Lawyer Salary in Kaneohe, HI: $198,183 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time lawyer in Kaneohe, HI earns a median $198,183/year (≈ $95.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Once you factor in Kaneohe's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $166,122 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, lawyers in Kaneohe, Hawaii, can expect a median salary of $198,183, which exceeds the national median by over 18%. Local salaries range from $114,946 for the lowest 10% to $307,185 for the top 90%. These figures reflect estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for state-level economic conditions. The Kaneohe market showcases a divide influenced by firm type—BigLaw firms typically offer the highest pay, while regional and small firms provide lower compensation but may also contribute to better work-life balance. The subtle interplay between these tiers and pay structures shapes the professional outlook for attorneys in the area, underscoring the distinct character of the legal market in Kaneohe.
About the Kaneohe Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $114,946 | $55.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $142,692 | $68.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $198,183 | $95.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $253,674 | $121.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $307,185 | $147.69 |
Median Salary Position
18.55% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kaneohe
In Kaneohe, HI, the lawyer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $192,239 (2026 est.). At $198,183, the local median is 18.55% above the national median of $167,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kaneohe: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kaneohe Lawyer Pay Compares
Kaneohe median: $198,183/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kaneohe Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $199,380 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $167,174 | +18.55% more |
Lawyers in Kaneohe, HI earn a median of $198,183 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.55% higher than the national median of $167,174 and 0.60% below the Hawaii state average of $199,380.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kaneohe has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kaneohe, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $198,183 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $166,122 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$145,768
2025 BLS Actual
$189,287
2026 Current Est.
$198,183
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Salary Trajectory for Lawyers in Kaneohe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $145,768 | Actual |
| 2020 | $150,474 | Actual |
| 2021 | $151,731 | Actual |
| 2022 | $160,918 | Actual |
| 2023 | $172,797 | Actual |
| 2024 | $160,041 | Actual |
| 2025 | $189,287 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $198,183 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $207,498 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kaneohe metropolitan area, the median lawyer salary grew 29.9% from $145,768 (2019) to $189,287 (2025). At a 4.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $207,498 by 2027 — a total increase of $61,730 (42.35%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kaneohe metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $114,946 – $142,692 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $142,692 – $198,183 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $198,183 – $253,674 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $253,674 – $307,185 |
Esq salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual lawyer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Lawyer Job Market in Kaneohe
The legal job market in Kaneohe is relatively small, with only five lawyers currently employed locally. However, the cost of living index, which stands at 119.3, indicates that expenses are above the national average, affecting take-home pay and purchasing power. Those seeking higher salaries might find opportunities with larger firms or corporate legal departments, whereas public sector roles, while offering stability and benefits like student loan forgiveness, typically offer lower compensation. Variables that create disparities within the market range from firm specialty, geographic location, and billing structures to partnership opportunities and bonus systems. To maximize earning potential in Kaneohe, aspiring lawyers should consider gaining experience in high-demand practice areas, networking with local firms, and potentially pursuing positions in higher-paying sectors while remaining aware of the lifestyle trade-offs those choices might entail.
More salary data for Kaneohe, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $189,287 for lawyersin the Kaneohe metropolitan area. A 4.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kaneohe is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for lawyers (SOC 23-1011).
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov