Social Worker Salary in Hawaii
State-level salary data from BLS OES and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary (HI)
$54,390
$26.15/hr
vs National Average
$57,161
-4.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$46K – $91K
Social workers in Hawaii earn a median salary of $54,390 per year, which is approximately 5% below the national average. While this represents a solid middle-class income, it's important to note that salaries in this field can vary significantly, ranging from $45,790 to $90,870 annually depending on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence social worker salary in Hawaii, including years of experience, educational credentials, employer type, and specialization within the field. Social workers employed by government agencies often have different compensation structures than those in private practice or nonprofit organizations. Additionally, geographic location within Hawaii and the cost of living in specific areas can impact salary levels and overall earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Social Worker in Hawaii
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,790 |
| 25th percentile | $47,210 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $54,390 |
| 75th percentile | $77,680 |
| 90th percentile | $90,870 |
Top-Paying Industries for Social Worker (U.S.)
Which industries pay Social Workers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Social Workers in Hawaii tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $94,250 | 550 |
| Educational Services | $72,880 | 2K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $68,600 | 20K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $65,990 | 2K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $59,270 | 104K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Social Worker in Hawaii vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Hawaii) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $65,920 |
| 2023 | $55,570 |
| 2024 | $70,340 |
| 2025 | $54,390 |
| 2026 (projected) | $54,390 |
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 | $65,920 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $55,570 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $70,340 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $54,390 | $57,161 |
| 2026 (projected) | $54,390 | $57,161 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in Hawaii
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,210 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $54,390 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $77,680 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $90,870 |
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Related Social Worker Salaries in Hawaii
How other high-demand occupations in Hawaii compare to Social Worker ($54,390 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Social Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in HI | $338,130 | +521.7% | $162.56/hr |
| Psychiatrist in HI | $289,990 | +433.2% | $139.42/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in HI | $218,210 | +301.2% | $104.91/hr |
| Pediatrician in HI | $197,090 | +262.4% | $94.75/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in HI | $170,110 | +212.8% | $81.78/hr |
| Dentist in HI | $167,820 | +208.5% | $80.68/hr |
| Physician Assistant in HI | $164,050 | +201.6% | $78.87/hr |
| Pharmacist in HI | $163,220 | +200.1% | $78.47/hr |
| Optometrist in HI | $154,620 | +184.3% | $74.34/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in HI | $147,630 | +171.4% | $70.98/hr |
| Registered Nurse in HI | $136,320 | +150.6% | $65.54/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in HI | $135,570 | +149.3% | $65.18/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do social workers make in Hawaii?
- Social workers in Hawaii earn a median salary of $54,390 per year, or $26 per hour. This is approximately 4.8% below the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for social workers in Hawaii?
- Social worker salaries in Hawaii range from $45,790 at the lower end to $90,870 at the higher end, depending on experience, specialization, and employer.
Is the social worker salary in Hawaii competitive compared to the national average?
- No, Hawaii's median social worker salary of $54,390 is 4.8% lower than the national average. However, the cost of living and local job market in Hawaii may affect the actual value of this income.
What hourly wage do social workers earn in Hawaii?
- Social workers in Hawaii earn a median hourly wage of $26, based on a standard full-time work year. This translates to the annual median salary of $54,390.