Physicist Salary in Hawaii
Based on 40+ workers in Hawaii
Median Annual Salary (HI)
$117,190
$56.34/hr
vs National Average
$153,763
-23.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$77K – $384K
40 employed in Hawaii
Physicists working in Hawaii earn a median salary of $117,190 per year, according to the latest employment data covering 40 workers in the state. This figure is approximately 24% below the national average for the profession, reflecting regional economic differences and the smaller job market for specialized scientific roles in Hawaii.
Physicist salary in Hawaii varies considerably based on several factors, including employer type, experience level, and specific field of specialization. Research institutions, government agencies, and private companies may offer different compensation packages, while advanced degrees and years of expertise typically command higher pay. The wide salary range from $77,190 to $383,510 demonstrates how these variables influence earning potential in Hawaii's physics sector.
Salary Distribution — Physicist in Hawaii
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $77,190 |
| 25th percentile | $98,680 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $117,190 |
| 75th percentile | $243,740 |
| 90th percentile | $383,510 |
Top-Paying Industries for Physicist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Physicists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Physicists in Hawaii tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $239,360 | 3K |
| Wholesale Trade | $219,010 | — |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $213,780 | 50 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $210,530 | — |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $176,170 | 10K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Physicist in Hawaii vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Hawaii) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $101,420 |
| 2025 | $117,190 |
| 2026 (projected) | $124,221 |
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 | $101,420 | $140,924 |
| 2025 | $117,190 | $153,763 |
| 2026 (projected) | $124,221 | $162,989 |
Physicist Salary by Experience Level in Hawaii
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $98,680 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $117,190 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $243,740 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $383,510 |
Physicist Salary in Other States
Related Physicist Salaries in Hawaii
How other high-demand occupations in Hawaii compare to Physicist ($117,190 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physicist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychologist in HI | $117,860 | +0.6% | $56.66/hr |
| Geoscientist in HI | $106,270 | -9.3% | $51.09/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in HI | $85,590 | -27.0% | $41.15/hr |
| Chemist in HI | $84,150 | -28.2% | $40.46/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in HI | $79,510 | -32.2% | $38.23/hr |
| Marketing Manager in HI | $117,770 | +0.5% | $56.62/hr |
| Sales Manager in HI | $116,340 | -0.7% | $55.93/hr |
| Computer Programmer in HI | $118,180 | +0.8% | $56.82/hr |
| Software Engineer in HI | $120,100 | +2.5% | $57.74/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in HI | $113,490 | -3.2% | $54.56/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in HI | $113,400 | -3.2% | $54.52/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in HI | $110,840 | -5.4% | $53.29/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physicists make in Hawaii?
- The median salary for physicists in Hawaii is $117,190 per year, or $56 per hour. This is approximately 23.8% below the national average for physicists.
What is the salary range for physicists working in Hawaii?
- Physicist salaries in Hawaii range from $77,190 at the lower end to $383,510 at the higher end, representing significant variation based on experience, specialization, and employer.
Is the physicist salary in Hawaii competitive compared to the rest of the country?
- No, the median physicist salary in Hawaii at $117,190 per year is 23.8% lower than the national average, making it a less competitive market for physics professionals.
How many physicists are employed in Hawaii?
- There are approximately 40 physicists employed in Hawaii, indicating a relatively small job market for this profession in the state.