Honolulu vs Waipahu: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Honolulu, HI and Waipahu, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Honolulu, HI | Waipahu, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $178,218▲ | $164,120 |
| Hourly Rate | $85.68▲ | $78.91 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $121,607▲ | $120,357 |
| 25th Percentile | $151,207▲ | $144,234 |
| 75th Percentile | $220,095▲ | $190,651 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $253,348▲ | $230,433 |
| Total Employed | 68▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Honolulu, HI offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waipahu.
The salary gap between Honolulu and Waipahu is $14,098 (8.59%). Honolulu's median is +26.94% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Honolulu spans $131,741,Waipahu spans $110,076. Honolulu 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, Honolulu ($149,386 effective) pays 8.59% more than Waipahu ($137,569 effective).
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 ($178,218/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($253,348)
- ✓Larger job market (68 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,386)
- ✓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, physician assistant salaries in Honolulu grew 2.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.9% growth in Waipahu over the same period.
Honolulu, HI
$167,565 (2024) → $172,491 (2025)
Waipahu, HI
$154,310 (2024) → $158,846 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Honolulu, HI
Waipahu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Honolulu or Waipahu?
What is the hourly rate difference between Honolulu and Waipahu?
Should I relocate from Honolulu to Waipahu as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Honolulu vs Waipahu?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov