Teacher Salary

Honolulu vs Kaneohe: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Honolulu, HI and Kaneohe, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Honolulu, HI
$82,002
$39.42/hr
Kaneohe, HI
$76,579
$36.82/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHonolulu, HIKaneohe, HI
Median Salary$82,002$76,579
Hourly Rate$39.42$36.82
Entry Level (P10)$57,387$59,407
25th Percentile$70,700$69,724
75th Percentile$104,963$95,259
Top Earner (P90)$127,103$118,698
Total Employed685
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Honolulu ($82,002) and Kaneohe ($76,579) elementary school teacher salaries.HonoluluKaneoheMedian Salary$82,002$76,579Entry Level (P10)$57,387$59,407Top Earner (P90)$127,103$118,698US Median $64,597

Verdict

Honolulu, HI offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kaneohe.

The salary gap between Honolulu and Kaneohe is $5,423 (7.08%). Honolulu's median is +26.94% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Honolulu spans $69,716,Kaneohe spans $59,291. Honolulu has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Honolulu
P10 (Entry)$57,387
P25$70,700
Median$82,002
P75$104,963
P90 (Top)$127,103
Kaneohe
P10 (Entry)$59,407
P25$69,724
Median$76,579
P75$95,259
P90 (Top)$118,698

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Honolulu ($68,736 effective) pays 7.08% more than Kaneohe ($64,190 effective).

Honolulu
Nominal: $82,002
CoL Index: 119.3
Adjusted: $68,736
Kaneohe
Nominal: $76,579
CoL Index: 119.3
Adjusted: $64,190

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 ($82,002/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($127,103)
  • Larger job market (68 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,736)
  • You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle

Choose Kaneohe if…

  • You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Honolulu grew -5.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -5.9% growth in Kaneohe over the same period.

Honolulu, HI

+-5.9%

$86,322 (2024) → $81,206 (2025)

Kaneohe, HI

+-5.9%

$80,613 (2024) → $75,836 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Honolulu or Kaneohe?

Honolulu has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $82,002/year, compared to Kaneohe at $76,579/year — a difference of $5,423 (7.08%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Honolulu and Kaneohe?

Honolulu elementary school teachers earn $39.42/hr while Kaneohe hygienists earn $36.82/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Honolulu to Kaneohe as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Honolulu and Kaneohe. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Honolulu = $68,736, Kaneohe = $64,190), job availability (68 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Honolulu vs Kaneohe?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $57,387 in Honolulu and $59,407 in Kaneohe. The Kaneohe area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, MAData verified by David Kim, Ed.D.

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% 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 Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov