Mechanical Engineer Salary in Hawaii
Based on 530+ workers in Hawaii
Median Annual Salary (HI)
$98,740
$47.47/hr
vs National Average
$105,416
-6.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$66K – $142K
530 employed in Hawaii
Mechanical engineers in Hawaii earn a median salary of $98,740 per year, which is approximately 6% below the national average. With around 530 mechanical engineers currently employed across the state, this represents a stable but modest presence in Hawaii's engineering workforce. Salaries in this field range from $66,110 to $141,500 annually, reflecting significant variation based on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence mechanical engineer salary in Hawaii, including years of experience, educational credentials, industry sector, and employer size. The state's geographic isolation and smaller market size compared to mainland industrial hubs contribute to lower average compensation. Additionally, the cost of living adjustment and local demand for mechanical engineering expertise play important roles in determining individual compensation levels across different organizations.
Salary Distribution — Mechanical Engineer in Hawaii
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $66,110 |
| 25th percentile | $85,820 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $98,740 |
| 75th percentile | $119,700 |
| 90th percentile | $141,500 |
Top-Paying Industries for Mechanical Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Mechanical Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Mechanical Engineers in Hawaii tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $175,610 | 1K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $138,030 | 1K |
| Utilities | $135,150 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $128,760 | 100 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $128,390 | 12K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Mechanical Engineer in Hawaii vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Hawaii) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $85,340 |
| 2023 | $97,140 |
| 2024 | $95,250 |
| 2025 | $98,740 |
| 2026 (projected) | $102,358 |
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 | $85,340 | $92,043 |
| 2023 | $97,140 | $97,128 |
| 2024 | $95,250 | $102,901 |
| 2025 | $98,740 | $105,416 |
| 2026 (projected) | $102,358 | $109,278 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Hawaii
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $85,820 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $98,740 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $119,700 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $141,500 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Mechanical Engineer Salaries in Hawaii
How other high-demand occupations in Hawaii compare to Mechanical Engineer ($98,740 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mechanical Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in HI | $151,670 | +53.6% | $72.92/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in HI | $137,240 | +39.0% | $65.98/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in HI | $123,800 | +25.4% | $59.52/hr |
| Marine Engineer in HI | $108,200 | +9.6% | $52.02/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in HI | $107,880 | +9.3% | $51.87/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in HI | $106,350 | +7.7% | $51.13/hr |
| Civil Engineer in HI | $94,280 | -4.5% | $45.33/hr |
| Credit Analyst in HI | $98,900 | +0.2% | $47.55/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in HI | $97,570 | -1.2% | $46.91/hr |
| Speech-Language Pathologist in HI | $97,560 | -1.2% | $46.90/hr |
| Logistician in HI | $100,340 | +1.6% | $48.24/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in HI | $100,600 | +1.9% | $48.37/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do mechanical engineers make in Hawaii?
- The median salary for mechanical engineers in Hawaii is $98,740 per year, or approximately $47 per hour. This is about 6.3% lower than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for mechanical engineers in Hawaii?
- Mechanical engineers in Hawaii earn between $66,110 and $141,500 annually, depending on experience, skills, and employer. This represents a significant range of earning potential in the state.
How many mechanical engineers are employed in Hawaii?
- There are approximately 530 mechanical engineers currently employed in Hawaii, indicating a relatively small but established workforce in this field.
Is the mechanical engineer salary in Hawaii competitive compared to the US average?
- No, Hawaii's median mechanical engineer salary of $98,740 is 6.3% below the national average. However, this difference may be offset by Hawaii's lower cost of living compared to other high-salary states.