Kahului vs Urban Honolulu: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Kahului, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kahului, HI | Urban Honolulu, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,566 | $83,164▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.25 | $39.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,984 | $50,706▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,656 | $65,008▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $106,672▲ | $101,269 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,830▲ | $117,980 |
| Total Employed | 310 | 1,810▲ |
Verdict
Urban Honolulu, HI offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kahului.
The salary gap between Kahului and Urban Honolulu is $3,598 (4.52%). Urban Honolulu's median is +27.15% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kahului spans $71,846,Urban Honolulu spans $67,274. Kahului has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Urban Honolulu ($74,949 effective) pays 3.05% more than Kahului ($72,734 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kahului if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($120,830)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Urban Honolulu if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,164/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,810 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,949)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Kahului grew 52.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.8% growth in Urban Honolulu over the same period.
Kahului, HI
$50,770 (2019) → $77,610 (2025)
Urban Honolulu, HI
$66,060 (2019) → $81,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kahului, HI
Urban Honolulu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Kahului or Urban Honolulu?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kahului and Urban Honolulu?
Should I relocate from Kahului to Urban Honolulu as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Kahului vs Urban Honolulu?
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.
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