Graphic Designer Salary in Hawaii: $64,598 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Hawaii's 10 metropolitan areas, the average median graphic designer pay sits at $64,598/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 27-1024. Because Hawaii sits at BEA RPP 119.3 (19% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $54,148 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Honolulu ($79,923), Kaneohe ($74,638), Mililani Town ($74,504).
In Hawaii, the projected average median salary for graphic designers in 2026 is $64,598, which is slightly lower than the national average of $65,075, marking a difference of 0.7%. The highest paying city, Honolulu, offers a salary of $82,608, while the lowest, Urban Honolulu, pays $60,228. This salary gap of $22,380 can be attributed to factors such as the cost of living, demand for design services, and local economic conditions. Hawaii’s unique environment may also influence job demand, with opportunities often stemming from tourism, hospitality, and local businesses needing creative services. Additionally, while there may be minimal licensing requirements specific to design, understanding the local culture and market trends is essential for success. The overall employment outlook for graphic designers shows a positive growth rate of 3.36% annually. Key areas projecting higher salaries include Kaneohe at $77,146, Mililani Town at $77,007, Kailua at $76,960, and East Honolulu at $76,104. As the creative economy expands, professionals in the field are likely to benefit from evolving opportunities in a variety of sectors.
Hawaii Graphic Designer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Hawaii: $32,951 (lowest entry-level) to $128,043 (highest top earner)
Hawaii vs National Average
Hawaii graphic designers earn 0.73% less than the national median ($-477/year difference).
Hawaii Graphic Designer Salary Distribution (2026)
Graphic Designer salaries in Hawaii range from $36,554 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $100,900 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $64,598. The Hawaii median is $477 below the US national median of $65,075. The average hourly rate is $31.06/hr. Approximately 570 graphic designers are employed across 10 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,377
2025 BLS Actual
$62,498
2026 Current Est.
$64,598
2019–2027 Growth
+27.5%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Hawaii (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,377 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,182 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,114 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,038 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,916 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,529 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,498 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,598 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,768 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hawaii metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 19.3% from $52,377 (2019) to $62,498 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,768 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,391 (27.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hawaii metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.36% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Hawaii
Lowest Paying Cities in Hawaii
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu | $60,228 |
| Kahului | $64,021 |
| Hilo | $73,670 |
| Pearl City | $75,350 |
| Waipahu | $76,074 |
Best Value Cities for Graphic Designers in Hawaii
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Hawaii cities offer the most purchasing power for graphic designers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | $82,608 | 119.3 | $69,244 |
| Kaneohe | $77,146 | 119.3 | $64,666 |
| Mililani Town | $77,007 | 119.3 | $64,549 |
| Kailua | $76,960 | 119.3 | $64,510 |
| East Honolulu | $76,104 | 119.3 | $63,792 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Hawaii
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $36,554 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $64,598 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $100,900 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Hawaii metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 10 Cities in Hawaii
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honolulu | $82,608 |
| 2 | Kaneohe | $77,146 |
| 3 | Mililani Town | $77,007 |
| 4 | Kailua | $76,960 |
| 5 | East Honolulu | $76,104 |
| 6 | Waipahu | $76,074 |
| 7 | Pearl City | $75,350 |
| 8 | Hilo | $73,670 |
| 9 | Kahului | $64,021 |
| 10 | Urban Honolulu | $60,228 |
More Hawaii Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced graphic designers.
Explore More Graphic Designer Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Hawaii in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for graphic designers in Hawaii?
How does Hawaii graphic designer pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level graphic designer salary in Hawaii?
How many graphic designers are employed in Hawaii?
Which Hawaii city offers the best value for graphic designers?
Written by Jordan Lee, MFA
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.
Methodology & Data Source
Statewide salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 graphic designer compensation across Hawaii. State averages are employment-weighted across 10 metro areas — larger metro areas with more graphic designerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.36%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for graphic designers (SOC 27-1024).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov