Teacher Salary

Honolulu vs Pearl City: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

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

Honolulu, HI
$82,002
$39.42/hr
Pearl City, HI
$74,797
$35.96/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHonolulu, HIPearl City, HI
Median Salary$82,002$74,797
Hourly Rate$39.42$35.96
Entry Level (P10)$57,387$54,767
25th Percentile$70,700$68,823
75th Percentile$104,963$95,355
Top Earner (P90)$127,103$115,935
Total Employed688
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Honolulu ($82,002) and Pearl City ($74,797) elementary school teacher salaries.HonoluluPearl CityMedian Salary$82,002$74,797Entry Level (P10)$57,387$54,767Top Earner (P90)$127,103$115,935US Median $64,597

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Honolulu and Pearl City is $7,205 (9.63%). 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,Pearl City spans $61,168. 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
Pearl City
P10 (Entry)$54,767
P25$68,823
Median$74,797
P75$95,355
P90 (Top)$115,935

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Honolulu ($68,736 effective) pays 9.63% more than Pearl City ($62,697 effective).

Honolulu
Nominal: $82,002
CoL Index: 119.3
Adjusted: $68,736
Pearl City
Nominal: $74,797
CoL Index: 119.3
Adjusted: $62,697

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 Pearl City 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 Pearl City over the same period.

Honolulu, HI

+-5.9%

$86,322 (2024) → $81,206 (2025)

Pearl City, HI

+-5.9%

$78,737 (2024) → $74,071 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Honolulu or Pearl City?

Honolulu has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $82,002/year, compared to Pearl City at $74,797/year — a difference of $7,205 (9.63%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Honolulu and Pearl City?

Honolulu elementary school teachers earn $39.42/hr while Pearl City hygienists earn $35.96/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Honolulu and Pearl City. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Honolulu = $68,736, Pearl City = $62,697), job availability (68 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $57,387 in Honolulu and $54,767 in Pearl City. The Honolulu 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