Kahului vs Waipahu: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Kahului, HI and Waipahu, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kahului, HI | Waipahu, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $155,343 | $195,429▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $74.68 | $93.96▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,942 | $113,348▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $110,563 | $140,708▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $155,343 | $250,149▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $203,579 | $302,915▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Waipahu, HI offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kahului.
The salary gap between Kahului and Waipahu is $40,086 (25.80%). Waipahu's median is +16.90% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kahului spans $112,637,Waipahu spans $189,567. Waipahu has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Waipahu ($163,813 effective) pays 15.36% more than Kahului ($142,005 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kahului if…
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Waipahu if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($195,429/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($302,915)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $163,813)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Kahului grew 31.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.3% growth in Waipahu over the same period.
Kahului, HI
$113,150 (2019) → $148,370 (2025)
Waipahu, HI
$157,817 (2024) → $186,656 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kahului, HI
Waipahu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Kahului or Waipahu?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kahului and Waipahu?
Should I relocate from Kahului to Waipahu as a lawyer?
What do entry-level lawyers earn in Kahului vs Waipahu?
Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov