Urban Honolulu vs Waipahu: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Urban Honolulu, HI and Waipahu, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Urban Honolulu, HI | Waipahu, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,810▲ | $73,052 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.49▲ | $35.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,111▲ | $42,370 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,999▲ | $52,597 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,027▲ | $93,507 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,043▲ | $113,230 |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Urban Honolulu, HI offers better overall compensation for ux designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waipahu.
The salary gap between Urban Honolulu and Waipahu is $758 (1.04%). Urban Honolulu's median is -11.41% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Urban Honolulu spans $119,932,Waipahu spans $70,860. Urban Honolulu has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Urban Honolulu ($66,519 effective) pays 8.63% more than Waipahu ($61,234 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Urban Honolulu if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($73,810/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,043)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,519)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Waipahu if…
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Urban Honolulu grew -11.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -44.1% growth in Waipahu over the same period.
Urban Honolulu, HI
$78,120 (2021) → $69,098 (2025)
Waipahu, HI
$122,396 (2024) → $68,388 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Urban Honolulu, HI
Waipahu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Urban Honolulu or Waipahu?
What is the hourly rate difference between Urban Honolulu and Waipahu?
Should I relocate from Urban Honolulu to Waipahu as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Urban Honolulu vs Waipahu?
Written by Maria Chen, MDes
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in user experience design. She specializes in usability testing and user research. Maria has worked with tech companies and startups.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.82% 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 Maria Chen, MDes, a licensed ux designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov