Welder Salary in Kaneohe, HI: $66,262 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Kaneohe, HI earns a median $66,262/year (≈ $31.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Kaneohe's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $55,542 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kaneohe, Hawaii, welder salaries demonstrate a notable strength, with a projected median annual salary of $66,262 for 2026, surpassing the national median of $55,895 by approximately 18.55%. The salary range is also significant, spanning from $50,059 at the lower end (P10) to $91,142 at the upper end (P90). While pipe welders, particularly those with 6G certifications, tend to earn the highest wages due to their specialized skills and the demands of traveling work, structural welders closely follow. Given the regional cost adjustments acknowledged in this data, the stronger salary figures reflect both the demand for skilled welders in Kaneohe and the economic conditions unique to Hawaii, making it an attractive area for professionals in this field.
About the Kaneohe Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,059 | $24.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,202 | $27.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,262 | $31.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,837 | $36.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,142 | $43.82 |
Median Salary Position
18.55% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kaneohe
In Kaneohe, HI, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,083 (2026 est.). At $66,262, the local median is 18.55% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kaneohe: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kaneohe Welder Pay Compares
Kaneohe median: $66,262/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kaneohe Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $66,662 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +18.55% more |
Welders in Kaneohe, HI earn a median of $66,262 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.55% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 0.60% below the Hawaii state average of $66,662.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kaneohe has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kaneohe, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $66,262 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,542 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,371
2025 BLS Actual
$63,720
2026 Current Est.
$66,262
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Kaneohe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,371 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,387 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,730 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,358 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,018 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,242 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,720 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,262 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,906 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kaneohe metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $50,371 (2019) to $63,720 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,906 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,535 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kaneohe 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) | $50,059 – $58,202 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,202 – $66,262 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,262 – $75,837 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,837 – $91,142 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Kaneohe
The local job market for welders in Kaneohe is relatively small, with only five welders currently employed in the area. This limited workforce is set against a cost-of-living index of 119.3, which indicates that living expenses are above the national average, impacting the purchasing power of welders. Employers in sectors such as petrochemical turnaround operations and shipyard construction typically offer the highest wages. Factors influencing the salary spread include certifications (6G pipe and ASME IX holders generally earn more), specialty fields (like underwater welding), and the nature of work (local versus traveling opportunities, where travel positions provide valuable per-diem pay). For those pursuing welder pay in Kaneohe, HI, maximizing income could involve seeking advanced certifications, specializing in in-demand fields, or considering opportunities that involve travel outside of Hawaii to expand earning potential.
More salary data for Kaneohe, 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 $63,720 for weldersin the Kaneohe 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
Salary data for Kaneohe is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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