Software Engineer Salary in Hawaii
Based on 2K+ workers in Hawaii
Median Annual Salary (HI)
$120,100
$57.74/hr
vs National Average
$106,671
+12.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$66K – $162K
2K employed in Hawaii
Software engineers in Hawaii earn a median salary of $120,100 per year, which is 13% above the national average. With approximately 2,080 software engineers employed across the islands, this represents a competitive tech market. Salaries in the state typically range from $65,950 to $161,700 annually, reflecting the variation based on experience and specialization within the field.
Several factors influence software engineer salary in Hawaii, including years of experience, specific technical skills, and company size. The state's geographic isolation and high cost of living contribute to the above-average compensation compared to national figures. Additionally, the growing tech sectors in Honolulu and surrounding areas, combined with competition for talent, help support these wage levels across the islands.
Salary Distribution — Software Engineer in Hawaii
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,950 |
| 25th percentile | $99,630 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $120,100 |
| 75th percentile | $135,680 |
| 90th percentile | $161,700 |
Top-Paying Industries for Software Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Software Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Software Engineers in Hawaii tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $131,760 | 27K |
| Information | $131,720 | 48K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $128,070 | 25K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $124,530 | 98K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $121,310 | 124K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Software Engineer in Hawaii vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Hawaii) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $101,030 |
| 2023 | $105,680 |
| 2024 | $112,050 |
| 2025 | $120,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $127,306 |
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 | $101,030 | $89,712 |
| 2023 | $105,680 | $97,924 |
| 2024 | $112,050 | $101,746 |
| 2025 | $120,100 | $106,671 |
| 2026 (projected) | $127,306 | $113,071 |
Software Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Hawaii
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $99,630 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $120,100 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $135,680 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $161,700 |
Software Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Software Engineer Salaries in Hawaii
How other high-demand occupations in Hawaii compare to Software Engineer ($120,100 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Software Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Hardware Engineer in HI | $159,880 | +33.1% | $76.87/hr |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in HI | $141,640 | +17.9% | $68.10/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in HI | $134,350 | +11.9% | $64.59/hr |
| Database Administrator in HI | $134,040 | +11.6% | $64.44/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in HI | $126,250 | +5.1% | $60.70/hr |
| Software Developer in HI | $124,040 | +3.3% | $59.63/hr |
| Computer Programmer in HI | $118,180 | -1.6% | $56.82/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in HI | $108,000 | -10.1% | $51.92/hr |
| Data Scientist in HI | $102,130 | -15.0% | $49.10/hr |
| Network Administrator in HI | $101,450 | -15.5% | $48.77/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in HI | $100,600 | -16.2% | $48.37/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in HI | $88,640 | -26.2% | $42.62/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do software engineers make in Hawaii?
- The median salary for software engineers in Hawaii is $120,100 per year, or $58 per hour. This is 12.6% higher than the national average, making Hawaii a competitive market for software engineering roles.
What is the salary range for software engineers in Hawaii?
- Software engineer salaries in Hawaii range from $65,950 at the lower end to $161,700 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience level, specialization, and specific job roles within the software engineering field.
Is the software engineer salary in Hawaii above the national average?
- Yes, Hawaii's software engineer median salary of $120,100 is 12.6% above the national average. This makes it one of the more competitive states for software engineering compensation.
How many software engineers are employed in Hawaii?
- There are approximately 2,080 software engineers currently employed in Hawaii. This represents the total workforce in this field across the state.