Plumber Salary

Honolulu vs Waipahu: Plumber Salary (2026)

Compare plumber salaries between Honolulu, HI and Waipahu, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Honolulu, HI
$83,031
$39.92/hr
Waipahu, HI
$76,462
$36.76/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHonolulu, HIWaipahu, HI
Median Salary$83,031$76,462
Hourly Rate$39.92$36.76
Entry Level (P10)$53,543$52,970
25th Percentile$62,232$59,326
75th Percentile$106,279$97,872
Top Earner (P90)$128,698$118,517
Total Employed689
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Honolulu ($83,031) and Waipahu ($76,462) plumber salaries.HonoluluWaipahuMedian Salary$83,031$76,462Entry Level (P10)$53,543$52,970Top Earner (P90)$128,698$118,517US Median $65,408

Verdict

Honolulu, HI offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waipahu.

The salary gap between Honolulu and Waipahu is $6,569 (8.59%). Honolulu's median is +26.94% compared to the US national median of $65,408.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Honolulu spans $75,155,Waipahu spans $65,547. Honolulu has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Honolulu
P10 (Entry)$53,543
P25$62,232
Median$83,031
P75$106,279
P90 (Top)$128,698
Waipahu
P10 (Entry)$52,970
P25$59,326
Median$76,462
P75$97,872
P90 (Top)$118,517

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Honolulu ($69,598 effective) pays 8.59% more than Waipahu ($64,092 effective).

Honolulu
Nominal: $83,031
CoL Index: 119.3
Adjusted: $69,598
Waipahu
Nominal: $76,462
CoL Index: 119.3
Adjusted: $64,092

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Honolulu if…

  • Higher median salary ($83,031/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($128,698)
  • Larger job market (68 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,598)
  • You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle

Choose Waipahu if…

  • You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Honolulu grew -18.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -18.2% growth in Waipahu over the same period.

Honolulu, HI

+-18.2%

$99,016 (2024) → $80,990 (2025)

Waipahu, HI

+-18.2%

$91,183 (2024) → $74,583 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays plumbers more: Honolulu or Waipahu?

Honolulu has a higher median plumber salary at $83,031/year, compared to Waipahu at $76,462/year — a difference of $6,569 (8.59%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Honolulu and Waipahu?

Honolulu plumbers earn $39.92/hr while Waipahu hygienists earn $36.76/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Honolulu to Waipahu as a plumber?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Honolulu and Waipahu. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Honolulu = $69,598, Waipahu = $64,092), job availability (68 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level plumbers earn in Honolulu vs Waipahu?

Entry-level (10th percentile) plumbers earn $53,543 in Honolulu and $52,970 in Waipahu. The Honolulu area offers higher starting salaries.
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Written by Samuel Torres, CWP

Career Analyst

Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.

Clinically reviewed by Aisha Patel, CWPData verified by Michael Chen, CWP

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov