii across various practice areas and firm sizes.
Is a lawyer salary in Hawaii above or below the national average?
- Lawyer salaries in Hawaii are 7.2% below the national average, with the median earning $124,990 compared to the higher national median for the profession.