Welder Salary in Kahului, HI: $69,964 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Kahului, HI earns a median $69,964/year (≈ $33.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Kahului's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.4), that paycheck buys what $63,957 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% above the Hawaii state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Kahului, HI, welders can expect competitive compensation as reflected in the 2026 median salary of $69,964, which is significantly higher by 25.17% compared to the national median of $55,895. The salary range for welders varies greatly from $46,224 at the 10th percentile to $94,049 at the 90th percentile, according to projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data. These figures indicate a promising market for those entering this trade, particularly for individuals who are willing to invest in equipment and enhance their qualifications through certifications. With strong demand in various sectors, the right combination of skills and experience can position welders for financial success in Kahului's job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,224 | $22.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,179 | $23.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,964 | $33.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,036 | $37.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,049 | $45.21 |
Median Salary Position
25.17% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kahului
In Kahului, HI, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,825 (2026 est.). At $69,964, the local median is 25.17% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kahului: You'd be above the median
How Kahului Welder Pay Compares
Kahului median: $69,964/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kahului Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $66,696 | +4.90% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | +25.17% more |
Welders in Kahului, HI earn a median of $69,964 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.17% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 4.90% above the Hawaii state average of $66,696.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kahului has a cost of living 9.39% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kahului, HI has a cost-of-living index of 109.393 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $69,964 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,957 — a 8.59% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,800
2025 BLS Actual
$67,280
2026 Current Est.
$69,964
2019–2027 Growth
+1.3%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Kahului (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,800 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,970 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,710 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,030 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,259 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,170 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,280 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,964 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,756 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kahului metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew -6.3% from $71,800 (2019) to $67,280 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,756 by 2027 — a total increase of $956 (1.33%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kahului 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 3.99% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $46,224 – $48,179 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,179 – $69,964 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,964 – $77,036 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,036 – $94,049 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Kahului
Kahului's labor market supports approximately 40 welders, reflecting a solid demand despite the area's higher-than-average cost of living, which stands at a index of 109.393. This cost of living impacts the take-home purchasing power of welders, making it crucial for individuals to strategically seek employment with the highest-paying employers. Opportunities abound in sectors like structural steel fabrication and shipyards, where skilled welders can command higher wages. Factors affecting salary variations include certification levels, with rig welders and those possessing specialized certifications primarily in nuclear or aerospace welding earning premiums. Additional earnings can come from traveling work, which often includes per-diem allowances that can boost hourly pay significantly. For those looking to maximize their welder pay in Kahului, obtaining niche certifications, staying adaptable to market demands, and considering self-employment options can be effective strategies for enhancing income potential.
More salary data for Kahului, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $67,280 for weldersin the Kahului metropolitan area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-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 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for welders (SOC 51-4121).
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov