Registered Nurse Salary in Hawaii
Based on 13K+ workers in Hawaii
Median Annual Salary (HI)
$136,320
$65.54/hr
vs National Average
$94,098
+44.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$83K – $148K
13K employed in Hawaii
Registered Nurse salary in Hawaii offers significant earning potential, with a median annual salary of $136,320—45% above the national average. Approximately 12,940 nurses work throughout the state, making it an active employment market. This premium reflects Hawaii's high cost of living and strong demand for healthcare professionals across the islands.
Several factors influence Registered Nurse salary in Hawaii, including geographic location within the islands, experience level, and specialization. Healthcare facility type and size also play important roles, as do shift differentials for evening and night work. The state's isolated labor market and recruitment challenges for medical professionals contribute to higher compensation packages compared to mainland positions.
Salary Distribution — Registered Nurse in Hawaii
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $82,500 |
| 25th percentile | $101,200 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $136,320 |
| 75th percentile | $144,140 |
| 90th percentile | $147,830 |
Top-Paying Industries for Registered Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Registered Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Registered Nurses in Hawaii tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $110,780 | 170K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $100,010 | 23K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $97,660 | 2.9M |
| Information | $97,430 | 590 |
| Utilities | $95,280 | 70 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Registered Nurse in Hawaii vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Hawaii) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $120,100 |
| 2023 | $129,210 |
| 2024 | $136,320 |
| 2025 | $136,320 |
| 2026 (projected) | $136,320 |
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 | $120,100 | $81,890 |
| 2023 | $129,210 | $86,652 |
| 2024 | $136,320 | $90,458 |
| 2025 | $136,320 | $94,098 |
| 2026 (projected) | $136,320 | $94,098 |
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience Level in Hawaii
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $101,200 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $136,320 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $144,140 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $147,830 |
Registered Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Registered Nurse Salaries in Hawaii
How other high-demand occupations in Hawaii compare to Registered Nurse ($136,320 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Registered Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in HI | $338,130 | +148.0% | $162.56/hr |
| Psychiatrist in HI | $289,990 | +112.7% | $139.42/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in HI | $218,210 | +60.1% | $104.91/hr |
| Pediatrician in HI | $197,090 | +44.6% | $94.75/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in HI | $170,110 | +24.8% | $81.78/hr |
| Dentist in HI | $167,820 | +23.1% | $80.68/hr |
| Physician Assistant in HI | $164,050 | +20.3% | $78.87/hr |
| Pharmacist in HI | $163,220 | +19.7% | $78.47/hr |
| Optometrist in HI | $154,620 | +13.4% | $74.34/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in HI | $147,630 | +8.3% | $70.98/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in HI | $135,570 | -0.6% | $65.18/hr |
| Veterinarian in HI | $130,120 | -4.5% | $62.56/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do registered nurses make in Hawaii?
- Registered nurses in Hawaii earn a median salary of $136,320 per year, or $66 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 44.9% premium for nurses working in the state.
What is the salary range for registered nurses in Hawaii?
- The salary range for registered nurses in Hawaii spans from $82,500 at the lower end to $147,830 at the upper end, depending on experience, specialization, and employer.
How many registered nurses are employed in Hawaii?
- There are currently 12,940 registered nurses employed in Hawaii, representing a substantial healthcare workforce in the state.
Is being a registered nurse in Hawaii better paid than the national average?
- Yes, registered nurses in Hawaii are paid significantly better than the national average, earning 44.9% more at the median salary of $136,320 per year compared to the U.S. average.